June 4th, 2017
Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Che outside SOTA from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 60 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Che is a proud graduate of the School of the Art and has featured many SOTA alums, including Britton Bradford, Kayoz Fortune, Ajani Jeffries, Marguerite Frarey, Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr., Willis Ajamu Brooks , James Kegler, Taye Diggs, Evalyn Gleason, Adrian DiMatteo, Biz LaChance and Saadiq Muhammad, Manny Greene and Kaisean Roseboro , Rayla Meshawn and Cory Wolin .
Che also highlighted four members of the SOTA theater department: Lorie Dewey, Michelle Accorso Sapere, Ed Myers and Luke Fellows, as well as Arts Center Director Adele Fico.
In this highlight, Che turns our attention to SOTA alum, Brazy Vazquez.
Tell us a little about yourself, where your from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Although we didn’t grow up in the best parts of the city, my parents made sure we had food on the table and clothes on our backs. I went to School Of The Arts where I had plenty of amazing opportunities. It had nothing to do with my music but I studied Theatre Technology where I learned a lot of information about working behind the scenes on a projects as well as being on the stage as an actor.
What inspired you to be an artist/entertainer? Early experiences worth sharing?
Growing up I was always fascinated with music. It did something to my soul. When I was a kid my uncle Geland Velazquez used to make Spanish music that was played on local radio stations. I always wondered how he was able to make music. Then my cousin Ricky Vaz became a freestyle artist and I seen him perform on Clinton Ave. At that time I knew I had to figure out the formula on how to put my voice on a beat. Me and my brother started recording over beats on a mp3 player and now I have a team dedicated to succeed.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
I had my daughter at a young age. At that point I wasn’t making music fluently anymore and I hardly wrote lyrics. I almost accepted that my dream for music was over. But something in me wouldn’t let that happen. I came to realize I didn’t have to give up on my dream because I have a kid. So instead it pushed me even harder to accomplish my dream. 
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists/entertainers?
I believe what sets me apart from other artists and entertainers is my story. I believe everybody has a different story. Although they can be similar they are never same. Other than that I know the artists in my city are hungry, ambitious and ready to pop.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
The microphone isn’t my only interest. Recently I started studying photography and bought my first canon camera. So now I do photos and videos for people. I am looking forward to working with more artists from my city.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
“Bossed Up” is the current project I am working on and will be dropping this summer sometime soon. I have came came a long way with this music business and here is my first master piece. I may not be the best mc from Rochester, NY but the people will respect my lyrics.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself playing a major role in the success within the city. From running events, putting shows together to connecting artists with each other. Belvedere Family Music Group is our record label and I plan on it being very relevant in the future. All the investments my team has been making shall prosper.
What advice can you give to aspiring artists/entertainers?
Advice I would give to artists is to never give up on your dream. You have to understand this doesn’t happen over night. It’s takes a lot investing as far as time and money. You get out what you put in.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
You can Follow Me
Facebook – Brazy Belvedere
Twitter – @brazybelvedere
Soundcloud – Brazy Belvedere
And stay tuned in the “Rochester Entertainment” group on Facebook.
