‘Waves Don’t Die’: Milwaukee’s own Wave Chapelle talks upcoming EP, new motivations and the Bucks

“I’m an artist that takes the craft very seriously. I’m going to keep supplying the fans, the listeners, the new listeners with the highest quality of music.” – Wave Chapelle

It’s often said that words are powerful. What you speak is what you believe and also what you turn into your reality. Wave Chapelle’s projects (and singles) give clues into the life it seems he’s always been focused on creating.

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop is the name of his upcoming EP dropping May 5, and it’s also the type of dogged energy Wave naturally emits. 

“The motivation behind this project is to establish a mindset and motivation to fans, and even new listeners, to keep going no matter what,” he said. “As an artist who’s been in multiple places in my career whether it’s being on a major label or independent the mindset has remained that we can’t stop and that we won’t stop is a testament to that.”

Over the past decade, he released his debut mixtape, It’ll All Make Sense Soon (2013), was backed by rapper Yo Gotti and Epic Records (CMG) and is now charting his own path. Not only has this autonomy inspired a renewed focus, it also has birthed fresh music and new opportunities – including performing with the Milwaukee Bucks and becoming a team ambassador.

On his latest EP, Wave sticks with vibes that work. He’s back with Atlanta-based producing partners Menebeats (Childish Gambino, T.I. Cardi B, Future) and award-winning engineer Dacota G. Ahead of the latest release, the team dropped three singles: “Already,” “Honest (Remix)” and “Float” feat. IshDARR (with Wave and Menebeats on each single cover).

Ahead of his new release, Wave visited HYFIN to talk about the new project, his love for Milwaukee and his drive. He also explains his fashion (including the notable pearl necklace) and where his inspiration comes from now.

“I will never, ever need any more inspiration from anything else because this is like the ultimate source of inspiration,” Wave said when talking about his one-year-old son, Sol.

Wave’s next performance is at Cactus Club on Friday, April 28. “The Chapelle Show & Friends” features BoodahDARR, NilexNile, Lavish Liam and T!ny. For more information, click here.

This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.

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