What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I’ve always been in the music! I just had to go for it, though I started out going to local hardcore/punk shows back in the day and doing a few hardcore bands. I like the direction I’m going now!
Introduce us to you and your musical history?
Red Skies Mourning as members of the band, is just me, Chris. My Co-writer is Ryan Curtis and Cesar Da Emperor does the beats.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
Some of my most memorable ones are Dream Theater “Awake”, Green Day “Dookie” and Tupac “All Eyez on Me” though there are a ton more albums I enjoy from different genres.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Dream Theater “Erotomania”
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I’m just going low and slow, hopefully, gaining fans along the way and have the ability to tour.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I’ve never heard about that, though most of my experience is from Hardcore/Punk/Metal Scenes, where typically anyone from any walk of life is welcome. I would assume all scenes within their own respective genres would be different.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
I have to end up advertising to try to bring those listeners to check out my tunes. Honestly, with the multi-genres I have it’s hard to come up with soundalike artists.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
My 2nd cousin is Richard Simmons, I was in the US Marine Corps and I hate sushi…..
What’s your thought on spotifys monopoly on the music industry?
It’s hard, everything started with Napster and Limewire, when greedy record labels started to fight back, it was only a matter of time when streaming would become a reality, Spotify was just quick about it than the others. Their payout is terrible for artists like us but great for big artists that have the platform.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
A lot.. lights, cameras, microphones… yeah I have to get off Amazon…
What was the worst experience on stage?
I was in a rock cover band and I’m extremely allergic to ragweed. It’s like a truck hits you in the face, and I had to play a gig while downing cough syrup, cough drops and Yager… after that gig, my throat was HURTING bad. I had to sing for 4 hours, cover bands I was in typically did 3x 1 hour sets = 40 songs or so.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
The Richard Simmons is my 2nd Cousin thing. it’s true though.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
Red Skies Mourning is very different and likes to experiment blending multiple genres in while still getting the emotional meaningful vibe going.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
A Beautiful Mess just came out, it was more of a toe in the water into more of a Hip-hop vibe blend with the sound of Red Skies Mourning as I feel out the best place for me to go with my vocals. I love this song, the next one after that “Ship Wrecked” is going to be REALLY good. Excited for both of theses and the future tunes.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
Well, we had worked a few vibes from the previous songs and Cesar just got inspirated and wrote a dope beat, he also wanted to write some lyrics in the chorus as well. I’m up for trying anything! Then Ryan and I just filled in the rest of the song!
What was the recording process like?
We typically talk about where we are going for the next tune and Cesar starts with the beats. He’s usually spot on all the time and as we get to know each other more(Myself, Cowriter(Ryan) and Cesar) then it just keeps getting easier. Ryan is really great with melodies and I write the lyrics and sing on them. After that is done, I go to Jeff Kanan to mix. Everything is done remotely at everyone’s own studio.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Seeing where I can take my vocals and where it sounds the best.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
With the new song, nope, but there are plenty of other songs I would want to tweak! I may do a EDM and a Hard Rock remix of a song and see how that pans out!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world? Nothing else!
Thanks for the interview and look forward to checking it out!
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