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.
