Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Chism.
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in east central Indiana. I moved to North Carolina with my now wife, Flora, in 2017. WE now live in Burlington, NC but I play most frequently in the triangle area.
I’ve been playing music since I was around 15. I’m 31 now. I started with guitar, playing in metal and punk bands. As I got older i gravitated more toward folk music and took up banjo. Now I play with a rotating crew of musicians in the area as well as solo. Sometimes I play traditional tunes and sometimes stuff that is closer to modern indie/alternative.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. I grew up around several addicts and in less than ideal circumstances. Me and my wife both have been struggling and working hard to pull ourselves out of the poverty we grew up in. My family never really could afford music lessons except for the once in a blue moon sit down with someone else who could play. I kind of just had to pick up what I could here and there for years and years. It took a long time to get a grasp on how to play.
As an adult I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. Its difficult to work and find your way in music but it is worth it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a musician. I specialize in in my own brand of folk music. It is a little bit traditional, with lots of different modern influences too. I’m mostly proud of finding a way to give a voice to a lot of people, stories and feelings that are otherwise difficult to talk about. Sad stuff like depression, addiction, death, etc. But also finding the optimism where you can.
I don’t think I’m super special but I’ve been told I put on good shows and have good stage presence. I often get comments on my lyrics and singing.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a pretty effeminate, shy kid. When I got to high school I was loud an obnoxious, like a lot of people. Throughout my whole child hood I was pretty obsessed with movies, TV, music, and video games. What ever had a story, I was into it. I loved Godzilla, Resident Evil, Studio Ghibli movies, Final Fantasy, Bluegrass, Heavy Metal and everything in between. I was always in love with the arts, I don’t know how or why.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrischismsounds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrischismmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christian.chism.2025/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrischismsounds
