Meet Khari Rhynes, a Los Angeles native and the musician behind the lo-fi bedroom pop project, Faunavision. Having just released a new single, “Senorita,” Rhynes spoke with us about the process behind his music and some of the hallmarks of his career as an artist thus far. Read on for our interview, and be sure to check out the new song!

Courtesy of Khari Rhynes | Photography by Susa Jean — *Courtesy of Khari Rhynes | Photography by* *Susa Jean*

What led you to creating music? What were the earliest influences that led you to this point in your career?

Well, I don't really know what led me to music per say –– I always had a creative mind. My mother is a singer, so I was around music a lot as a child. I guess that introduced me to the idea very early on. My earliest influences were definitely Jimi Hendrix and Good Charlotte. I guess I don't really see music as a career –– to me, it’s more of a lifestyle. I will do anything to support being a musician.

What or who are some of your biggest inspirations as a songwriter and creator? Be it in music, art, culture, film, television, etc.?

There are so many! I would have to say that my greatest influences musically have to be guitarist Nils Klein, Radiohead, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix. There are so many, honestly. My creations vary based on each respective project as well, so it’s hard to say. I’m currently listening to a lot of country songwriters. I love the melodies. I am also super interested in horror films. I really like Bram Stoker’s Dracula from the 90s. I like the suspense and everything.

You’ve played in bands before, but Faunavision is your solo project –– how does this experience differ from being a part of the band? Pros, cons?

Both have their pros and cons. Neither is better or worse, and both create different stories musically. I don't want to say too much on those experiences because they are different for each person. Those experiences create a personal bond between musicians, so I feel like describing them could possibly pollute someone else's interpretation of either option. Both are incredible journeys to creating something new and awesome.

You just released a new track, entitled “Senorita”! It’s such a beautiful, dreamy mellow number.

Thank you! I feel the song says so much by itself and the listener can get the feel of it based on their own interpretations.

The guitar always sticks out to me in your songs. Is that your main instrument?

Yes, that’s my main instrument and what I use to write my melodies in the initial stages of the process.

What’s your relationship with it like?

It’s more of a wand to me, to be honest –– I use it to conduct and translate music.

This year has posed so many challenges for so many people, and unique ones for artists especially due to not being able to perform live in venues. How has your process adapted to quarantine and the pandemic?

Well, the Beatles didn’t tour for a long time. In that period of time, they put out a lot of visual art and songs. I guess I view this time period as a moment to make as much art as possible.

What have you been most proud of in your musical career thus far?

Not giving up on it and always being hungry for a new sound. Always studying the craft. Understanding that there's always room for improvement.

Any exciting things we should keep an eye out for?

Guess you'll all just have to wait and see!

Thanks so much to Khari for chatting with us about Faunavision! Be sure to follow up with his work on his site, and follow the project on Instagram and Facebook!