Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Classique516 of Uniondale

Classique516 shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Classique516, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Mental health is something that, thankfully, has started to be taken more seriously in recent years. When I was growing up, it wasn’t really normal for people to talk about how they felt, go to therapy, or even admit they were struggling. Most people kept those things to themselves and honestly, I was one of them.

A lot of people have always seen me as this superhuman version of myself, someone who’s always strong, always shining. But the truth is, there were plenty of times I wished people would look past the violin and just ask how I was really doing. Sometimes the brightest light on stage can hide the heaviest heart, and I’ve learned that checking in on ourselves—and each other—is one of the most important things we can do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey world! I’m Classique a Grammy-nominated, multidisciplinary artist, musician, and writer from Long Island, New York. My work blends Hip-Hop, R&B, and classical influences through soulful vocals, strings, and storytelling that feel both fresh and timeless. A self-taught violinist, composer, and producer, I started playing by ear at seven and developed a style shaped by my roots, experiences, and love for authentic expression. I’m also a three-time Showtime at the Apollo winner.

Beyond the stage, I’m an author. My debut book “ATELOPHOBIA” was released alongside my album “ATELOPHOBIA: The Plight of Ostinato”, exploring vulnerability, self-discovery, and artistic growth. Since 2017, I’ve also curated an annual event series that uplifts eclectic artists and builds community through creativity and cultural dialogue.

At my core, I create with authenticity, innovation, and emotional truth believing that art can heal, unite, and transform. My mission is to keep evolving, bridging genres and generations, and inspiring others to embrace the freedom to create without limits.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
One of the relationships that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I share with my middle school teacher and mentor, Ms. Oween Davis. She played a huge role in helping me build confidence in my musical journey. As a self-taught musician, I didn’t have much formal direction when it came to technique, I started playing the violin at seven and just figured things out as I went along. By the time I reached middle school, I knew I had something special, but I didn’t fully understand how special it was until I met Ms. Davis.

She saw that little spark in me and made sure I saw it too. Her encouragement pushed me to believe in myself in a way I never had before. She had me enter talent shows like she did when she was younger and constantly reminded me to stand tall in my gift—to own my talent because I was that good. From my teenage years into adulthood, Ms. Davis has always been that steady voice of support and reason, giving me my flowers long before anyone else did. The seed she planted in me continues to grow, and it’s because of her belief that I learned to truly believe in myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “You are so beautiful, you are amazing, I hear you, and I see you.” Honestly, all of those words come down to one simple truth: I acknowledge you.

Growing up, I knew a lot of people, but I didn’t always feel seen for who I truly was. Most people only saw the instrument in my hands, the music, the talent, and not the person behind it. Because of that, I often kept to myself. I didn’t feel like I belonged unless my violin was there to justify my presence. It made me hard on myself at times, as if I needed to do more or be more just to be acknowledged.

Over time, I learned to adjust to being recognized mainly through my artistry, but looking back, I realize I was always seen—even when it wasn’t spoken out loud. The real shift happened when I started believing it for myself and learning to speak kindness and love back into me.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is my freedom, especially the freedom to create without limits. Creating freely isn’t just about art for me; it’s about living life on my own terms and staying true to who I am. That freedom also ties deeply into my love for my family, because they’re a huge part of why I do what I do. Through my creativity, I get to connect with them and honor them in ways that words sometimes can’t. I can be in several places at once- on stage, in my art, in my community, and still carry the essence of home and family with me. That balance of creative freedom, purpose, and love is what truly matters to me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I stripped away my name, my titles, and everything I own, what would remain is a beautiful, God-fearing, selfless, kind, loving, caring, loyal, and integrity-driven human being. At the end of the day, that’s who I truly am. I’ve come to realize that when this life fades and the next begins, none of the possessions, roles, or accolades will hold any real weight. What will matter most is my character, how I treated people, how I showed up for others, and whether I lived with honesty and purpose. That’s the part of me I strive to keep pure, because integrity and love are the only things that truly last.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@grayvisualz
@tribe_sh1t
@gardy.go

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
When do you feel most at peace?

In a culture that often celebrates hustle and noise, peace can feel rare. Yet, peace

Highlighter Series
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of

Highlighter Series
What would your closest friends say really matters to you?

If you asked your best friends what really drives you—what they think matters most in