Artist of the Day | CHRIS NINE
ARTIST OF THE DAY
25.11.2021
CHRIS NINE
LOCATION
Vaughan, ON, Canada
GENRE
Rock, Post-Hardcore, Pop-Punk, Alternative
CURRENT MEMBERS
Christopher Minicucci
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
In the beginning of 2020 before the world plunged into chaos I had been playing live shows in Toronto with my band Follow the Lemming. We actually had another show lined up for March 19th and we were excited to get on stage and continue showing what was at the time new material. Obviously we all know what happened next and our upcoming shows were cancelled.
When the pandemic began, life and music along with it seemed to stop. My band mates were all isolating in their own households so we weren’t meeting up to rehearse, write, play shows, and that’s what led to Chris Nine. I was confronted with the question of “who am I without live music” since the band was heavily focused on playing live shows. With all of that taken away I was able to explore some darker and heavier sounds while reacquainting myself with my love of music. I created these songs out of that chaos and they are undeniably and totally me.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
Pre-pandemic I had a lot of plans for my journey in music and then the whole world seemed to turn upside down. If anything, this past year and half has taught me more about rolling with the punches and following my gut. It was when I was forced to let go of a lot of my plans that I was able to take a look at the now, at where I actually was in my life and not where I planned to be. It gave me a lot of insight into myself and I am incredibly grateful for that.
As we move into what I hope is a resurgence of life and live music being played again, I’m excited to bring that energy into any plan I make. Right now you can check out my first single “the rage” available on all streaming platforms and my debut EP “the heavy” available September 24th. Tour talk is being discussed but more on that in the future.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
It goes without saying it’s been hard , probably some of the hardest times I’ve had in my life. Isolation is not something most of us are used to and within that period of time I had to face a lot of my demons, stuff that’s been building up for years. Added on top of what everyone is dealing with, we each have our own personal challenges and struggles - for me I didn’t know how to navigate a world where I couldn’t share my music in front of people or go to a concert and be in that physical, tangible environment. But within that I was able to spend more time with just my voice and my guitar and I think it’s led to something really special.
So basically the time we all spent locked down became kind of a gift because I was able to channel all of that energy and emotion into Chris Nine. I was able to spend time actively working on my vocals and writing what is now “the rage”, “fracture” and “ghosts”. Most of my time as of now has been dedicated to this release from the production of the music to video content to merch designs. I was also able to find my team and build a community of people that really care about the Chris Nine sound. Special shout-out to Eric Alper, Darren Benner and Ashley Palozzi (who somehow balances being a great manager and a great friend).
As things are reopening & restrictions are lifting have you booked any new gigs? Tours? Etc? If your region is still under restriction, how are dealing with the Covid third wave?
Right now we’re focused on the upcoming release of “the heavy”, my debut EP. My team and I have set our sights on getting the music out to as many ears as possible.
Social media has been a huge help getting my music outside of my local town when I couldn’t physically tour. Tour talks are underway though and I’m excited to play in cities like Hamilton and Ottawa where we’ve already cultivated dedicated listeners. The team and I can’t wait to get out and play live shows but are trying to keep in mind the safety of our fans who come out to support.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Be relentless. Never give up and join the hype as the debut EP 'the heavy' drops September 24th.
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