Interview: Chris Hart - So Easy

Chris Hart is a producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Atlanta, GA. He has been playing guitar since he was 10 years old and now he writes and produce his own music. "So Easy" is a catchy, danceable pop tune with a lot of funk and jazz influence. It's about Chris own struggle with anxiety, and how love helps him get out of his head so he can be his best self. Although this song is personal, it's relatable, because for a lot of people, even when it feels like you're drifting through life, or the world makes it hard for you to feel like you're living to your full potential, there can always be someone either romantically or platonically that makes life easier.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

I think I have pretty good feel and rhythm. To me that's the most important aspect of music, so I try to make sure my songs have a little groove to them. When i'm playing with a band or making my own songs I want to make sure everything has a place in the mix, I don't want one instrument to overshadow another. So I guess my biggest strength is my attention to detail, and that I really enjoy getting in to a song with a fine-toothed comb and figuring out what works and what doesn't.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

I think the biggest challenge of being an artist is just trying to get yourself heard. Especially as an independent artist, you really have to do everything yourself. Production, marketing, etc. I have to also be a "content creator" and all these other things just to get people to listen to my songs. I've learned a lot of tips and tricks but It can be very frustrating if you're not really a business-minded person. It takes away from time you want to use to make music, but it's a useful skill to start learning and it's good to exercise a different part of your brain like that too!

Your latest track is 'So Easy'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?

I made So Easy by myself in my room at home. I heard the keyboard line in the background music of a show I was watching and the lyrics to the chorus came to my head right away. I just took it and ran with it. It took me a while to produce it because I had to learn some tricks to get my microphone sounding right. My room isn't sound-proofed so I had to get creative and make a vocal booth out of blankets and pillows so I could record myself without any room noise! It wasn't perfect but I'll be able to afford some studio time someday!

Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?

I would love to do this forever. It's one of the only things i'm interested in. In 10 years I'd like to be in a position where I can be touring and making music professionally for sure. That's everyone's goal I think! For now I'm just going to try and release as many songs as possible and see if I can make a career out of it.

What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?

I learned how much I love producing! I started doing it all myself out of necessity because I can't afford to get it done by someone else, but it's really become my favorite part of the whole thing. I used to be just a guitar player but now i'm really getting into the thick of it and exploring new sounds. Now I start making beats and just see where the song takes me.

Do you think that education is important?

I do! I unfortunately didn't study music in school but I really wish I had. I wouldn't say it's completely necessary because you can do it yourself, but It requires a TON of research on your own time and you never know what you can trust until you try it out. I think going through a program taught by professionals in your field is really valuable and gives you some more direction and resources. If i could go back in time and try out for a music college I absolutely would.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

Well, I used to work in the events and entertainment industry. Party planning, concert production, stuff like that. It was fun but pretty tiring and I always just wanted to be on the stage instead. But if I couldn't make music I'd most likely be doing that.

How do you structure your week?

I have a calendar where I lay out my goals for the week. My wife made it for me. I try to split my time in between AM and PM hours and I work 9AM - 5PM like a normal job. I pick what I want to work on for the day and try to stick to it as best as I can and work around things that pop up.

What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?

That's a hard one! I can't think of anything I've seen that's been the most beautiful, but as far as experiences, my wedding was my favorite. It was a day filled with love and happiness from everyone we knew and it went perfectly. It was probably the happiest day of my life, and I'll remember it forever.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm keeping myself going and trying to release songs a lot faster. I have another song that i'm finishing up now and then my goal is to release one every 2-3 months so I can put together a live show and start playing for people. My next song should be out around late next month and then i'm going to try and keep the ball rolling!