Kris Angelis – I’d Give Anything

By starrymag | April 13, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Folky love songs with some struggle that help people really feel their feelings and are ultimately uplifting

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Gregory Alan Isakov, Phoebe Bridgers, Sara Bareilles

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I’d Give Anything.”

 

A) It’s about looking back and realizing you had no idea how rich you were when you thought you were poor, wishing you could have that back but knowing that time keeps moving forward whether you’re looking that way or not and you have to break free of the past and find those feelings again in something new.

 

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

 

A) I think they like that even though it speaks to loss and regret, it has an upbeat, scrappy feel of getting out that cry of pain and then dusting yourself off and determinedly marching forward. The harmony, stomps and fiddle give it a bit of a live, group vibe which we’re all craving, I think.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Usually the opposite. I often write lyrics first. I won’t necessarily write the whole song without a melody before I put music to it, but the process usually starts with the thoughts and words, then I’ll put a melody to a key lyrical phrase, then see what melody follows well after that, etc. Sometimes it starts with a feeling expressed in a chord progression, but I’ll usually insert lyric ideas I already had.

“I’d Give Anything” was a fun one in that the first verse just kinda came to me all at once, lyrics and melody together. Then I filled in the rest within that structure.

 

Q) Billy Lefler lent a hand with production, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’m very involved with the production. I am in the studio talking about how I want the songs to sound and feel, what instruments I want to be used, etc. and then Billy makes the magic happen, playing most of the instruments and bringing all his ideas into the mix.

 

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

 

A) Yes! There is an album coming called The Skies We Look To, which “I’d Give Anything” is on. It’s coming out April 30th and is currently available for pre-order and pre-save. You get two songs including IDA right away when you preorder on iTunes for just $6.93 and you can also get it on my website, Bandcamp and other stores. Check out how you can get rewards for pre-ordering here.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) What I miss most is getting to really feel the energy of the audience and interact with them afterward. I have struggled with anxiety with performing before but was managing it with performing so often. I do wonder how it will be when I’m in front of people in the same room again after so long!

 

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

 

A) One of my favorite places to perform is the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. I got to see some of my favorite artists play there and always thought of it as an entrance into that community, so it’s very special to be part of that – not to mention it’s just great vibes with the close quarters, low glowing lamps and candles and I love that it’s a true listening room. People are very much encouraged to really listen when they are in the stage rooms and to go out into the lobby to talk. So, it draws a music loving crowd that’s not just there to drink and hang with music in the background.

 

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

 

A) Gregory Alan Isakov, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney

 

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

 

A) Garrison Star has been putting out new songs over the past few months and they get straight to the heart of the matter and you feel really seen. I also love her voice. I had the joy and privilege to write with her on my last album and I hope to again. Also, Taylor Swift because dang that woman is a prolific chameleon and it’s fascinating to dive into the stories and unique production.

 

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

 

A) It’s especially important now that we can’t connect in person and it’s always been a wonderful way to be discovered by new fans and share the process and behind the scenes that people didn’t have as much access to before. It brings with it a whole slew of complications and challenges to be sure, but it did somewhat level the playing field so that anyone has the potential to reach millions of people even if they aren’t signed to a record label. It still takes money a lot of the time so there is always that factor, but you aren’t necessarily beholden to just a few gatekeepers anymore.

 

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

 

A) I’m so grateful to be able to make music that touches you and that you choose to support me by listening, buying the music and merch, coming to shows and all the rest. There is so much out there and I’m truly honored. THANK YOU!