cmcgowens11

SEEKING

Bagpipes, Trombone, Vocalist - Alto, Dobro, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo, Other, Flute, Harmonica, Background Singer, Piano, Keyboard, Saxophone, Trumpet, Violin, Other Percussion, Drums, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocalist - Soprano, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist.

ABOUT

"What inspired you to sing? I was born singing. In my family, music and singing was a major part of our family gatherings. My Dad is my inspiration. He was in a Gospel Quartet when I was young and I learned at an early age how to appreciate music and train my voice from watching and listening to him. What type of training have you had for your voice?I've been singing almost as long as I've been talking. My older siblings and I grew up singing in the church. We would often find ourselves harmonizing to the latest tunes, while my Dad listened, always keeping us in tune and in pitch. I guess you can say the majority of my voice training came from my Father. How does it feel to be Ill? Ill is a state of mind. Its something I was born with. When Malachi and I first met we were just talking and hanging out with family. He played some of the songs that he was working on for me and I just started singing and freestyling without thinking about it. The vibe was just right. How do you maintain creativity, with everything that has been done already? Creativity has a lot to do with originality. You have to learn from what was done in the past in order to create your own musical identity. The focus has never been on what someone else did or is doing but rather on what Chris is and what I can do. Singing is like painting a picture or writing a poem. My version is always a one-of-a-kind original. Even when we get together to record...each take sounds different and brings a new spin on what we had originally planned. Most of my stuff comes straight from my head, in the moment. What do you love most about your craft?I I love the history and the diversity of it. I love listening to people REALLY sing, no matter what musical genre. Many people can carry a tune, but not everyone can really close their eyes and go get it. I love listening to a live recording and hearing people sing from deep down within. Malachi says your sound is cee-lo green meets jodeci. How does that make you feel? Thats an original voice combination. It makes me feel good to be listed with such talented, modern day artist. Much respect to cee-lo and jodeci. I have them both in my listening collection. My sound comes from my love of old school sound... like Sam Cooke and Donnie Hathaway. Where do you see yourself in five years? Not thinking that far ahead, i know with malichi at the helm miracles are already in the process of happening, so imma ride wit'em till the wheels fall off or go flat. Do you have any advice you'd like to give aspiring singers/songwriters? Do what you do. Don't try to be like everyone else. Everybody can't be you. Find what makes you great and sets you apart and then perfect it. Music is an art-form. Create your own masterpieces and believe in what you do. I'm finally LETTING GO! Letting go of the things, the thoughts and the people that have constantly held me back! A little scared of the unknown, sure I am, but it's liberating and necessary all the same.

cmcgowens11 AT DOT com 3368994837 Chris

Screen name:: cmcgowens11
Member since:: Jan 15 2008; Active within 1 week
Level of commitment:: Committed
Years playing music:: 10
Gigs played:: 50 to 100
Tend to practice:: 2-3 times per week
Available to gig:: 4-5 nights a week

Influences

cee-lo, jodeci, sam cook, Otis redding, bill withers, linkin park aerosmith, metallica, the doors, bob marley, d'angelo, van hunt, canton spirituals, bob dylan

cmcgowens11 AT DOT com