Australian singer/songwriter Chris Rose stops by THEAUSSIEWORD.COM for a special online interview.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I always knew I was a singer. I started playing in a few high school bands with mates and performing solo at my high school variety concerts, which were super fun! From there I started playing local gigs around my hometown. When I was 17, I was invited to join the Talent Development Project at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and that’s basically where things really kicked off for me. I was signed to a Development Deal with Sony Music after graduating from the TDP and I was lucky enough to release a single with them and gain some awesome experience. I’ve been independent for a few years now and I’m loving that too. I love the freedom to release and make as much music as I want. I feel like I’m getting better as a performer and songwriter, and more and more opportunities are arising!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I just love making music there’s nothing better than the buzz of writing a new song and sharing it with the world! I also love collaborating and getting inspiration from producers and people who are great musicians. I’m also striving to make something better than the last song, so that’s a never ending adventure haha.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I’d love to hear my music all over radio, as well as be able to perform sold out tours. I hope to be able to make a steady income from sales/streams and to be able to fully fund every project and keep riding this creative rollercoaster and showcasing my songs/voice.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’m always playing loads of gigs throughout NSW and keeping super busy with shows and performances. I’m always on the look out for tours I can jump on-board with as a support, and I was lucky enough to be on three big tours in 2018. As for headline shows around Australia it’s definitely on the cards at some stage though I’m shifting a lot of my focus onto online live performances and videos. I have a goal to make a new YouTube video every week, and to attempt to reach a bigger audience online! I’ve got more recording coming up and a bunch of cool stuff in the works with that.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest song ‘Someone Like You’ is a super uplifting pop song about buzzing with excitement after finding the one. A simple concept but I’m stoked to see it’s connecting with people! My music is pretty simple, I love writing great singer-songwriter pop songs that are super melodic. I work tirelessly making sure the lyrics are as tight as possible. I like to think my sound is quite Aussie and is very current.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Hmmmm, usually my songs start with a melody, I’ve constantly got heaps of ideas on the go, It’s hard for me to choose and find the time to really sit down and nail every idea that I come up with. I usually pick a few special melodies that I have at a time and work hard to find a concept for that. I’ll often blurt out a few words when I’m recording my first idea and that’s generally how I find the subject. It’s all pretty natural really most of the time it’ll be about something that I’m living in the moment but not always. It’s about making it as catchy and exciting as possible for me! I also love a good ballad.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Sometimes there is and sometimes it’s just straight up how you hear it. It’s great to try and put double meanings into your lyrics using heaps of metaphors that may sound straight forward at the time but might have some sort of message behind them.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I guess persistence, and getting as much experience as you can to help develop you as a performer. Having recorded my music for quite a few years it’s easy for me to hear the development in my sound and quality of vocal takes etc. So yeah, a combination of talent, drive, ambition and a shit load of tenacity. Because I couldn’t count how many times I’ve been bagged out or knocked back you have to have super think skin.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Probably touring with Sheppard in 2018, or performing at Circular Quay for Aus Day 2018 on the huge pontoon stage, there was probably 180 000 people there and I was projected onto screens all around the Harbour, that was a crazy buzz.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I find heaps of artists inspiring from all different genres and walks of life. Probably to see a guy from Newcastle named Morgan Evans who I have hung out with and performed with at the School Spectacular make it so big over in Nashville is up there. It’s just crazy to see his journey and how his songs have taken off in a big way. Also Sheppard performing on tour, their live show was so much fun and George Sheppard is an amazing talent with a lot of charisma.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yeah I have two killer new songs in the works that I’m so excited to record with my producer Stuart Stuart. As well as launching my YouTube channel off into the stratosphere working with a talented YouTuber from Germany.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hopefully a lot further up the ladder and working with some dedicated/connected management.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Favourite part is making the songs and music videos and adding to my catalogue, and being super proud of them.
The least favourite is the knock backs and the waiting game at times. I get some pretty awesome things thrown out to me from time to time which is always super exciting but then super hard to get the final go ahead. This is pretty anxiety provoking. I’ve been so close at times but also so far.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Dean Lewis, Vance Joy, Sheppard, INXS, Paul Kelly, Thirsty Merc and heaapps more.
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’s a crazy journey and so much work. It’s always a mixture of being spontaneous and prepared/professional. It can be pretty stressful trying to keep up the quality content and have everything happening especially when you don’t have a big team. Luckily I work with a few super talented people who help me out. I do love it though, social media is a reflection of your art and that is just as important as the music, so in many ways artists are super lucky to have that platform and it’s a great way for me to connect with my fans.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
I think some travelling is definitely in order for me with music to LA, Nashville, and Europe as well as Asian Countries. For now I’m focussing on building my YT, Spotify and socials so I can really target other countries and reach bigger audiences from here in Aus.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
People who are great songwriters and are making hits would be on top of my list. Such as John Hume from Evermore who is now a super in-demand co-writer. I also want to collab with other artists and Youtubers.
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
It’s super hard don’t take it too seriously or it can drive you crazy. It’s a long way to the top. But if you have great songs and sound people will find you. But I would focus on growing your fan base online and reaching your right audience for your music any way you can.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
Thanks so much for supporting me, and for giving me awesome feedback etc! Anyone can find me on my socials I’m always interacting and chatting to people online. It’s awesome getting to know my fans!
Any last words?
Thanks so much for the opportunity Brian, your support means the world. Looking forward to meeting you in studio when I’m next in Melbourne.
Website: www.chrisrosemusician.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrisrosemusician
Twitter: @ChrisRoseSinger
Instagram: @chrisrosemusician
Apple Music: Chris Rose on Apple Music
Spotify: Chris Rose on Spotify