THEAUSSIEWORD.COM goes one on one with Sunshine Coast based Indie Pop/Soul artist Chris Ah Gee.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
It all began in 2008 when my parents purchased my brother and I the video game Guitar Hero! We played and played until the day our controller broke 😂 I found an old guitar at school, took it home and my brother and I learnt all the classics… from that moment on I was hooked on music.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I think the thing that motivates me to create great music is my love and respect for the life music has given me and the knowledge that everyone has their own unique music brewing in their minds. Those two things help me to create the best music that I can.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
– I would love to see a track streamed 1,000,000 times!
– I would love to play some major festivals around the world
– Buy a house on a piece of lan
– Marry the woman of my dreams
– Raise beautiful children
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I will be releasing some more video content, touring the album and releasing more singles over the next few months, plenty to keep the ball rolling and everyone satisfied 💜
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release “Lovestoned” is my dream debut album. I poured my heart, soul and time into this project to create music that I can listen to years from now and still be blown away by what my friends and I created. My music is bright, boppy, fun, flirty and smooth, musicality and restraint flow around each other throughout this album.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I love to begin the songwriting process with a purpose or title. This helps me get into the appropriate headspace. A chord progression usually starts off the inspiration process followed closely by lyrics and melody. I always find it is best if I go with the “flow” and try to finish a song in the same session that I am beginning to write it as I feel I end up with a more cohesive and enjoyable song.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I always love to include hidden meanings, poetic phrases, song titles, double meanings and Easter eggs are all what makes me tick especially when music is delivered in album form. ✅
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success is a state of mind and I have been wildly successful in my own mind for the last decade 😂💜
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
My biggest and most recent highlight has to be releasing my debut album on my 30th birthday at Mooloolaba music with my 8 piece band. Any chance to play my original music with my best friends and most talented musician family is a treat!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Anderson .Paak, Tom Misch, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean, Allen Stone, Matt Corby and Jacob Collier. There are too many wonderful artists around making stunning work to become inspired from 🤘
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Working on a strong pop formatted RNB track to follow the albums recent release 🤘
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years? I definitely see myself touring my original music with my band! Playing festivals, increasing my reach and connecting with more wonderful people x
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
It’s full of “thanks” and at the same time it can be “Thankless” sometimes you can work so hard and it just feels right and easy and sometimes you can work your butt off and feel like you’re at the base of Mt Everest 😂
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Kaitt, JaZZella, Sahara Beck, Matt Corby, Parcels, Tash Sultana, Sticky Fingers, JUNO, James Johnston.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It has definitely been a learning curve releasing music in this day and age. Content is king 👑 and there is so much saturation of the market that you have to really work hard to define your niche to cut through.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Making music that follows trends from the international music scene is what I’m all about 💜 I will keep listening and collaborating hoping to get my band and I overseas playing to as many people as we can x
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I sure do. The industry seems to really respond well to collaboration. Tom Misch, D’Angelo, Jacob Collier, Matt Corby, Elijah fox, Maxwell, H.E.R., Anderson .Paak the list could literally go on for days 🤯
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps? Create music and art that you dig. Make content and assets designed to resonate with an audience. Refine your songwriting craft. Enjoy the journey.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Anyone listening to my music is making my life better 💜 I love Instagram stories and reel, connecting with followers and fans is my main prerogative. Nothing feels better than human connection.
Any last words?
I am so excited to be making music again! I really cannot wait to release more music and collaborate with more talented kind people over the next year!
Website: www.chrisahgee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisAhGeeMusic
Twitter: @chrisahgee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisahgee/