Chris Urriola took the time out to talk to us about his upcoming EP, Illustrator EP. Let’s see what he has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
That’s the name my momma gave me, but I am named after my personal hero, my grandmother, Christine.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
My oldest friends, musical friends, had first set up their drums and guitar in my basement in 1999 and since then I have been lucky enough to perform with them through the decades. While we don’t see each other as often as I’d like, the fact that we were able to record this EP amongst the other productions is truly a gift.
How would you describe your sound?
Highly rhythmic while keeping a simplicity, especially on the bass guitar and allowing for a Phil Spector wall-of-sound approach to capture the attention of the listener.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
For this effort, I would say The Radio Dept. from Sweden. After performing as an opening act with Julia Kwamya during their European and American Tour, hearing their set day-to-day greatly inspired my songwriting journey.
What’s the last song you listened to?
“Perfect” by The Smashing Pumpkins, I have to learn the lyrics for the EP Release Show (“Clock is ticking”).
What’s your source for hearing new music?
I find recommendations when I am watching Music Documentaries. For example, I am interested in hearing Dio’s discography after enjoying the Showtime Network’s piece about his career. He is such an inspiring and positive individual and a real mentor in my solo effort.
Who is your dream producer?
Rick Rubin would be my dream producer as I am a big fan of the Shangri-La Documentary Series
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with Paul Banks of Interpol and see his composing process.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I was led to music early when I purchased the Kriss Kross “Jump” Tape, I think I was 6 years old.
It sounds cliché but I physically need to create, even if it’s tapping out a rhythm from being fidgety, or humming while I eat. There’s not a minute that goes by without some musical stimulus taking place within myself.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Sometimes the song gets written on a guitar where I’ll arrive at the practice room with my team-mate, Evan Berg and we’ll riff it out. Other times, it’s purely improvisational where I’ll be on bass, jamming and an idea will pop. (“Boom, get it on the voice memo.”)
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I find Instagram to be the main point of contact. I find it so refreshing to share another artist’s music in the Stories function. It lends to a more community-based approach to promotion rather than a ‘look at me’ deluge of information.
Chris Urriola (@chrisurriola) • Instagram photos and videos
chrisurriola (@ChrisUrriola) / Twitter
Music | Chris Urriola (bandcamp.com)
What’s next for you?
After the EP release, I will book time to prep the next (4) songs with Sean Walsh of Waldin Studios and then Jeff Berner of Studio G.
They are my dream team for developing these songs.
