In a world that has become so plastic, it is becoming harder to find individuals that are comfortable being themselves. We are all filled with strengths and weaknesses. It seems to take maturity to understand and be comfortable with letting people get a transparent look into who you really are. Chris Batson has that old school introspective honesty that comes through the lyrics he writes and sings. He is an artist that has layers and reveals them one song at a time. Chris took the time to chat with Singersroom about everything from his depression, not being hood to reasons for his dark, eclectic music. Check it out.
@ heART … I’m definitely an introvert at heart… I often like to keep to myself. But at the same time, being alone too much is never a good thing. That's how you end up in depression for sure…so I like to keep a balance. As an artist, I would describe myself as honest and vulnerable. I’m telling my life story with these songs. I hold nothing back. You could even say emotional. But I only write this way because I’d be doing myself a disservice if I just wrote regular songs. I’ve seen too much to keep it on a surface level.
We Got Lost Along The Way..is a EP that I worked on overtime. There’s songs that I made from 3 years ago on that EP. There was no real serious concept when making the album. I really was just writing what I was feeling at the time.
Angry … That’s a hard one. To be honest and real with everyone… I suffer from depression and I also suffer from a form of schizophrenia. I’ve been on medicine for 7 or 8 years now battling with it. The medicine numbs me out so much to the point where I literally don't feel too much. I haven’t been angry in a long time. I’ve been frustrated but haven't been angry in a while.
‘Windows’ … My last break up definitely inspired "Windows". That was a song that was written out of pure frustration and sadness.
[WATCH: The music video for Chris Batson's "Windows"]
My Sound … is very dark….very eclectic. I love for everything to sound real. My production always sounds organic. I listen to a lot of Kings of Leon and Bon Iver, Choir of Young Believers, etc. and there’s a certain darkness to some of there songs that I definitely took and made into my own. I'd say if I had to pick a color I’d say purple. It's darker but still beautiful at the same time.
Hometown Influenced or Nah … Honestly, I wouldn't say my hometown influenced my sound..I'd say its just my upbringing and the music that I gravitated to when I was younger. The Jay-Zs and Nas’….Common Senses. It was very true to the artist in the sense that nothing was fabricated and everything was super personal.
No Hood Slang … Haha….everyone that knows me knows I'm not "hood". haha I have my urban tendencies…but wouldn't say I know that much slang to be real.
My Ears … I listen to a lot of Kanye, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, The Lumineers and Bon Iver.
Hip Hop Alias … It's funny because I can actually rap and I started off rapping. I used to try to find the dopest name possible … never could. haha. That's why I stick with … Chris Batson.
Favorite Rap Album of ALL Time … Man… it’s either Common’s album “BE”, Jay Z’s “Blueprint” or Nas “Stillmatic”.
Love … feels incredible…there’s no insecurities. The Bible says perfect love casts out fear and I completely agree.
Heart Break … I’ve been there 2 times in my life. There was so much bitterness and so much hatred…its a really bad space to be in….it can make or break you…you can do incredible things when you’re heartbroken …it can force you to have an incredible desire to succeed in life and prove your ex wrong or it can bring you down to a negative space where you trust no one…
Smile … Only things that truly make me happy at this point in life…is my family and my girl.
Musical Influences … Kanye, Drake, Nas, Common, Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, Coldplay
Top 10 Favorite R&B/Soul Love Songs Of All Time
10. “Love is” by Common
9. “Fix You” by Coldplay
8. “Don't Wake Me Up” by Chris Brown
7. Free Fallin by John Mayer
6. "The Scientist” by Coldplay
5. "Gravity" by John Mayer
4. "Revelry" by Kings of Leon
3. "Sparks" by Coldplay
2. "Stiff Upper Lip" by Mr Hudson
1. "Pick up Truck"
They Don't Know … I’m actually a funny guy. My music is very dark sometimes…but I still have a personality and I still like to laugh and have fun.
