Singer/songwriter/guitarist CHRIS ROBERTS has worn many hats, both literally and figuratively, and now with the release of his debut EP Red Feather, he is offering up what he describes best as "rock 'n' roll/hippie/country magic."
Stream, buy and share Red Feather available now on all digital platforms.
Straddling the worlds of Americana and raw country/Southern rock, the songs are solidly written and executed, laced with innovative but irresistible hooks and finessed with world-class craftsmanship. Fans first got a glimpse of this with the release of the previous singles and music videos, "Get Down," "Hate When You're Gone" and CHRIS's debut single "Remember That It's Me", which charted in radio markets throughout Texas.
The tracks are catching the attention of music outlets as well. American Songwriter first premiered "Hate When You're Gone" and noted: "This song is truly a mesmerizingly rhythmic piano song. The piano chords open up the song's rich introspection with a sprawling emotional reach that makes you sway in your seat...Not only does the sound fill up your soul, but Roberts' lyrics tap into the well-known feelings of dread when that special someone is missing from your life."
"Get Down," currently being added to AAA and Americana radio, first made its debut on Americana Highways who declared: "In an easy country Americana style, Chris Roberts will seize on your emotions and never let go. 'Get Down' is a motivational inspiration of the grittiest kind."
"It's Southern rock n' roll with Roberts' ear pleasing, rich vocal, tasty guitar licks and world class musicianship from him and the band," Rock & Blues Muse wrote. "With catchy rhythm and irresistible hooks...If it doesn't get you moving through challenging times, not much will."
The songs for Red Feather were written and recorded during a time when CHRIS and his band--Eli Wulfmeier (guitar), Adam Arcos (bass), Jake Abernathie (keys) and Jason Ganberg (drums)--had been forced to cancel shows due to the pandemic. So, they decided to make the best of an unpredictable time, pointed their bus toward Joshua Tree in the California desert, found a recording studio that had accommodations as well as state-of-the-art gear and spent three weeks in quarantine/isolation, writing and recording.
It wasn't always clear that music was in the cards for the Austin native now based in Aspen, CO. "I never tried to become a musician," he explains. "I never thought I would play music. I never desired to play music. It's just that music kept falling into me and out of me until I had no choice."
From working on ranches and construction sites in Texas, laying carpet, and even washing cars, to eventually launching Aspen Hatter, a highly successful hatmaking business, CHRIS has always been an independent and impulsive self-starter. Every bit of music he's heard, every moment of sadness and joy he's experience, informs who he is and what he does.
