Chris Bandi – Carolina Blue

By starrymag | July 28, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have a ton of musical influences! Both of my parents loved music so at an early age I was exposed to a bunch of different artists and genres. If my dad was taking me to school we were listening to rock or 90’s pop music (Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Bruce Springsteen or Prince). If my mom was taking me then we were listening to 90’s country (Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain or Travis Tritt). Then, like any kid, I got to the point where everything my parents listened to was the furthest thing from cool so I branched out a bit. Being from St. Louis, I was listening to Nelly and hip hop, but I also got into singer songwriters like Dave Matthews and Matt Nathanson. I think I pull from most if not all of these artists when I’m writing

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Carolina Blue.”

 

A) “Carolina Blue” was one of the first songs I got to write over Zoom during the pandemic. I had this idea about certain things that can remind us of certain places, people or time. I was lucky that Jason Massey and Matt Willis wanted to chase this one with me!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think there’s a hint of nostalgia that everyone can relate to in “Carolina Blue.” It’s a song about young love and how nothing really mattered but the moment you were in. I think we all have a person in our lives that we think about from time to time; it could be a song that reminds you of them but in this instance it’s that certain shade of blue.

 

Q) This particular track was co-written by you, Matt Willis and Jason Massey. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) I like to start with an idea or a hook. I try to come up with different angles and all the different storylines to get to that hook. I look at songs as puzzles – we have all the pieces and we’re just trying to figure out where each piece goes.

 

Q) “Carolina Blue” was produced by Ash Bowers, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with Ash, not only is he a great producer but he’s also a hit songwriter. It’s great to have someone in my corner who has so much success in my corner. He has an ear for great songs so being able to send him songs and get his opinion is extremely useful!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) We have actually been looking at dates to get back into the studio. I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time writing recently and I’m extremely excited to get all of these songs out into the world!

 

Q) With tours starting back up, where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I always love playing in St. Louis. I don’t think you can beat hometown shows. I’ve got a bucket list of venues that I grew up going to that I’m still trying to cross off!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) One of the reasons I moved to Nashville to write songs was because of Eric Church. He would probably be number one on my “artists you want to collaborate with” list!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I was VERY late to the Cody Johnson train but his new album blew me away, everything from the songwriting to the production to the performances. I’ve had it on repeat for a few months now!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you! I honestly can’t say thank you enough! We will have some new music out soon and I hope to see all of you out on the road soon!