Chris Chandler

Interview 13 February 2007

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Name    Chris Chandler City  New York via Chicago Age 28 Style   R&B / Neo-soul

Tell me about yourself, where you from, background, family  Chicago, Il from a musical family  on both sides.  My uncle Kermit Chandler played guitar for Shepherds (famous hit Island of love in the 60's. Music was always a big part of my life.

 

Do you still live there, if not where are you based  Now I live in New York

 

What are you working on now  the beginning  stages of my follow up on my debute Lifestylz Vol.2 . Just listening to new tracks and thinking about themes to write about.

 

Do you have a CD out or when can we expect it.  Lifestylz Vol.1 is currently available on i-tunes

 

How’s it going down – what tracks can we look out for/do you like  The most downloaded song off the album is "Be Easy" ," Just U" is also doing well.  The title track Lifestylz had a great buzz with the help of the vidoe being on TV. My favorite track is "Thought of U" with Juanita Wynn

 

Did you write the songs  I wrote all of the songs on the album

 

If so tell me about the writing process  it's a very interesting process.  Sometimes the words flow like running water, other times they dont come at all.  One thing I have realized the more you experience life and the happiness and pain it brings the better your writing becomes.

 

And production?  I produced the entire album but  2 tracks..  "Gangsta" Produced by Psycho Les of the "Beatnuts"  And Babygirl(FDNY) produced by The Fyre Department

 

What instruments do you play  keys

 

Where is it obtainable from you can boy it on i-Tunes , CD baby

 

Tell me about your style, what you do and what do you add to the rest of the stuff out there  I have a smooth vocal approach with lots of soul..  Timeless music and lyrics is what I strive for in music...   The scene today needs help....The good music doesn't get recognized the way it did when music actually was music.  I try to be more creative and true to myself when I create.  I have to have some elements of the old school in my sound because I love real music...

 

Whats your show like, what gigs are you doing.  When I do a shows it depends on the situation, be it with a band or solo with a track playing.  I love to perform live thats when you can really lose yourself in the music and the vibe.

 

Do you use the same people live as on your recorded material. Yes, some of the musicians on the album perform with me live as well.

 

Do you write your songs, if so what do you draw from  Life experiences are the best themes to write about.

 

Tell me about the team of people around you.  Smalldreams Entertainment is a indie label  with great talent.  Chris Chandler is the first project on the label and we plan to release other groups in the future.

 

Whats it like getting yourself heard, and getting stuff down as an independent.  Very difficult!!! The key is to stay focused and determined...  getting yourself heard takes tons of patience and belief  in one's project.

 

Who are your influences, currently and from back in the day currently I like a few producers like The Neptunes, Timberland, But my main influences are Stevie Wonder, Marvin gaye, Michael Jackson, Prince, Donny Hathaway and many many more...

 

Who else have you worked with  The Beatnuts I did vocals for there last 3 albums.

 

What else have you done, how have you got where you are now- College was a big part in my development

 

Has music always been in you from an early age -I remember realizing I could sing at a very early age and I never stopped since.

 

Are you in it full time-  Yes

 

What other independent artists are you feeling.- I like Eric Roberson music.

 

What’s the scene like where you are.- You know New york has a great music scene be it jazz,Hip Hop, of R&B.....

 

What is your following like locally.  Basically I'v kind of borrowed the Beatnuts fans from touring with them for so many years.  So the fan base is surely growing.

 

What do you know about other markets, UK, Europe, Japan etc- Very interested in those markets because it seem that they embrace good music..

 

How do you see Soul Music right now- It's not getting the same recognition or funding that Rap music is getting now.

 

What are your ambitions- making great music and selling records be it independent or major

 

Whats happening next- planing a Tour to promote the album and starting on the next album.

 

Is there something adventurous you might like to do  but haven’t yet with your music I would love to sing with a jazz band and do an all acoustic album.

 

What do you enjoy most about what you do- Music brings happiness to those that embrace it.

 

What other things do you like to do.  I'm a basketball junkie and i love to collect old games and old boxing bouts as well.

 

A few random one word things:

 

Favourite artist- Stevie Wonder

 

Film The Godfather

 

Actor/Actress- robert Denirro

 

Food -good Food

 

Drink- Amstel light

 

City- Miami

 

Country USA

 

Holiday Vacation Miami

 

Sport/Team-Lakers

 

 

 

Anything else you’d like to say- Thank You very much for all of you support.  Indie artist need more people like you.!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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