Daily Inspiration: Meet Chris Hendricks

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hendricks.

Hi Chris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in North Carolina by a single mom and a country-singing dad. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was four years old, and my parents split around the age of five. My mother was both very protective of me and fiercely independent.

She inspired a lot of independence in me that would eventually allow me to forge my own path as a musician and professional speaker. My dad is very charismatic. He can sing and play the guitar with the best of them. Any charm and musical talent I have definitely come from him. My stepfather is very intelligent. He taught me how to navigate problems with patience and wisdom. I guess you could say I was raised in a village.

I used to say I started singing around the age of four, but my mom will tell you I started singing in the womb. I spent many hours singing and developing performance chops with my dad. He moved away to Wisconsin when I was in 8th grade, but we stayed in touch. I’m thankful to have parents who are very proud of the path I’ve chosen. That wasn’t always the case.

My mom wanted me to be a physical therapist, so around the time I was a junior in college, we disagreed on the path I was taking in life. Eventually, my mother said if I wanted to make it as a musician, I’d have to figure it out on my own.

When you’re raised in a village, you are surrounded by drama and stories. These stories became the backbone of my songwriting. I played every open mic I could find in my early 20s until I got lucky. One day, a kind gentleman in a suit walked into an open mic in Chapel Hill, NC. He saw me performing and told me I should be doing music for a living. He eventually became my first manager. He taught me to be vulnerable and driven by my past challenges.

Eventually, he helped me find my voice. The more honest and vulnerable I was with my music, the more success we found. I’ve shared the stage with some of my musical heroes, opening up for Amy Grant, Mercy Me, Parachute, Delta Rae, and Daughtry. I’ve headlined dream venues like Cat’s Cradle and Lincoln Theater, played at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, and The Listening Lounge in NY. It was a dream come true. I eventually expanded my musical horizons and formed a group with my best friend, Andre, who lives in London. We called ourselves Castle Wild.

While playing at the Alex Theater in Los Angeles, I met my partner Heather, and we had our daughter Fern in 2018. Now that Fern is five years old, Heather is encouraging me to get back out there and do what I love. So, I’ve started going full-tilt into music and speaking as much as I can, thanks to her encouragement.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been anything BUT a smooth road. In a recent podcast interview, the host called me the “Rocky Balboa” of the music industry because I keep getting knocked to the canvas, but I refuse to stay down.

Much of the music industry is relying on other people. I will always believe in the goodness of others, but that doesn’t mean the darker side of humanity doesn’t like to come out every once in a while. That certainly has been true for me. I’ve had my head filled with broken promises. I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been ignored. I’ve been overlooked.

I’ve been threatened. I have been told I’m too old, too broken, and too “nice” to make it in this industry. All I can say to all is that I’m still here. No matter what happens at the end of it all, I know I’ve made an impact on people’s lives. That will always keep me going.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for my fusion of R&B, Alternative, Hip-Hop, and even a little country when I write or perform. I’m known as a speaker and storyteller as much as I’m known as a songwriter and performer.

Over my years as a performer and a speaker, I’ve been blessed to have made an impact on young people who have chosen to pursue careers in music and the arts as a result of coming across my music. I’m probably most proud of having written some things that have kept people’s heads above water during some really rough times. I’ve even been told by a few people that my music has kept them alive. That’s really the power of art that we hold in our hands.

I’m not trying to give myself too much credit, I’m just grateful that a chance meeting of art and connection lead to such a powerful outcome. It helps me remember that there are lots of things out there that are way bigger than me. Besides the fact that I happen to be a musician with a disability, I’d like to think what sets me apart is the fact that I haven’t given up yet.

I think most artists who tell themselves at a young age they want to break glass ceilings for their culture or community don’t realize how hard those ceilings are. The truth is, I’ve felt that ceiling, and one way or another, I will break through it.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The COVID crisis taught me that nothing is more important than having a devoted connection to your family. I can’t make it on this journey alone. I’m fortunate to have family and friends who keep me grounded during challenging times.

I also learned that creative people have an innate ability to adapt to challenging situations. COVID shut down the ability to be out in public and perform, but it also opened new doors of creativity and songwriting. I was forced to lean more into the social media universe. I had to write not just for myself but for others. I had to think of music as a real business.

There are always lessons in hardship if we have the courage to sit with ourselves, look within, and find them.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.iamchrishendricks.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamchrishendricks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chendricksOFFICIAL
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wkeE7qpGIFBb5PJTAFIw5?si=4MA3zNXYSkKm0TYwJD2_2Q&nd=1&dlsi=fb8aa83c284a4e2f