Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Poulson.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Chris Poulson is an accomplished musician from Burbank, California, whose career demonstrates both talent and resolve. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s with Rock Kills Kid, which secured deals with Fearless Records and later Reprise Records in 2005. The band was acclaimed for its electrifying performances and extensive U.S. tours, offering Chris a stage to shine as both drummer and vocalist. After departing, he became a singer-songwriter, honing his craft and exploring genres through collaborations. Sometimes he launched his own projects; other times, he led bands in transition. These ventures forged his distinctive musical identity. In 2021, Chris launched a solo career with 4 singles that resonated across major platforms. Pursuing deeper creative satisfaction, he founded a new rock band, blending both new and earlier material. In April 2024, he teamed with the drummer for the rock band LIT to shape tracks for his debut LP. The outcome was 10 songs spotlighting his artistic evolution, culminating in the birth of his new band Sound Siren in late 2024.
Fans can follow Sound Siren and Chris on their vibrant social media channels. The band anticipates additional 2025 singles. These will lead with brand-new songs that Chris and the band put together throughout 2025. Their release will follow sometime in early 2026. You can catch their energetic live shows around Los Angeles and nearby areas.
Chris has endorsements from brands such as Ernie Ball Company. This company is renowned for its guitar strings and accessories. He is also endorsed by Dirtbag Clothing, a notable clothing line in the music scene. These partnerships underscore his impact and prestige in contemporary music.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The music world isn’t always easy; unexpected tough moments can happen. I have had my fair share of ups and downs in the business. However, I love creating and playing music; it’s the one thing that drives my soul.
I’ve never let the bad times ever detour me, nor become bitter or jaded in any way. The key is to be prepared, do your job well, and stay true to yourself. True happiness comes from enjoying what you do, even when the outcome is out of your control. If you express yourself authentically, that happiness will carry you through your journey and beyond.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the age of 12, I started playing the snare drum in my middle school band. I quickly grew to love drumming and aspired to become a professional drummer. In my freshman year of high school, I joined the marching band, starting off playing triangle in the percussion line then moved on to cymbals and then concluded my last year in band as one of the lead bass drum players in the drumline.
Throughout high school and college, I played in several bands with classmates. In my first year of college, a new band called Rock Kills Kid caught wind of me through a mutual friend after they lost their drummer. Their bassist called me and asked if I would like to audition for the bad. Determined to impress, I learned all of their songs on the drums as well as the backup vocals for the audition. After the audition concluded, the founders of the band went outside to converse amongst one another. They came back in the room shortly after offering me the position as the drummer for RKK.
At that moment I was then considered the original drummer for Rock Kills Kid, who had also just signed with Fearless Records a few months earlier. I was ecstatic to say the least. A few weeks after the audition I headed into the studio with RKK to complete what would be our debut EP, which was set to be released on Fearless Records in a few short months, in January 2021. I toured with RKK for several tours and have shared the stage with such acts as Plain White T’s, Anberlin, A Static Lullaby, and Codeseven, to name a few. I met a lot of great musicians and made many priceless contacts along the way.
My departure from RKK occurred in late 2005, and from there, I wanted to pursue being a frontman/lead vocalist for a band, a goal I had always had in the back of my mind.
Although I am originally known for my drumming and back-up singing in Rock Kills Kid, I have then gained more recognition for my singing, songwriting and frontman qualities. I’m most proud of how I have stayed in music for as long as I have. Maybe it’s because I know I am born to do this and would feel lost without it. What sets me apart from others is my persistence to never give up, regardless of what others say or think. I create my own destiny.
In 2024, I set out to create a brand new band that I had dreamed of for many years prior, called, Sound Siren. I had a plan to release a relentless number of singles throughout 2025 into 2026, and play as many live shows as possible. I am committed to making our mark on the music scene, driven by my passion and determination to create music that truly resonates with audiences.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
At times, I wished I had been told that the music world isn’t exactly all sunshine and rainbows. It can be quite challenging and has some surprises that emerge unexpectedly. However, you just have to be aware, expect the unexpected, and do your job to the best of your ability. And, no one can deprive you of that. Being Happy and enjoying what you do is key. However, sometimes the freedom to do what you want and play what you want isn’t always an option. The music business is a bit tricky. But, as long as you’re able to express yourself and be the Real YOU, then happiness is bound to carry through your musical journey, or in just about anything that you do.
To me, that’s true success!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundsirenofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundsirenofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundSirenOfficial
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sound-siren-3a993234a/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Sound__Siren
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoundSirenOfficial
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/soundsirenofficial
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@soundsirenofficial
Image Credits
Cris Jan Lim
Amanda Rae Villegas
Chris Poulson
