Cristóvam – Golden Days

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Hm, I’d say my music can always be stripped down to acoustic guitar and vocals because usually that’s the way it is written. So, in that sense, the core of it is Folk, but then there are also elements of indie-pop that tend to come in during the production process. So, it’s probably a blend of those two worlds.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Glen Hansard, Gregory Alan Isakov, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Hiss Golden Messenger, Leif Vollebekk, Jeff Buckley, Bon Iver and many more.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Golden Days.”

A) It was early in the morning and the sunlight had this very specific tonality that reminded me of an old photo I have from an incredible summer when I was nineteen. I went and grabbed that photo and sort of became a bit nostalgic while looking at it. That was the last summer before embarking on adult life and, so, there was this strong feeling of excitement in the air because we knew that things would be different after that. Not better or worse, just different, and somehow, I think that played a role in the way we lived that summer so intensely.

I wrote this song about the idea of looking back at those days and realizing that one of the things that makes us feel young is taking chances without knowing what’s next. Sometimes when we’re adults we tend to settle down a bit too much and forget about the importance of jumping on a new adventure every once in a while. This song is about doing just that: jump on something new and bring back some of that excitement of not knowing what will happen next.

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

A) I think music listeners tend to connect with songs that speak about something that they can relate to. Hopefully, that is what they connect with on this one and, if that is the case, then my job as a songwriter is done and I’m a happy man. 😊

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) Before production I spoke with Manuel Casanova (director) about the meaning of the lyrics, and he was onboard with doing a music video that would illustrate a memorable summer just like the one that inspired the song. I think the video sets the visual mood for the song perfectly.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I usually produce all my music, but this time around I invited my friend Tim Hart (drummer for Boy & Bear) to produce the album and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

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

A) Yes, I will be releasing my second album Songs On a Wire in September of this year.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) On my island, there is this beautiful theatre called Teatro Angrense where I love to perform, and it is always extra special for me to play a show at home. I also love countries like Netherlands, Belgium and Germany where the music scene is incredible, and people consume a lot of music.

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

A) That’s such a hard one. Maybe Novo Amor, Dustin Tebbutt or Bon Iver?! So many great artists out there.

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

A) Despite being on social media, I must confess I am not much of a social media person, but I do reckon that it is an incredible tool to keep in touch with people who follow my work and, of course, it was extra important for all musicians during the harder times of pandemic where we couldn’t perform or be in direct contact with people who support music.

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

A) Thank you so much for supporting my music. It means the world to me.