Chris Saunders
New York City, NY | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF
Music
Press
Chris Saunders’ life-long passion for and connection to music shines brightly on this latest release. Fresh from the album Liquid Therapy, Fall In Love brings together the emotional realness of a singer-songwriter offering, and a gradually intensifying, uplifting trip-hop soundscape, and it sounds beautiful.
The opening few moments of this song lay out a thread that seems to be the main element or strength of the song – the hook is presented from the offset, the music has a certain sense of rhythm, Saunders’ voice is gentle yet striking. As things progress though, the featured vocal and the structural aspects bring through a track that has far more to offer than the simple rhythm and melody of that key line.
Fall In Love presents an artist with a sheer love for music – it runs deep in everything he creates. The track does indeed have those repetitive, comforting elements that we turn to (or indeed turn up loud) when we hear them appearing, but it also lets individuality wander the stage. The track has a partly organic feel, the bounce comes from the rhythm guitar and the stop-and-start nature of the beat. The whole thing never quite peaks at the manic levels of EDM, but the rising energy and warmth of it is equally entrancing and even quite energizing.
From a songwriting perspective, this concept of not wanting to fall in love is something many can relate to. The verses deal with an in-the-moment series of observations, alongside of personal reflections and thoughts on meaning and depth. The lightly optimistic aura of the soundscape supports and enhances all of this gorgeously. It’s a quickly recognisable song and both Saunders and the accompanying artists – Anice Kim and Dash Martin – put in unquestionably fitting and flawless performances. An easy must, particularly as the summer hits full swing.
Fall In Love was produced by Segnon Tiewul. Stream the single on Spotify. Find & follow Chris Saunders on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Visit his Website for more information. - Stereo Stickman
Discography
Liquid Therapy (2018)
Eleventh Ward EP (2014)
Eleventh Ward Unplugged EP (2012)
Photos
Bio
Chris Saunders is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan. Coming from British and Jamaican roots, he had an innate love of music, which was nurtured by his family. Chris was raised on the music of icons, such as Jimmy Cliff, The Beatles, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Sting & The Police.
In his formative years, he studied the piano, trumpet, and flute, but found his place with a guitar in his lap. Bob Marley and Eric Clapton were some of the early artists that shaped Chris’ music style, later adding the sounds of Oasis and Eagle Eye Cherry.
As his interest and talent grew, so did his catalog of covers. In 2005, Chris began to create his own sound, combining styles and genres from a variety of artists and regions. As both a solo musician and collaborator, he has written and performed songs ranging from singer/songwriter and rock to reggae and funk. Chris’ love of all kinds of music is reflected by the versatility in his songwriting.
In 2010, Chris formed his band, Eleventh Ward, regularly performing his original songs and popular covers at live gigs throughout New York City. Four years later in 2014, Chris and the band released a self-titled EP featuring original tracks traversing singer/songwriter, funk, reggae, and soul. As his sound continued to evolve and his band morphed, he performed throughout NYC at legendary venues, including The Bitter End, Pianos, Arlene’s Grocery, The Red Room, and The Delancey, as well as performing at the 2015 New York City Marathon.
Chris’ years of writing and performing have now culminated in the release of his first solo full-length album, titled Liquid Therapy, released in February 2018. The album combines the sounds of traditional indie rock and soul, along with reggae/hip-hop/dancehall elements. Liquid Therapy explores the personal journeys and complex relationships formed under the influence of alcohol and music.
Band Members
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