Hello:
From experience I have learned to not announce any upcoming songs or projects unless and until they are completed and ready to be released and marketed. However, this is an exception.
I am happy to announce that I have two full-length projects in the works. At this point I am planning to release a free album followed by a (not free) album. I am excited to say that these projects will be different in style from each other, yet will each be suitable to any listener.
I look forward to releasing some new songs and videos over the next few months. Please keep in mind that "in the works" does not mean releasing very soon. This message is merely an update of what music I have been working on. I will go until the tank is on E. It will take some time to release these projects properly, yet will certainly be worth the wait.
Thank you for your patience!
Chris
Monday, September 7, 2015
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Chris Black Unplugged
Special event: Chris Black Unplugged
(Presented by Yesterdays Nothing)
15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH
WHEN: Thursday, July 9, 2015
Doors at 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $8 presale ($10 week of concert) // $15 at the door
Buy 2 presale, get 1.
Use the button below to buy tickets direct and have them delivered. Purchase 2 or more tickets to get a name on the guest list!
WHO: Chris Black & Live Band, Jamil, powerNapz, and Fanaticus
Hosted by Sicksteen of Yesterdays Nothing.
Why Unplugged?
It seems like 1 out of every 2 people is a rapper nowadays. Computers have made this possible. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can overwhelm people and make us lose sight of real music.
Unplugged means we will be performing with no digital tracks. All music will be played right in front of the audience, like the good old days of music.
These are some of the best young musicians in Cleveland. Many have seen us perform together before, but never without digital tracks as we will do here.
This concert will mark the beginning of a big change in my music career, so we hope you will be there to enjoy it with us.
Thanks for your time,
Chris Black (6/30/2015)
Unplugged means we will be performing with no digital tracks. All music will be played right in front of the audience, like the good old days of music.
- Ray Flanagan - Guitar
- Russ Flanagan - Keyboard
- Garrett Tresch - Bass
- Kyle Tresch - Drums
These are some of the best young musicians in Cleveland. Many have seen us perform together before, but never without digital tracks as we will do here.
This concert will mark the beginning of a big change in my music career, so we hope you will be there to enjoy it with us.
Thanks for your time,
Chris Black (6/30/2015)
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
To the Reader
It's been a while since I've posted on this blog - over a year in
fact. That is not right. It's not fair to anyone who likes my
music, or has supported me over the years.
Many have been asking me, "where's the new music?" That's a good question. I've been working on it, and I will be sure to release another full-length album. However, music takes time to make, especially if the artist is independent, funding nearly all of his own operations, and trying to establish other ventures in life at the same time, such as a steady career, etc. I have adjusted my approach to the whole thing.
Music is art. At least that's what it's supposed to be. And artists are not supposed to be machines that continually crank out new material, just for the sake of publishing something. All great art that has stood the test of time has emotion, spirit and life in it. These three qualities also give it meaning and purpose. That's what I strive to do - put emotion, spirit and life into everything I do in music. Now I have also found other ways to stand up for what I believe, and what I know to be true.
I used to make music because people liked me for it. I would make a song and people in the halls or at parties would recite lyrics to me, tell me they liked the song, these sorts of things. But popularity and public approval can only sustain somebody for so long. I got caught up in the feeling I would get when people would ask me "are you the rapper?!" There is a certain high that comes with that - when people respect you or like you just for the art you've made.
Now I realize the only enjoyment, the only fulfillment, the only sustaining life I can gain from this ride comes from people benefiting from my music. When I was told the mother of somebody I dedicated one of my early songs to cried when she heard it; when friends have told me they listened Against All Odds in the gym; when Tre Smith got the student section to sing "Get On My Level," and the cheerleaders painted the lyrics on Chick-fil-A's door. Wow! Most of all, when a now-close friend of mine told me Red Pill helped build his faith in Jesus Christ.
This is what I do this for. This is what I make any song for. This is what I do any concert for. After analyzing my career in music for several months, I realize that's the only reason I do this. Fame, great riches, glory, prestige, rich friends - all these things come and go. These things lead people from their families. These things destroy relationships. They enslave people. As you may have noticed, I refuse to be fit into some mold, or to suffocate my beliefs for fear of offending somebody. What about the people that have no one to speak up for them? What if everyone let our liberties be stripped to nothing, and I did nothing to stop it? Remember the people around you in all you do, and remember that every action you take has an effect on somebody.
I am happy to say that I am in no way done making music. (So you can stop thinking I am.) I'm going to make my songs, put my soul in them, and try to help somebody. If my songs can help one person, I've done my job. Continue to put pressure on me, those of you who have, and continue to ask me when the new music is coming. It does more than you know for me. I will never get caught up in the mainstream style of music, or the mainstream lyrical content. I will always stir things up, piss some people off, comfort some, and motivate others. Whether this is through music or another outlet, I will always strive to do this. This is life. Life is not comfort. Life is challenge. Life is love. Life is beautiful. Life is unlimited opportunity. I hope you make the most of it. I hope I do too.
Thank you for reading.
Chris Black
6/22/2015
P.S. I will be doing a special Unplugged concert at the Beachland Tavern on July 9. All live band, no digital tracks. Several new songs. More details to come.
Many have been asking me, "where's the new music?" That's a good question. I've been working on it, and I will be sure to release another full-length album. However, music takes time to make, especially if the artist is independent, funding nearly all of his own operations, and trying to establish other ventures in life at the same time, such as a steady career, etc. I have adjusted my approach to the whole thing.
