Published: October 21, 2009 10:24 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight October 2009 Edition
Chris Watson Band
Chris Watson Band
In the year of 1986 in Denton, Texas, Chris Watson entered into the world. Watson grew up in a household that was full of talented family members who all shared a deep love and passion for music. Chris' biggest support and a major blues lover and supporter was his father who Watson has contributed as being one of his major influences for why he is pursuing music. As Watson continued to develop his taste for music, he quickly began to discover his love for Blues music.
When Watson was around the age 15 years old, he received his first guitar and amplifier. This prompted Watson to proceed to reproduce the wonderful and magical sounds he heard coming from such guitars as BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and so many others. Today, Watson has mastered his own style that gives Blues a youthful and refreshing sound fused in with a Rock flavor. If you are looking for the next generation of Blues musicians, then do not look any further; we have found him. Enjoy this recent spotlight that Watson completed with our Webzine.
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Chris Watson Band: Chris Watson Band. It started out as that because for a while I was the only constant part of the band. I had a lot of pick up bands and hired guns that I had to chart out all my original tunes for. Eventually, I fell into some people that stuck. It is a lot less stressful that way.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Chris Watson Band: I grew up playing real traditional blues music, but as I got older I branched out and became infatuated with Southern Rock and the heavier blues players. These days the cats that inspire me the most are Warren Haynes of Gov't Mule and Derek Trucks. They have such an understanding of all types of music that they aren't pigeon holed into one particular style. I really appreciate that and I try to emulate that in my writing. I never want someone to say "Hey have you heard that new blues player Chris Watson?" "No, but I don't like the blues so I'm not going to check him out." When there really is something for everyone on the album.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Chris Watson Band: Some of the guys I met recently; and some of them I've known for years through the local circuit. It is a well put together group in that everyone gets along and genuinely enjoys each other.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Chris Watson Band: I started seriously performing about 4 or 5 years ago and it really took off from there. I love being able to share with people and when the vibe is right in the club you can really feel the energy being transmitted back to you. That's what it's all about, I think.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Chris Watson Band: Gator Music and the Texas Music Agency handle all of my business.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Chris Watson Band: I am a loyal Fender nut. My dad and I collect strats and vintage Fender amps. I have been playing one of the main guitars I use since 99. It is a '95 Mexi strat with several mods and whatnot. I also use an '52 reissue tele that my father had antiqued with all original hardware and a noise cancelling bridge pickup for those poorly wired clubs. ha. I use a '71 Fender Pro Reverb in stereo with a '69 Fender Bassman. For me, and being from Texas, it has all been about tone. The specific guys I grew up listening to from BB King to Johnny Winter were very particular in their tone. You could pick them out from just one note of the guitar. I have a sound in my head that I'm always trying to get and I'm sure I'll be working towards it until the day I die. What I've got now sounds pretty great though I think.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Chris Watson Band: I have spent a lot of time on and off the road all over the place. I live in DFW so I have played a lot in that area as well. I would have to say my favorite club to have played in is a fairly new place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado called the Ghost Ranch Saloon. The club is beautiful, everyone in there is fully professional and the sound and environment is unmatched. They really respect the plight of the musician and make it as stress free as possible. Not to mention there is always a crowd that is ready to have a good time. That always helps.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Chris Watson Band: I play most of the songs on the album most nights. I have a few set lists that I switch in and out depending on the place and feel etc. I play some covers as well but I try to take them and rearrange them so I still can come off as semi-creative. Ha
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Chris Watson Band: I have written all of my own songs myself. Mainly the themes are about relationships. I've been burned a lot in the past, you know, just like everyone else, but I log every experience away and they come out at the most opportune times... ie. when I have a guitar in my hand.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Chris Watson Band: My way of doing it is locking myself in a room with a guitar, bass, and drum kit and playing all three until I come up with a catchy melody or progression. Then I'll chart it down and come up with an idea about what that song is trying to say to me. Then it turns into words. Sometimes it takes days, and sometimes it just takes minutes. I guess it just depends on how much I need to get off my chest at any given moment.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Chris Watson Band: rehearsals are extremely spontaneous. If I come up with a catchy idea or something and can't bring it together, I will call a rehearsal and get as much input as I can to make it work.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Chris Watson Band: Everyone comes from a different musical background and I appreciate that more than anything. I feel my music is a big melting pot of stylistic ideas and I never want to stray away from that.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Chris Watson Band: Keeping a band together is one of the hardest things in the world to do that I've encountered. When it is slow, people get ancy and money itchy and sometimes start picking up local gigs for extra scratch. I don't mind that at all, but the key to it all is loyalty. I know they are there for me when I get something gathered up and I don't worry about getting dumped on.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Chris Watson Band: I have a lot of music in my head. I think the main goal for the group is getting that music out in a way that it reaches someone in a way I was reached. I have so many great memories of the first time I heard a certain song or artist and those thoughts mean so much to me and I really believe have molded me into who I am. I would love to be able to create that feeling for someone. I think that's always the ultimate goal.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Chris Watson Band: I'm probably not the best person to be doling out advice haha but I would have to say that the most important thing when starting a band is being true to yourself. Don't do it because you expect something out of it, do it because you want to do it. I always say that when I stop having fun playing music, then I won't play music anymore. Sometimes it's work, but it's never a job. I love every minute of it.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Chris Watson Band: I have an album out entitled Just for Show that is available on iTunes, Amazon, and in your favorite local record store. My street date for national distribution is Nov 17 so you'll be able to go pick up a hard copy then, but in the meantime it's all over the net.
www.chriswatsonband.comwww.myspace.com/chriswatsonband
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Chris Watson Band: My father was the one who taught me how to play the guitar, and was the one that never pushed me, but always encouraged me to pursue my passions and dreams. He and I have worked together for years building this band into a business and he tirelessly runs it into efficiency. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for him and I probably don't say that enough. I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for everything he has done for me.
Isaac: Any last words?
Chris Watson Band: Thanks to you guys for putting me out on here and thanks to everyone that has supported me in any way shape or form. If you see my name on a marquee, step in and check it out.
