Chris Watts Wrong or Right Interview

Chris Watts Wrong or Right Interview

After the success of his most recent single, Wrong or Right, Chris Watts performed a solo show at The Toff in Town, Melbourne on Saturday, August 20.

The Melbourne based 23-year-old has had a busy year, recently collaborating with Amy Sheppard on his new single, Wrong or Right. ARIA award winning Amy Sheppard, of the Australian indie-pop band Sheppard, took time out from releasing her second album with the group to collaborate with Chris on the single, which displays Chris' signature sound – a set of irresistible folk/indie-pop tunes underpinned by catchy riffs.

Earlier this year, Chris collaborated with Steve Schram (San Cisco, Little Red) to record and produce his single Let Go, which quickly gained success with over 100,000 Spotify plays in just over six days, followed by a sold out single launch show at Melbourne's Shebeen Bandroom.

Kicking off his career with the debut album Back Down, Chris has been one to watch on the music scene. He has performed at Beyond the Valley and St Kilda Festivals and in 2015 was selected to take part in MTV Brand New, which has previously included artists such as Justin Beiber, James Bay, Lana Del Ray, Sam Smith and Jessie J. Chris also performed at the MTV Beats & Eats festival in Sydney last year as well as iconic venues such as the Metro Theatre and Etihad Stadium. The catchy and upbeat Wrong or Right by Chris Watts, featuring Amy Sheppard, was produced by ARIA nominated Producer of the Year (2014), Stuart Stuart (The Veronicas, Sheppard) and can be heard here: YouTube

Interview with Chris Watts

Question: How would you describe your music?

Chris Watts: A blend of Indie-Pop incorporating large melodic melodies.


Question: What inspired Wrong or Right?

Chris Watts: A confused relationship, full of question marks.


Question: What was it like working with Amy Sheppard?

Chris Watts: Amy is one kewl, stylish, beautiful person. Working in the studio and on set for the music video was super relaxed and easy.

Question: What should we expect from the upcoming show?

Chris Watts: You'll never see the same show twice! You'll have to come and see.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Chris Watts: I initially thought that you needed to be signed to a Label to get anywhere. This is not true, being an independent artists can still mean you can make waves.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Chris Watts: All my songs are original, written by my self and usually starting with my guitar in my bedroom. All songs are inspired by my experiences, which are predominately about relationships, both serious and tongue and cheek.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Chris Watts: It's such a mixture! If I rattle off the last five songs I've just listen to on Spotify.

Something - The Beatles, Forever Young - Youth Group, Lost - Frank Ocean, Adele - Water Under The bridge, Toothbrush - DNCE.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Chris Watts: I'm currently preparing my material for some new demos and from there, hopefully an album in the near future. I really want to slow down now and bring out something special.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Chris Watts: Numerous times, however I still haven't achieved what I really want out of music.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Chris Watts: Performing live always gives me a bigger buzz, you can't beat that feeling of connecting with the audience. There's a certain type of rawness and honesty when performing in front of an audience. I love the feedback.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Chris Watts: When I first picked up guitar at the age of 13, I looked up to artists like The Kooks, Maroon 5 and this Californian band Rooney. More so for their guitar licks and riffs. They truly inspired my guitar playing.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Chris Watts: Getting people to listen and believe in you before you've had any success. For people to listen to 'Chris Watts' only on the merit of his music and not what has he done prior.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Chris Watts: Coffee, guitar, sleep, repeat. Maybe some Netflix and chill somewhere amongst that.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Chris Watts: This sounds cheesy but apart from playing Festivals and hearing my song on the radio which is an incredible feeling. The friendships I've made and people I've meet who love what I love, has been the most exiting part.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Chris Watts: I was recently asked this very question and my answer was, Dua Lipa. I'd also add Charlie XCX.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Chris Watts: Sure do, www.chriswatts.com.au


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Chris Watts: Family, Friendship, Love, Music and salt vinegar rock salt chips.


Interview by Brooke Hunter