Meet Chris Wills | Artist, Songwriter, Tour Manager & Guitarist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Wills and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The conventional piece of advice that I disagree with in my experience and having lived it is Charles Bukowskis’s quote, “To find what you love and let it kill you.” You don’t need to risk your entire life; work a crappy job, develop a reliance on substances, or not prioritize healthy relationships with the hope of one day finding commercial or artistic success. Find what works for you and don’t blindly follow old narratives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art right now musically feels like Rufus Wainwright meets Bruce Springsteen meets Fountains of Wayne. Philosophically I draw from Viktor Frankl and Emerson. It’s very inward facing and explores the human condition.

I’m most proud of the art I’ve made with my friends and I’m most excited about the art I’m going to make! Right now I’ve been releasing an Ep with a 4 part short film attached that follows the seasons. The next single is the winter installment, set in New York City, and it’s about navigating and making peace with our past. The Spring installment is this cinematic, symphonic, and orchestral piece that sonically feels like being surrounded by blooming flowers after a long winter. Director Liz Nistico is directing the film, her art has been featured in The MoMa and she’s an incredible talent! Parts 1 and 2 are on youtube and they feel magical.

I got to where I am professionally in part by letting go of what my perceived plans were and letting life open up in front of me. Back that up with being really good at your job and being a good person, hopefully that’ll go a long way over time. I remind myself to be patient.

Nothing has been easy. I moved from New Jersey to LA when I was 22, I didn’t know anyone, no degree, no credit, no real job history. Just a bunch of cash I saved up from painting houses. I’ve had a record shelved, worked with a few questionable managers, lived in some weird places, and slept in my car before heading to a dish washing job at 5am. Of course there will always be challenges but that’s okay. I’ve learned to prioritize my well being and recognize it’s a marathon not a sprint. Nothing is worth a diminished quality of life over long periods of time.

It’s tough to raise money for production if you want to own your masters and publishing, it’s tough to pay a band and tour without tour support, it’s tough when DSP’s pay so little, include all of this while trying to pay rent and be financially responsible for the future. But I try not to over extend and be smart about every business decision. I’ve learned to let go of disappointments and my ego. That if a door didn’t open or it didn’t work out, there’s another one down the line.

Finally, I’ve learned about myself through this. I used to periodically fight the artist thing. I would try to be more traditional. But that doesn’t work for me. It’s like why salmon swim upstream, I write songs. It’s part of what I do.

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?
The coolest part of any city are the people, hopefully! I would shower my friend in nature, friends, good food, and music. LA has a reputation of being full of sycophants but there are so many amazing self-employed business owners, free lancers, and artists running around the place who’s heart is in their art and community.

For instance, my friends are often throwing parties and shows at their houses so we would do that! My other friends run these amazing warehouse shows, and you gotta check out some shows from Sid the Cat. Tennis shall be played at Griffith Park and there will also be basketball with my musician friends group. Maybe go out to Waltz’s afterwards. Point Dume in Malibu with a beach day there too is a must. Gotta explore the Santa Monica Mountains while there. I feel like the best, most secluded hikes are up in the Altadena area. Probably go to Dan Sung Sa for delicious and affordable Korean food late into the night. Then lay out in the sun in my backyard, eat oranges, and listen to the trees.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my Shoutout to my friend and brilliant producer and musician Louie Diller! I learned so much about business, being a better musician, band leader, and about life from him! He was the first artist I got to know in LA.

Also shoutout to my therapist, my family, and Liz Nistico!

Website: http://www.chriswillsmusic.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriswillsmusic

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnjBj-YKVc8t9iIyUX59NA

Image Credits
All photos and artwork by Liz Nistico except for the live performance shot. That is by Natalie Zain.