Chris Brochu – Life

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) Music for me is a continuous labor of love. It’s something I do as a bit of therapy on my end. I just write when ever the feeling hits. So, for the past three years while working and doing acting for TV and different films now was the perfect time in my life. I did “The Vampire Diaries” all last year so I had some money saved up to really start investing in my music the way I wanted it to be. I just listened to the last mix before it goes into mastering and I can honestly say it’s the most authentic music I’ve ever put out, which is all I can really ask for.

Q) Your music is based on your experiences. What experiences align with your songs?

A) Life is very interesting. It all depends on the person’s perspective in it. Everyone has these interesting stories, we just don’t see them as interesting because they are our stories so they all just seem normal to us. That’s one thing that I kind of like to look at. Everybody has these interesting and beautiful tales that their life has and it really just depends on seeking out that information. For me, there were a couple instances in Georgia when I was shooting and there was a snow storm. I met this homeless man, James, and we kind of became friends of sorts. I would talk with him every time I saw him and sit with him every once in a while. So, there is a song with a verse about that interaction called “Rain or Shine.” It’s more so just kind of whatever inspiration is hitting at the moment.

Q) How do you piece together your lyrics?

A) With the one I have just been working on recently, it started out as a guitar riff. I had to figure out the guitar riff and then you get to the point where you are just playing the guitar and whatever comes I’ll sing to that and see what comes out. A lot of times, some of the first couple of things that come out of my mouth are where the song is going to go. From there, it is just being open to figuring out the puzzle. So, it is just little things here and there. With this song, a chord came to me while I was brushing my teeth. I was working on that while I was running as well. That is kind of the cool part, you get a whole story out of a three minute tune. You can have a whole movie!

Q) What songs off your new EP are you most looking forward to hearing the fan’s reaction?

A) There are a couple upbeat tracks that I am interested in people hearing. One is called “Out There” and it will be the second song on the EP. It’s kind of like a single jingle status. Then, there is one called “My Crew,” which is fifth on the EP. Those are upbeat and kind of vibey. So, I’m definitely interested in seeing how people react when we interact online. Also, I touch upon some other more – not somber, but mellow themes. It’s kind of a well rounded journey for an individual.

Q) How did you decide the instruments you feature on your songs?

A) Honestly, producing was the biggest thing for me. I invested in some shop equipment for my home studio. I would do demos on my computer, but I would hate them. I spent all day on them, but I just couldn’t find the right one. So, I essentially kept my eyes open for three years trying to find somebody who wouldn’t force their perspective on me and didn’t want to take anything from me, they just wanted to collaborate and make a solid record. I found this guy called Dan Kalisher and Dan is just this amazing musician/producer. I brought in my raw material. It was just me and my acoustic guitar. Then, I kind of put it through the filter that is Dan and together we collaborated on what instruments would be good and where the drums sounded best. It was all very collaborative. Producing was the biggest piece of the puzzle that I was missing and I waited for such a long time. Then, I found my buddy Dan and it was destiny. I told him, “I waited three years for you.” It’s true!

Q) Why did you feel now was the right time to finally release your music?

A) Like I said, I was trying to find the right people and I needed the funds to be able to do it myself, stay independent and true. Timing is key. It’s been a bit slow since it is summer time so I was recording and going back and forth from Georgia last year. So, it was just the perfect timing for me to come back and knock out the record. I’m really about timing and I just think life has an innate and natural time. I kind of just try and roll with that and see the signs as they come my way. When acting is a bit slow, music flourishes. When music is a bit slow, the acting picks up again. It’s all about balance. And I’ve been writing songs for three years that I had over thirty songs that I felt like was too much. I couldn’t hold on to them anymore.

Q) Where will people be able to grab a copy of your EP?

A) I’m going to have physical copies made up so they can be bought online and it will be released on iTunes and other places so you can get it online. I’m going to be performing some shows around. I’m going to have a big EP release party on August 4th. There will be all kinds of different ways to listen to the tunes whether it is digital, physical or live.

Q) What can fans expect from a live performance?

A) It depends. Obviously, the release party August 4th will have a full band. We’ll go all out for it. Normally, when I perform my songs it is just me and a guitar. That’s just what is easiest. Eventually, I’d like to have a full production with me. When it comes to the different conventions I go to once in a while I play just a few tracks as part of the evening. People seem to enjoy it and talk to me afterwards. In Los Angeles, you’ll see a full forty-five minute set with just me and a guitar, just singing some songs, hoping people enjoy it and have a good night.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think it is all connected these days. Everything is connected these days, even more so than ever before in many different respects. When I release something, it’s because I’m proud of it. With this, the feedback is going to great, but at the end of the day I made songs that resonate with me and I, honestly, think they will resonate with others as well. People have had very positive opinions when it comes to what I’m doing. What it comes down to in the grand scheme of things, it’s the snowball effect. You just need one person to have a positive impact and keep going. That’s really what I’m about.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure we share with fans about your music?

A) I want to say, Lisa, thank you for talking with me. I really appreciate it. Then, to the fans, “Vampire Diaries,”  music or wherever we have met up thanks for the support. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you. I can’t believe I’m able to pursue creativity and have it be sustainable. I greatly appreciate that. And I guess, in general, buy the CD on August 4th. The idea is for it to begin your day on your way to work and bring you through what life may have to offer on the daily or whenever you might need it. That was the thought behind it and, hopefully, it translates.