GARZI Embraces the “MESS” in New Alt-Emo Single Featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens

By Jessel Thomas First Posted: Feb 28, 2022 06:46 PM EST

The latest signing to Outlast Records in partnership with 333 Wreckords is Miami-based artist GARZI, who brings his latest alternative single "MESS" on all streaming platforms today. A rising artist in the emo/punk scene, GARZI has already earned credits on projects with acclaimed artists including Travis Barker and John Feldmann. "MESS," featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, demonstrates the breadth of GARZI's musical talent. In speaking about the collaboration between both artists, GARZI shares:

"Reaching out to Kellin was actually a lot easier than you'd think. I followed him on Instagram and saw he followed me back (fanboy moment) and I sent him a DM saying we should work and him being the cool guy he is, he was super down!

I wanted this track to be really high energy and pack an emo punch and I think we accomplished that, so I'm happy. The song captures that moment in people's lives where they'd rather have fun over anything else, especially having genuine connections/relationships." - GARZI

(Photo: Laura Austin/ WTFpublicity)

"MESS" is explosive. With energetic guitar riffs and an anthemic chorus, the collaboration between both artists gives the single cutting edge teeth. "MESS" is sure to be a fan-favorite amongst all alt-punk heads. And for singer Kellin Quinn, the opportunity to join GARZI on the track was certainly a pleasure. "Working with Garzi is a dream! He's such a talent and I was honored to be a part of this track!"

GARZI is an original artist who stands at the intersection of rock and hip-hop but aims to blaze a new trail. "I like to describe my music as me throwing up my emotions on the track," he says. "I freestyle my feelings until it forms the song."

Born Chris Garzon, the Miami native was always drawn to creativity. A theater kid, he initially wanted to pursue acting and formed his first band (The 3 Seas) in high school. A self-described lover of Warped Tour (he's been several times), he gravitated towards rock, punk, and metal sounds like Memphis May Fire and Of Mice & Men. "I loved the energy," he remembers. It was a fitting soundtrack to feelings of isolation, of being an outsider during those teenage years. "I am a pretty peaceful, chill person but I listened to angry music. I was feeling a bit lost." Still, GARZI was a good student and was accepted into the University of Florida where he majored in business and plant science.

However, college life wasn't for him. Bored, he returned home after two years. He worked at a local plant nursery and started tinkering with music once again. The timing couldn't be more opportune. South Florida was fertile ground for burgeoning hip-hop - bolstered by artists and producers on SoundCloud - and GARZI was at the center of it. In October 2017, he uploaded his first song, "Bury Me in Designer" featuring 'Til Death (with producer AGODD) and quit his day job the next day to pursue music full time. A slew of releases followed, culminating in his breakout, "Demonstrate" (with producers Nick Mira and Taz Taylor), which has nearly 7 million streams on SoundCloud.

GARZI has collaborated with veteran producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco), who he describes as a kindred sonic spirit, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. "We figured out a really dope sound. I have faith that the music is really sick." GARZI hopes that fans connect to the universal themes of the project while appreciating the new path he's forging musically. "It's new. It's fresh," he explains. "This is the soundtrack to my life."

There is more to see in GARZI, whose been added to the So What?! Music Festival lineup this May, and will be touring with Zero 9:36 and Fame On Fire for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. The tour kicks off March 2nd, and tickets can be purchased here.

"MESS" featuring Kellin Quinn is available on all DSPs today.