Conversations with Christian Charley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Charley

Christian , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
According to my family, I’ve always had a knack for creativity, and ever since I was young, I knew that music was always something that I gravitated to as an expression of myself. Whether that was remembering the specific beat of an RnB song that my dad played in the car while driving me to school, or rapping the entire Left Eye verse in TLC’s “No Scrubs”, or even playing the air drums to the breakdown of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight.” Music has always filled me with joy and wonder and curiosity, but it ultimately wasn’t something that I took seriously until I was 17.

My family signed me up for piano lessons at age 4, which laid the foundation for my musical journey. At 8, I started guitar lessons, but I never clicked with the instrument. I struggled to form chords and move my fingers fast enough, so I lost interest. By 9, I stopped piano lessons and discovered my ability to learn songs by ear. I’d listen to a song, try to play it on piano, and though it wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed this hands-on approach far more than reading sheet music. At 11, I picked up drums and percussion, and that’s when everything clicked. From 11 to 18, I focused on drums, playing in school and local bands around the city.

At 17, I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I considered playing it safe with electrical engineering or computer science, which would’ve guaranteed job opportunities. But when my parents asked, “What do you wanna do with your life?” it hit me—I loved creating, whether it was music, videos, or events. I realized then that I wanted to make music for the rest of my life. It was also when I created my artist name, DFRNC (pronounced “Difference”), and learned how to turn some of my poetry into rap. I even wrote my first song, “Momma Said,” to a Drake instrumental. With that clarity, I applied to the University of Michigan for Performing Arts Technology, where I spent the next 4 years studying to become a producer, songwriter, and sound engineer. I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Performing Arts Tech and a minor in Performance Management.

By the start of 2024, I was in a musical rut, unsure of where to take my career. Then, through a friend of a friend, I learned about the music scene in Nashville. After a long conversation, the simple advice I got was, “Just move here already.” So, I did—no game plan, no financial cushion, just a leap of faith. Once settled, I dove in, hitting open mics, jam sessions, co-writing whenever possible, and spending whatever I could to see live shows. I wanted to learn how this city operated for its musicians and artists as quickly as possible. And it paid off! Now, in 2025, I’ve started mapping out creative goals, from releasing an EP to launching my own record label. It’s wild how I arrived here with no plan, and now I’ve got one for the year ahead.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. 2022 was probably my toughest year, especially because I was in a toxic relationship that drained me. I lost my love for music and sacrificed so much of myself for someone who didn’t truly care. The relationship reminds me of a quote from a character named Red from the book Steelstriker that says “Love is a dangerous drug, and in many ways, it can trap you and make you do things that can destroy you, and sometimes, you do it anyway.” Once I broke free, I had to rebuild who I was and rediscover my passion for music—it wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of myself for getting out.

On top of that, I’ve dealt with severe flat feet my whole life, and by the end of 2022, my ankle was collapsing. After seeing a specialist, I learned that surgery was the only option to avoid long-term damage. So, in early 2023, I had a triple fusion surgery and spent almost 7 months recovering. During that time, I couldn’t walk or create, which was frustrating, but thankfully, the surgery was a success, and by the end of 2023, I was back on my feet.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The easiest thing for me to say is that I’m a musician or artist, but really, I’m a creator. I enjoy making all sorts of things—whether it’s video, audio, arts & crafts, graphic design, or even business. I love learning how to apply myself uniquely to everything I create. Many people know me as a rapper with a unique personality, especially when it comes to performing. When I’m on stage, I’m not thinking about hitting the right notes or saying the perfect lyrics—I’m just up there having fun. Because of this, I’ve often been told that I’m one of the best at commanding a stage and grabbing the audience’s attention. What I’m most proud of, though, is that I’ve always tried to go against the grain in this industry. My music theory teacher once told me something I take to heart every day: “Learn the rules, then break them.”

Because I’ve always gone against the grain, I’ve aimed to do the same with my music. As a teenager, I noticed that mainstream hip hop and R&B were becoming repetitive. Artists kept making the same things over and over. Every beat fell into the trap category, and every lyric was about sex, money, or drugs. To me, the passion that used to drive those genres had faded. They went from telling stories to doing what works for fame and fortune. I believe I can change that. I don’t want my music to follow the trend. I want to create worlds and visions that people can see and hear, while maintaining skill and creativity in my wordplay. My music isn’t something you just throw on at a party. My music is something you have to listen to in order to understand.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Oh man, risk-taking is essential in life, especially in the music industry! As I mentioned before, one of the biggest risks I took recently was moving to Nashville. I had no game plan, barely any money, no knowledge of the city, and knew almost nobody. But if I hadn’t moved here, I wouldn’t have the fanbase I’ve built, the amazing friendships I’ve formed, or be the MC and rapper I am today. I don’t think you have to be addicted to taking risks, but I do believe that to succeed in whatever your purpose is, you need to be willing to be uncomfortable. One of the biggest setbacks anyone can impose on themselves is the fear of failure. Failure is inevitable; it’s something every person goes through, and will continue to experience for the rest of their life. It doesn’t mean your purpose is over or that you have to quit. In life, you either win or you learn. The only way you truly lose is if you give up. So, I say take the risks you feel are right for your growth. If it makes you uncomfortable or if you fail, great! You now have the opportunity to learn and apply that knowledge to your next risk, so you don’t make the same mistake again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://christiancharley13.wixsite.com/profile
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfrncaco3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dfrncaco3/featured
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21YVhUxQxxu16wc1yFE8R2?si=oyM2UTo4QS6d7VY67xAwVw