Life and Work with Chantil Dukart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantil Dukart.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born in Denver, raised in Alaska, Chantil is an Alaska Native jazz musician with roots in the Tsimshian and Aleut tribes. Chantil went to school at the University of Miami, Florida and have been writing music since she was 7 years old. Chantil just released my second album entitled “Lady and the Champ.” The title is a reflection of the dual energy that it takes to fuel the creative fire.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Something I have not really addressed publicly is that I have had to redefine my concept of success in the music industry in order to preserve my happiness. It truly is a rollercoaster being a gig worker in fragile music economy. The lack of stability has made it more difficult to achieve conventional milestones (marriage, family, owning property). Music is a sacrifice. It is a challenge to complete projects when you are self-financing and struggling with self-worth in a world that doesn’t really value artists to the degree where they can live stable and financially dignified lives. I think some people really are their own worst critics and that kind of attention to detail can fuel great artists and mastery, but needs to be balanced with self-love and appreciation for “what is” versus what “could be.”

Through prioritizing well-being, self-care, and counseling, I have come to achieve a greater state of overall contentment. Completing my recent album “Lady and the Champ” definitely feels like an achievement that makes me feel inspired to continue creating.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I just released a brand new album “Lady and the Champ” which I am very proud of. I play live with my jazz trio “Chantil and the Dukes of Art” at Eddie Vs in Tech Center every Tuesday. My funk original project operates under the title “Chananigans” and we play around town. I love being able to flow from different genres; motown to jazz to funk and be able to improvise in these different formats.

What matters most to you? Why?
Preserving our natural resources.

Representing my Tsimshian and Aleut roots in the jazz world.

Creating healthy communities.

Pricing:

• Private events trio: $1500
• Christmas parties: $1500
• Solo performance $1000
• Teaching $75 / 45 min

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/chantilmusic
• Instagram: @chantilmusic
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/chantilmusic

Image Credits
Logo by @MasPaz Photo credits: Patrick Dukart, Courtney Scout