Chris Chord

One on One with Canada Chris
by Mark Angelo Cummings

Being use to sitting on the other side of the microphone when asked by
Ambiente ‘s magazine Herb Sosa to interview this up and coming
singer/songwriter, Chris Chord who was born in Northern Canada, I was first
hesitant about the task in hand but the creative daring person in me decided
that I was up for the challenge and experience; so off I went to gather the
needed information to create the best interview ever done by one Artist to
another.

I decided I wanted to ask her things she had never been asked before to get her
to think outside the box and open up perhaps as she has never before. As one
fellow musician to another, I want to pick her creative brain and see what lies
beneath her bandana and what potion she uses to put forth the words for her
next hit. As I watched several videos and listened to her originals which
Canada displays on her Face Book page, I tried to feel the essence of her poetry
and rhythm, study her moves and feel her passion. Over all it was an
enlightening experience for me to study another fellow Artist and seeing how
much in common we actually had. If there is such a thing as coming from the
same planet, this up and coming Artist and I definitely are from the near vicinity.

MAC | When you were younger and first knew you could sing what was the first
thought that entered your mind? And were you influenced by the industry or
anyone in any way?
CC | Not really, I never really felt different at all except for maybe being asked to sing all
the time in the strangest places. I was a shy kid growing up, hard to believe now.

MAC | Were you parents supportive of your interest in music and possible career choice?
CC | My parents are originally from Portugal and immigrated to Canada. I grew up in a
very strict household where morals, values, and ethics were embedded daily. Don’t get
me wrong, my parents were great providers and wonderful people but to them music
wasn’t considered a “real” job. They were proud of my talent, but they also had a family
business to run which is where I ended up for fifteen years. However, today after years of
determination and persistence on my part I’m happy to say I have their complete
support and respect as a full time recording artist.

MAC | How do you see the world and are your thoughts objective or influenced in any
way by trends?
CC | Basically, I see the world as a big board game of life, people playing out similar
issues just at different times and in different ways. I generally see the world as good with
some people just lost in materialism. I don’t always understand the actions and reasoning
behind people’s choices but I do know my tolerance is practiced regularly. This is why I
write. lol

MAC | Do you feel you can be your own person and have the freedom to create the
songs that are dear to your heart or do feel you have to cater to a particular sector or
market?
CC | There are times where I have catered my music in a direction that was not me. I will
never jeopardize my music or my ethics again because the music industry tells me it’s the
right thing to do. I refuse to be threatened or compromised by anyone to write a certain
way, this is where the song “Help Me” came from. It was based on a result of a negative
experience that I barely escaped. Today I write from my heart with honesty, direction
and personal purpose.

MAC | What is your favorite method of creating, do you have any quirks, ritual or format
you use to write a song?
CC | I don’t really think I knew I could sing until I was in my early teens. I remember
going to an amusement park and recording a song in one of those booths
and they played it over their speaker system and people came up and
complimented me. I knew I had an attraction to music at an early age but it
wasn’t until then that I became interested in how my voice could make people react
so positively. It was an enlightening moment for sure.

I do recall playing a bit of something on any instrument I could get my hands on. When I did finally understand my musical talent it became an addiction that I couldn’t get enough.

I was influenced by so many artists, but boys II men and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith to name a couple were my favorites. I loved their voices and would sing their songs all the time.

MAC | Growing up with your talent did you find it difficult relating to others or were
made feel different because of your gifts?
CC | Well, I generally work in front of the T.V , it’s funny because I need total silence when
I study for a test but when I am creating a song I need external noise , not sure why but it
works!

MAC | Do you hear the rhythms in your head and do the words flow freely as if they were
being placed there by some universal force, or is it more like grabbing words from
experiences and feelings in your life?
CC | I usually strum a few guitar chords and when one strikes me I build a melody, then I
write the lyrics which are usually from life experiences. I can hear the song from start to
finish in my head as soon as I hit that magical chord. I truly feel a higher power is
responsible for channeling the music that comes to me. Whatever it may be I am
grateful to have this gift and am happy to share it with the world.

MAC | What would you tell your fans if you had the chance to express what they mean to
you?
CC | That they are a large part of the reason why I write my songs. That I am so grateful
for their loyalty and support and without them I don’t know who I would share my stories
with. The fact that I can reach and touch people in song is humbling and reassures my
career choice.

MAC | If the world were to end tomorrow what would be the first 3 things on your list to
do?
CC | Hmm, well first I would spend time with all my friends and family on some tropical
island. Then I would perform with Pink at one of her concerts in front of a huge audience
including my fans. Finally, I would go to Las Vegas gamble and get married at one of those chapels lol

MAC | Out of all the things a song writer and singer gets to do what is your favorite thing?
CC |There are so many but I guess meeting up with my fans after a show. I enjoy interacting with people and hearing their own stories, experiences, and how they can relate to my songs.

MAC | What characteristics or elements do you look for in a singer song writer?
CC | A writer who writes for themselves and who is genuine about their music. Writing about issues and tackling tough subjects in a positive way. A writer who is passionate about what they have to say to the world whatever it may be.

MAC| What changes would you like to see in the music industry?
CC: I would love to see less focus on image and money. I wish there was less computer
generated music, definitely less auto tune. I just feel that we are creating an industry of
perfection behind the scenes. Mistakes here and there are not always a bad thing.

MAC | What moves you?
CC| Sharing the stage with other musicians and coming together for one main purpose.
Singing a new song for the first time and watching my fans reactions.

MAC| What makes you angry?
especially if it means compromising your beliefs, it’s not worth it.

MAC |Which of your songs hits home is your favorite?
CC | The song “Balance” . This song was written near the end of my CD and it became the title of the whole project. It pretty much sums up that we all strive to achieve balance in our lives. In the meantime we all experience a rollercoaster of events and it’s O.K. because in time we all eventually find the balance we need.
MAC | I’m calling you back caught my attention, was this song written for anyone special and if so share the experience with your fans?

CC |Actually, this song was written about a friend of mine who had just gone through a bad break up and was struggling with letting go. I would catch her calling her ex but she would never receive a call back. I can remember her leaving this message on an answering machine “I’m calling you back so you better answer!” lol stalker much... I couldn’t resist writing about it.

MAC |Any final words for your fans or soon to be and do you have any words of wisdom for our youth?
CC |To my Fans, you are the reason why I am where I am. I thank you for all the loyal support and I wish I could hug each and every one of you. As for words of wisdom, be true to yourself and the rest with time will fall into place. Be passionate about your goals and dreams and never lose focus.

MAC | Michael Jackson was an Icon beyond words, his music had meaning and he wanted to help change the world, myself as a musician I feel my craft has been given to me for a reason, and my music reflects the messages I want to put forth in our world. Does Canada Chris have a message, a need to express and will we be hearing those kinds of tunes in the near future?
CC | There isn’t a song that I write that does not have an underlying message. I am fortunate to have an outlet like this that allows me to express my thoughts, feelings and opinions on life. My next CD will definitely be more personal and pretty much an open diary of my thoughts, struggles and experiences. I also listen to the concerns and issues that my fans are dealing with and try to write about them. I like to utilize the fact that I can reach many people at one time with my words so I choose them carefully.

MAC | On a more personal level are you romantically involved at the moment and if so who is the lucky lady?
CC | Yes I have an amazing partner but there a few complications at the moment that prevent me from identifying this amazing person lol, but I will soon!

MAC | Do you find it hard to stay in relationship with the demanding lifestyle of an Artist? And does it create heart breaks with the fans?
CC | Actually, my fans are extremely respectful when it comes to my partner. No one has ever crossed that line. I consider myself to be very loving and pay a lot of attention to my partner, and am blessed not to have to deal with any jealousy.

MAC | Do you feel being part of the Forbidden alphabet (LGBT) has hindered your career in any way or do you feel it has been an inspiration or blessing? I get asked that question all the time, and always wonder if other Artist find it difficult to stay true to their sexuality and gender identity.
CC | So far it has been great to be a part of the LGBT community. I’ve had a few negative experiences and wish that we would all work together a bit more. However, for the most part I have had great success within the community. I will never close the doors to anyone that wants to listen or be a part of my music, so I will play for any community be it one fan or five thousand fans. I am humbled that people want to hear
my music.

MAC | What kind of crowd do you attract and what are your favorite venues?
CC | I entertain mostly at local drag shows sharing the stage with amazing kings and queens. I would say those are my favorite venues, they are intimate, personal and that’s where I got my start. I am slowly branching out to other venues and to my surprise I have been receiving excellent attention. I feel the world is slowly but surely progressing.

MAC |What personal dreams does Canada have for the future?
CC |I would love to settle down and have a family someday. I would also love to work and write with other artists.

MAC | What are your political views on same sex marriage, immigration, and your take on how our country is doing, being you are from Canada, I think we can use all the help we can get. Any tips for our President?
CC | I wish presidents and governments around the world would realize that we are all humans and deserve the same basic rights. I would recommend educating the population more and try to instill tolerance when differences arise. Instead of breeding fear when situations are not understood …EDUCATE! Knowledge is power!

MAC | How did you get the title “Canada Chris”?
CC|I traveled to a place called Watertown, NY, 36 miles from the Canadian border. There I found a small accepting club called Clueless. Since there where so many Chris’, one of the staff members referred to me as “Canada Chris” to get my attention, ten years later I am still referred to as Canada Chris.

Chris Chord is a self made musician who considers her art a gift from above. “I feel I channel my music and consider myself very blessed to have this gift”. Although her career has been a challenge due to the sharks in the business, she would never give up or stop doing what she loves to do. Chris has been faced with many situations in the industry and it has taken her 10 years to materialize her dream of being a producer and recording artist. Chris has learned to be true to herself and is happy being who she is today, she love people and believes musicians are here to bring forth a personal message via their art. She sees the world as a board game and learns from every passing experience. “Knowledge is power” and it appears that life has taught this Melody girl many lessons, but has not broken her beautiful spirit. “Our differences are good and I am humored by our division, we have more in common than not”. I am glad I got to interview this genuine soft soul, and it gives me hope that there are true musicians out there who will not sell their soul to the industry. We are a rare breed, but I am so grateful that I got to speak with her and look forward to doing something together in the near future.

You can visit Chris’s website http://site.chrischord.com/ or follow her on Face Book facebook.com/chrischord. You definitely do not want to miss this amazing artist who will steal your heart and rock your soul.
Mark Angelo Cummings is a free lance writer, singer/song writer who can be reached at markangelocummings@yahoo.com or visit his website
- Ambiente Magazine