An exclusive Pachagazine interview with prolific vocalist and song writer Chili AF based in Los Angeles California.
Chili AF
Pachagazine: What’s your real name and your stage name?
Chili AF: My real name is Iliana Nedialkova and my stage name is Chili A.F.
Pachagazine: Tell us more about Chili A.F
Chili AF: Chili A.F was born in Bulgaria and raised in Brazil. My family moved to Brazil when I was 4 years old. I later moved to Los Angles at 21.
Chili A.F. is the version of me that I always envisioned and strived for. Open and honest with the public, being real and true to myself. I’m always striving to be my most authentic self as an artist. I think the music paints that picture really well. I try to keep my lyrics optimistic where I can share good energy and a positive vibe but still realistic, no sugarcoating. With Chili A.F. my main goal is to make people feel good and empowered while they listen to my music
Pachagazine: What inspired your brand name?
Chili AF: My closest friends always called me “ili” when I was a kid. Chili represents my gemini personality, meaning hot or cold and always intense. The music always plays a lot with sonic contrasts. Chill, soft, flowy vocals over hard hitting drums and 808’s.
Pachagazine: What got you into music?
Chili AF: I’m the 3rd generation of musicians in the family. Music has always been present in my household even before I was born. My parents are professional classical musicians and university professors, so I started playing the violin when I was 6 years old, practicing everyday for at least 3 hours a day.
Pachagazine: How long have been in the music industry since you decide to focus on it.
Chili AF: I’ve been a professional violinist for over 21 years. I’ve been a songwriter for 7 years, and releasing music as Chili A.F. for almost 2 years.
Pachagazine: Who do you look up to as your inspiration in music?
Chili AF: There’s no specific artist or genre, as I always look for feelings in every song. But I definitely love Frank Ocean, Solange and The Internet! I used to listen to a lot of rock music too when I was a teenager such as Linkin park, Underoath and A Day to Remember. lately I been listening to Grizzly Bear!
Pachagazine: Are there any challenges in the entertainment industry that you can relate with?
Chili AF: Figuring out the business on my own such as promo, PR and managing myself as an artist. I feel like I learn something new with every stage of releasing music; on how to showcase my music to a larger audience. I like to push myself so I can reach my dreams faster. As a songwriter I had to figure out how to fight for my rights.
Pachagazine: What else do you do apart part from music?
Chili AF: Apart from handling the business of my music, I’ve been studying photoshop for the purpose of making my own artwork, as well as constantly creating content online. I also like to hike a lot in the mountains of Los Angeles to keep myself physically and mentally healthy.
Pachagazine: Where have performed and what’s your favorite venue to perform?
Chili AF: I started releasing music in the beginning of the pandemic, so only recently I’ve been able to start performing live. I had the opportunity to perform in a Hollywood launch party for Kolohe Juice and that was really cool! My dream venue would be the Hollywood Bowl.
Pachagazine: Have you done any collaborations? Who would you most likely to collaborate with?
Chili AF: Yess, as a songwriter I have written a song that was released by superstar Zayn Malik, and I was very fortunate to have my background vocals featured on it. I have a song to be released next year where I’m featured on a Justy record. She is really cool. In the future I’d love to collaborate with Baby Keem, Frank Ocean and Doja Cat.
Pachagazine: How is the music competition in California and how do you make your pieces stand out?
Chili AF: It’s really competitive! There so much saturation. I think the way to stand out is being truly authentic and true to one’s self. Also working really hard to push out quality content! Consistency as well.
Pachagazine: What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow your footsteps?
Chili AF: Be honest with yourself in who you truly are. Find your passion and what lights you up. Then work hard with what you love!
Pachagazine: Do you have a favorite song to perform? Tells more about it.
Chili AF: My favorite songs to perform are “U Luv Me” and “Keep Going”. “U luv me” is just really fun, it has a rap verse and dope melodies! I feel very free performing this song. “Keep going” is really emotional for me and has a deep meaning as I wrote it for my grandma after she passed away, so it’s always special.
Pachagazine: What do you think about African music. If given a chance, would you do a collaboration?
Chili AF: I been really loving African music. The rhythm and vibe realy moves me! I’d love to collaborate with Wizkid.
Pachagazine: Where can people find your music?
Chili AF: on all major platforms. Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Youtube, you name it! Just search for Chili A.F.
About Author
