On November 26, 2021, Chris Scheler released his song, which he titled 'Good Old Days'. The production is about living in the moment and watching the artist's family grow. The track is really emotional and gripping. He's been playing music for a long time, but a new beginning came in late 2019 when he began working with an all-star team that included drummer Robin Diaz (Candlebox, Live, Daughtry), producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland (Candlebox, Everclear, August Burns Red), and local guitar hero and friend, Jason Greenwood, whom he knows from the York, PA, USA music scene.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Chris Scheler, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What have you been up to over the past year in this big old mess?
Hi Kamil, I’ve been doing a lot of writing and I’ve got a few new songs recorded in the studio. Thankfully, I was also able to get out and do a few outdoor gigs over the summer.
I'm very interested in how you started your adventure with music and did you know from the beginning that this is what you will be doing for the rest of your life?
When I was growing up, we had an old guitar at our house that belonged to my uncle. At some point during my teenage years I picked it up and started playing along with some of the songs on the radio, just trying to figure them out by ear. My brother encouraged me to take lessons at the music shop where he was learning drums. I learned some basics on guitar and was very moved by the 90s alternative and grunge scene as well as some classic rock bands.
When I was 21, I reunited with some high school friends at a local night club and we decided we should start a band after seeing some of the cover bands that came in and rocked the house. I couldn’t believe these talented musicians were playing in our little town in such an intimate setting. After a few months, we were on that same stage ourselves and I after I got a taste of that, I knew it was something I’d stick with for a long time.
Your latest track is 'Good Old Days'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
As many people did during 2020, we did a lot of binge watching at our house. We decided to rewatch The Office (US version). In the series finale, Andy Bernard says “I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them. Someone should write a song about that.” I decided to write that song and with our young family in mind, I realized that maybe my wife, Amanda and I are in our Good Old Days right now. That might sound a bit weird considering everything that is going on in the world, but I started thinking about the memories we’ve been making in our own little world. I happened to have a peaceful guitar riff I was working on and it fit the sentimental vibe of the song.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I’ve never really been in much trouble. I guess I’m a little boring when it comes to that kind of stuff. I did accidentally steal gas once. I drove off without paying. After pumping, I went into the store to get cash from the ATM. The machine was so slow that by the time my cash was dispensed I had forgotten to pay. My dad received a call from the police about it and I was able to go back to the gas station and straighten it all out with the manager.
You live in United States, York, PA. What do you like most about this place?
One of the great things about our town is the locally owned restaurants. We haven’t been dining out much since the pandemic started, but we still enjoy supporting those businesses through take out.
Does your family share your passion for music? What do they think about your work?
Everyone in our house is musical and plays an instrument or two. They have been super supportive of my writing, recording and performing. The kids get a kick out of hearing my finished songs and my wife is my #1 supporter.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
One of the most memorable moments for me was opening for Bowling for Soup with my former band, Man vs. Mars. It was at a local venue, Chameleon Club. I think the club had a capacity of about 1,000 and was sold out. We stepped onto the stage and the place was packed and the energy was so high. This was our first show together (no pressure), so we had been looking forward to this moment. Even though most of these people had never heard of us, they were really digging our set since we were a good match for the headlining act. This happened about a week after my wife gave birth to our first child, Ezra and it was actually her due date. Her dad stayed in the car with Ezra so she’d be able to enjoy the show. There was a lot of excitement for us during that time.
Do you have any other passions apart from music? If yes, can you introduce them to us?
As far as my personal hobbies, besides music, I don’t really have anything I’d say I’m passionate about, but I am a big 80s and 90s nostalgia geek. I like playing retro video games and enjoying other entertainment media from that era. It’s also fun whenever I get a chance to share those things with my family. I’m only a casual sports fan, but I used to follow MLB, NBA and NFL quite closely.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
The DeLeo brothers, Dean and Robert of Stone Temple Pilots. Not only can Dean solo with the best of them, I love his guitar sounds and chord choices. Robert always plays for the song and has the most tasteful bass fills. They are both tremendous songwriters. In 2019 I was fortunate to meet them at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp and play a song with them, but I hope I can meet them again one day.
What are your plans for next year? Do you have any productions ready to be released?
I have a 6 song EP all ready to be released! I’m still deciding on the release date, but I’m hoping for January of 2022.