After spending much of the last few years delivering a wealth of rich and shimmering delights, New Jersey-based artist Chris Gullace returns to the fold once again to unveil his captivating new single 'Chris Francis'.
Lifted from his newly released studio album 'It Feels Good To Be Alive', 'Chris Francis' makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. Dedicated to his son and reminiscent of the early Foo Fighters sound, he is continuing to cement himself as one of the more heartfelt names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’m left handed so I was never able to play other peoples guitars, which I wanted to do very badly. I watched a VH1 special of Jimi Hendrix playing at Woodstock and I realized I could flip guitars and find lefty models and that was all she wrote. My fascination for electric guitar took flight.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was young Grunge really was my main focus. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and later on it was Dave Matthews and Foo Fighters. Reggae music really took a hold of me early on as well. Sublime was on repeat for me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember was Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Greatest Hits. That’s basically where I realized how to build a song. The first album I ever bought myself was Red Hot Chili Pepper’s By The Way. I played that CD for a good two years in my car.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh my god I could write a book about all the songs I wish I wrote, but off the top of my head Everlong is a pretty perfect song. Especially the acoustic version.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
The 1975 are playing a lot lately for me, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Dispatch, Stevie Wonder, and a lot of Billy Joel and Green Day.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
All the bands I love never have openers haha. But for pure fanboy vibes it would have to be Paul McCartney. He's at the top of the mountain.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
There is no better feeling in the world than playing live to an audience.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Playing live to no audience.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Vinny Mad Dog Lopez, the original drummer of Bruce Springsteen told me, “write songs every single day, it will make you better.”
-
Chris Gullace's new single 'Chris Francis' is out now. Check it out in the player below.