Meet JChris (Chris Urquiaga) | Singer-Songwriter, Pianist, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JChris (Chris Urquiaga) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JChris, how do you think about risk?
I think that risk in the context of the music business connects ambition and uncertainty. You have to take risks to achieve the ambitious goals you have. Otherwise, you will always play it safe and never find your way to achieve your objectives.

Taking risks is a huge part of my career and my personal life. I came out of the closet which was a risk. I dared to charge forth with a career as an independent musician which is another risk. But if I did not take those risks, I would be unhappy.

As a person, you must see the risks that you can afford to take and think about what will make you happy. What will your future self thank your present self for 5 years from now?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an artist with a background in Brazil and Peru, even though I was born here. I speak various languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese and I’m learning French).

It was not easy being different coming up. Being queer and not understanding it fully was challenging for me. But the things that made me different and feel out of place, I now know are some of my biggest strengths as a person. It’s what makes me me.

Coming up was not easy. I first had to figure out who I was before developing my music career the way I wanted to. Self-discovery takes patience, love and courage.

I overcame the challenges that I had (financial, career, personal) by taking full responsibility for my choices, finding courage within me, and surrounding myself with positive things and people.

I want the world to know that it doesn’t matter how successful you are if you do not know who you are. Prioritize yourself over your titles, labels, career opportunities and status. When you truly discover who you are, you will be able to persevere and grow in ways that you didn’t even think you could.

I want the world to see that my brand is not a “version” of me I have created to fit it. But rather, my brand IS me and fully me. No hiding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Griffith Observatory is a place I’d take them for sure. You get to see Los Angeles from that spot!

We’d definitely have to go to Silver Lake and Culver City as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to my mother first and foremost. Her name is Rosana Rozolem and she also sings! I got my talents from her. She is the reason I am here and has supported me all along the way. I am grateful for her and I value her strength and courage as a person. My mom put me in piano lessons when I was a kid and she knew what she was doing. You’re the best, mom!

I want to thank my partner, Adrian Garcia, for being the beautiful person he is. I learn so much from him and value his thoughtfulness and kindness. I am so happy to be with him and I only want to see him grow even more as a person and as an artist.

I want to give a shout out to all my lovely siblings: Graciela, Sabrina, Vicky, Stephanie, Big Chris and Juliana.

Shout-out to my family for being amazing and supportive!

Website: https://jchrisofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchris_music/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchrismusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jchrismusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thehumanipod14

Other: https://linktr.ee/jchrismusic

Image Credits
BVD Image Brandon Vallejo https://bvdimage.com/