X-Cal

Being a starving artist isn’t easy, but Chris “X-Cal” Gazaway embraces it with a passion. “Just give me a chance to grace the stage and I promise to give 110%,” says the recent Orange County transplant. At only 24 years old, X-Cal is already making his presence felt in the very competitive world of music.

Raised in Oklahoma, X-Cal isn’t your typical West Coast artist. Brought up Muslim until the age of 14, and then Christian until 18, Chris decided to keep the faith in his own way; a spirit of individualism that shines through in his work. Emerging in the summer of 2004, Chris had the opportunity to learn from some of the best artists in his home town of Tulsa. Under the tutelage of local Tulsa legend Anthony “P.D.A.” Jenkins, Chris got his first taste of the hard work it takes to be a professional musician. Working as P.D.A.’s hype man for over a year, Chris soon got the chance to open some shows locally, and X-Cal – a moniker stemming from his background as a professional wrestler – was born.

Capturing audiences with his delivery, passion, and attention to detail, Chris made a conscious decision from the very beginning not only to strive for originality in his music, but also quality. Unlike many musical artists, X-Cal refuses to be categorized. In a celebration of different styles and mix of genres, X-Cal’s music is a fusion of funk, hip-hop, and alternative. Money, violence, and profanity are not to be found in X-Cal’s songs, unlike the darker sounds and lyrics that tend to inundate the hip hop industry, X-Cal’s unique blend of music is uplifting and positive.

Beginning in 2007, X-Cal relocated to Orange County, California in order to pursue his aspiring musical career. Performing at events throughout Southern California since his arrival, X-Cal has even opened for the likes of the legendary Pauly Shore and Shady Records’ artist Cashis. As part of his promise to give a 110%, X-Cal performs wherever he can find a stage and mic.

In early 2008, X-Cal returned home again to Tulsa in order to record his debut album “Already on Clearance,” with Connor McFarland and Anthony Jenkins as producers. Released in January 2009, “Already on Clearance” features X-Cal’s trademark fusion of genres and upbeat sound. With his fast-pasted rhymes and lyrics escalating on every track, his mixture of hip-hop inspired lyrics and drum and guitar laden songs prove that originality is still possible in todays over crowded music scene. Backed by a live drummer in the majority of his performances, X-Cal has been playing shows non-stop since the release of his debut album. “I’m a glorified prostitute, only I don’t look as good, and I don’t have any limits,” jokes X-Cal, “pay me… play me, either way, just give me a chance.” Rarely does an artist emerge who displays such passion not only for his music but also for his fans. “I figure I haven’t been booed off stage yet,” says X-Cal, “so I must be doing something close to right… right?”