We had a chat with rousing rising artist Chris Erasmus following the release of his excellent new single ‘Shotgun’
Having immersed himself in a range of cultures through his time spent in f Zimbabwe, Cape Town, Australia, New York and London, widely talented actor, singer-songwriter and musician Chris Erasmus is somebody who’s authentic style and captivating sensibilities have seen him achieving consistent success through his work.
The artist’s new single ‘Shotgun’ is one that encapsulates his appeal and charm, embodying a theme of personal growth and self-awareness, with lyrics that see him stepping away from a turbulent relationship for his own benefit in empowering and uplifting fashion. The powerful appeal of the catchy and emotionally driven sound make for rousing listening throughout and really capture the soul and rawness that lies within his work. We loved this new release as well as the rest of his recent output, so had a chat with Chris to find out some more about his background and the journey that he’s been on so far as an artist.
What are your biggest influences?
Chris Stapleton, Bruce Springsteen, Foy Vance, Bruno mars, Ed Sheeran are all major influences but I love to listen to what as many musicians are doing as possible and study what I enjoy . So many talented people out there and everyone has their value
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Every moment has its special place but the recurring one for me is when I am sitting with the session musicians in the studio laying down tracks from something I dreamed up and worked on and it all comes together in a song that moves me…. Magic.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Hmmmm, this has always been hard. I have a lot of musical theatre influence as well as classical training so my sound can vary massively, it comes out as country because I have a lot of country in who I am. But I think if someone listens to it and relates to it they can hear a lot of different styles influencing the music
I would say it’s sagas told with country meeting Americana with some good old musical theatre Claire thrown in.
What’s your dream “i’ve made it” moment?
When I am getting to tour with people I respect, getting paid enough to live well on the music I make. When a crowd sings the lyrics to me before I have sung it to them. All dreams.
We love your single ‘Shotgun’, what more can you tell us about it?
Ah , thank you so much .
I think it’s a cheeky song about when sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do and get out of that situation, no matter how much fun , how much attraction there is , how much life, if it’s toxic or it’s making you someone you aren’t then bang… get out of ther.
I was trying to explain to someone the moment when you decide to walk away from something, we all have that snap, or boom , or breaking point , sometimes I think of it like the sound of a shotgun going off. It was a fun image to describe a fun song. Loved that my friends were able to lay down some epic vocals for the chorus too (any chance to work with my friends I will take).
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I have another single coming this month called “Listen”, I am very excited about it, I wrote it on my great grandmothers piano that she gave to me, I don’t always write on piano but this one has a special place in my heart and I think will really resonate with people too, keep a look out for it
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
My biggest fan? I have had some wonderful support and many really generous fans but I gotta still give it to my little cocker spaniel Montana.
She will sit with her head on my knee for hours when I am working out a song and won’t make any noise or movement when I am singing, I think she just is hinting at cuddles and walks, but I like to think she likes the music too 🤣
