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?
I have been in the music industry since the mid-’90s. From my early beginnings in my middle school band, to joining my high school marching band, to then signing with Fearless Records rock act Rock Kills Kid, as their drummer in 2001. Which led to touring and sharing the stage with headlining and national acts. In the mid 2000’s I left drumming behind to focus on singing & songwriting, and becoming a frontman for my own band. Which followed with several magazine and online features in music magazines, social media sites, and television.
How it all started for me was in my 8th grade middle school class band, where I played the snare drum. From there, progressing into the 9th grade of high school, I decided I would join the marching band drumline. I was even in a few original bands that I started up with some friends where I was the drummer/lead vocalist. Yes, I was pulling a Phil Collins move in high school! After graduating high school I went to a community college where I wanted to study psychology and music theory. I remember sitting in my psych class one day and I got a voicemail message on my cell phone from a buddy of mine telling me to call him ASAP. So, I stepped out of class for a minute to call back. He explained there was this band that just signed a deal with Fearless Records and they lost their drummer in midst of their deal. And, they were also going through a name change. So, they were in need of a drummer and one that could learn their songs and finish recording their debut EP set to release on Fearless Records early the following year. My friend thought I would be the perfect fit for this opportunity. I already knew who Fearless Records was, as they had some of my favorites bands at the time on their artist roster. That alone had me so stoked! My friend then gave me the number of the bass player of the band and said that I should call him ASAP. So, I ended up going back inside the classroom, gathered up my belongings and left class to head home so that I could get in touch with the band sooner than later. Once I got home, I called their bassist up and we chatted for a little bit. He gave me three songs to learn over the span of I think a week or so. We set up an audition date, and I was pumped for it. I listened to those three songs day In and day out drilling them into my head. Even sleeping with those songs playing over and over in my headphones. It came down to audition day. I don’t remember being nervous, but I do remember saying to myself, “I want this, I NEED this!” I played those three songs with them like I had been playing with them for years. I even shocked myself. Haha. However, I had to prove to myself that I could do it. At the end of the audition, I remember the guitarist/lead singer and bassist stepping out of the rehearsal space to talk. They came back in minutes later and offered me the gig. From that point on, that’s when I knew it was time for the big leagues, and music would become my profession from that moment on.
After years of touring, playing shows, recording demos, and tracking new songs. I decided to leave the drumming world behind and make singing and songwriting my main focus. Within that time, I filled in and/or replaced singers in bands that had lost their singer due to parting ways or a falling out.
In 2008, is when I said to myself, “It’s time to start Your Own band!” So, I did. I found all the members, wrote seven tracks which would later lead to tracking our debut EP with up and coming record producer/engineer; Erik Ron; (Godsmack, New Years Day, Hollywood Undead, and many more) After the release of our debut EP. We toured, played countless shows, had a small indie record deal, sponsorships, and management all within less than a year’s time.
Following this group’s disbandment around 2010 is when and where my song, “Fall into Pieces” came to life. I ended up writing another song to follow called, “Break Free”, and then co-wrote and added the song, “Joyride” to the mix. I hit the recording studio shortly after to start my journey as a solo artist. I worked with music producer/engineer; David Julson-Rieley, who also contributed to some of the arrangements, musical components and lyrics to each track. Putting the drumsticks down was an important move for me to not only show the world what I have to offer as a singer-songwriter and front man, but to follow what it is I knew I was put on this earth to do.
For many years following the writing of, “Fall into Pieces”, I went through a dark phase in my life. I gave up pursuing music, had my ups and downs in life, and more or less did music as a “hobby.” Throughout this time, I wrote songs, recorded demos and cover songs in my home and released them on social media, but that’s about it. I even filled in for a few bands that were in need of a singer and recorded some songs with them, but those were short lived.
In May of 2021, I had a little fire still left in me and decided I would finally release, “Fall into Pieces” for the world to hear. Those songs were all a labor of love, and told my story that I hoped to evoke a rollercoaster of emotions to listeners. Almost like getting lost in your own thoughts. For me, it’s like driving through a dark wooded forest and all you see is the road ahead. Oblivious to everything surrounding you. “Fall into Pieces” represents the EP where the listener can connect from life experience, pain, and a little fun!
The release of ‘Fall into Pieces’ EP emerged after a long break in the music world. I toyed with the idea for several years of getting back out into the live scene again and doing what it is I love to do. I suppose releasing the EP gave me the motivation I needed to make that happen. With that, 2022 is looking bright, and you can definitely expect to see more of me in the coming months, along with a new single coming the Summer of 2022, music videos, press, and much much more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At times I wished I was told that the music world isn’t exactly all sunshine and rainbows. It can be pretty tough and have some surprises that can come out of nowhere, However, you just have to be aware, expect the unexpected and do your job and do it well 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!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known originally for my drumming and back-up singing but have gained more recognition for my singing and front-man 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 me, regardless of what others say or think. I create my own destiny.
This year, I plan to release my newest single, “Can’t Let Go.” Which I am extremely proud of. You can expect to see the single drop on all music platforms, July 29th, 2022! And, a music video for the single will follow on Monday, August 1st, 2022 on popular online video streaming platforms.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would say I’m somewhat of a risk taker. In my early days, I tended to play it safe and stick to what was most comfortable for me. However, the older I got the more I realized that without risk there is no reward. So, now, I am very open-minded musically and never pigeonhole myself to one style or genre. I try to be as versatile as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chrispoulson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
chris__poulson - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
CPoulsonMusic - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/c/ChrisPoulsonOfficial - SoundCloud: https://www.
soundcloud.com/ chrispoulsonmusic
Image Credits
High Voltage Magazine, MySpace Music, Cris Jan Lim Photography, Jorge Juarez Photography