Music is art. At least that's what it's supposed to be. And artists are not supposed to be machines that continually crank out new material, just for the sake of publishing something. All great art that has stood the test of time has emotion, spirit and life in it. These three qualities also give it meaning and purpose. That's what I strive to do - put emotion, spirit and life into everything I do in music. Now I have also found other ways to stand up for what I believe, and what I know to be true.
I used to make music because people liked me for it. I would make a song and people in the halls or at parties would recite lyrics to me, tell me they liked the song, these sorts of things. But popularity and public approval can only sustain somebody for so long. I got caught up in the feeling I would get when people would ask me "are you the rapper?!" There is a certain high that comes with that - when people respect you or like you just for the art you've made.
Now I realize the only enjoyment, the only fulfillment, the only sustaining life I can gain from this ride comes from people benefiting from my music. When I was told the mother of somebody I dedicated one of my early songs to cried when she heard it; when friends have told me they listened Against All Odds in the gym; when Tre Smith got the student section to sing "Get On My Level," and the cheerleaders painted the lyrics on Chick-fil-A's door. Wow! Most of all, when a now-close friend of mine told me Red Pill helped build his faith in Jesus Christ.
This is what I do this for. This is what I make any song for. This is what I do any concert for. After analyzing my career in music for several months, I realize that's the only reason I do this. Fame, great riches, glory, prestige, rich friends - all these things come and go. These things lead people from their families. These things destroy relationships. They enslave people. As you may have noticed, I refuse to be fit into some mold, or to suffocate my beliefs for fear of offending somebody. What about the people that have no one to speak up for them? What if everyone let our liberties be stripped to nothing, and I did nothing to stop it? Remember the people around you in all you do, and remember that every action you take has an effect on somebody.
I am happy to say that I am in no way done making music. (So you can stop thinking I am.) I'm going to make my songs, put my soul in them, and try to help somebody. If my songs can help one person, I've done my job. Continue to put pressure on me, those of you who have, and continue to ask me when the new music is coming. It does more than you know for me. I will never get caught up in the mainstream style of music, or the mainstream lyrical content. I will always stir things up, piss some people off, comfort some, and motivate others. Whether this is through music or another outlet, I will always strive to do this. This is life. Life is not comfort. Life is challenge. Life is love. Life is beautiful. Life is unlimited opportunity. I hope you make the most of it. I hope I do too.
Thank you for reading.
Chris Black
6/22/2015
P.S. I will be doing a special Unplugged concert at the Beachland Tavern on July 9. All live band, no digital tracks. Several new songs. More details to come.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Chris Black Come Back Concert @ Willoughby South High School
Basics:
On May 30, 2014, my band and I will be performing at the high school I graduated from - Willoughby South! The event is titled 'Chris Black Come Back,' as it will be my first "big" return to the school, since I graduated in 2011. The goal of the event is to raise money for the Class of 2015, and to teach people that drugs are bad. (But don't worry, I won't be a downer.)
I am happy to say that Jamil Hairston will be performing as an opening act. The event is open to the entire public! (Some people think it is a students-only event.) Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $5 in advance (and can be purchased either at the school, or via delivery through chrisblackohio.com) and $10 at the door, so GET THEM NOW. Save the extra 5 bucks!
Buy tickets here (no PayPal account needed):
Background of event:
Sam Stohlman, president of the Willoughby South Graduating Class of 2015 sent an email to me through my website, asking if I'd be interested in performing at the school. I've always wanted to do this, so naturally we got working on the idea right away. After getting approval from Principal Walker, we moved forward with the planning. I have been more than pleased with the student government in what they've done - the dedication they've shown and the efforts they've put forth have been incredible. They will truly be successful in life.
On Friday, May 23, I will be visiting the school during the day to speak to some students. I will be talking about how disrespect for authority and experimentation with drugs can lead down a dark path, and that this world very much so allows for a young man or woman to make some money while pursuing his/her dreams, which can lead you up a very light path.
Check out the official flyer below, designed by Tre Smith as usual.
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On May 30, 2014, my band and I will be performing at the high school I graduated from - Willoughby South! The event is titled 'Chris Black Come Back,' as it will be my first "big" return to the school, since I graduated in 2011. The goal of the event is to raise money for the Class of 2015, and to teach people that drugs are bad. (But don't worry, I won't be a downer.)
I am happy to say that Jamil Hairston will be performing as an opening act. The event is open to the entire public! (Some people think it is a students-only event.) Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $5 in advance (and can be purchased either at the school, or via delivery through chrisblackohio.com) and $10 at the door, so GET THEM NOW. Save the extra 5 bucks!
Buy tickets here (no PayPal account needed):
Background of event:
Sam Stohlman, president of the Willoughby South Graduating Class of 2015 sent an email to me through my website, asking if I'd be interested in performing at the school. I've always wanted to do this, so naturally we got working on the idea right away. After getting approval from Principal Walker, we moved forward with the planning. I have been more than pleased with the student government in what they've done - the dedication they've shown and the efforts they've put forth have been incredible. They will truly be successful in life.
On Friday, May 23, I will be visiting the school during the day to speak to some students. I will be talking about how disrespect for authority and experimentation with drugs can lead down a dark path, and that this world very much so allows for a young man or woman to make some money while pursuing his/her dreams, which can lead you up a very light path.
Check out the official flyer below, designed by Tre Smith as usual.
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