Introduce yourself!

Hi, thanks for having me today!  I’m Chris Bowen, recording artist on Brewhouse Records out of Boston, MA.  We just released the single, “PICTURE,” on all major digital platforms and I’m very excited about promoting it! 

For starters, were you a part of any bands before pursuing a solo career?

Yes, many.  I’ve always played lead guitar in various original rock bands.  My favorite iteration was a band called, “Greedy FLY,” out of New England.  We were a post-modern grunge band heavily influenced by Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden.  We played all over the Northeast and gained a recording contract with a multimillion dollar studio under the management of Gabe Vigorito, owner of the 80’s label DeLite Records.  That was a ride; two albums worth of music in the vault!

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I’m either writing on my own or co-writing with my producer, Brian Sargent.  I’ve been writing about perseverance in difficult situations and trying to frame it in a relatable way.  Themes at the moment include depression, relationships, trying to get ahead in life and the always familiar topic of love.  You can’t get through anything that stands in your way if you don’t have love or the will to make it happen.

Things change over time and I expect my themes and topics to, also.  We evolve (hopefully) based on our experiences.  My perspective is people should use their experiences as a vehicle to change. Unfortunately, some use them as an excuse not to.  I subscribe to the former.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

That’s a tough question; inspiration spans over such a broad range of bands.  I’ll listen to bands like One Republic and Rage Against the Machine one day and then find myself tuning up The Zombies or Buffalo Springfield the next.  I’m really all over the map when it comes down to it.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start pursuing music?

Eddie Van Halen.  1984’s Jump caught my ear but Eddie’s solos in particular blew my mind.  There’s one specifically that he rips through in the song, “Feeling,” from the album, ‘Balance;’ it’s awe-inspiring to me.  Then I saw them live at a US Naval base and I was sold.  I thought, yep, that’s what I want to do.  It was pouring rain, thundering and lightning but Sammy and the rest of the band were hell bent on continuing with the show.  And they killed it!  There’s nothing better than an unscripted, raw performance from a band like that. Scott Weiland had a knack for it, too.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Haha, flexing?  No, nothing like that.  I like to chill, get my stuff set up and hang with everyone around me.  I love to laugh because it diffuses any nervous energy I might have.  I enjoy the people part; we’re all in it together.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Attending the Grammys for the past couple years.  I’ve really enjoyed meeting other artists across genres and witnessing the whole process. Gatherings take place during the days leading up to the event where we get the opportunity to network, meet and greet and connect with others in the industry.  The best part is when you get to celebrate a friend winning their category!

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Without a doubt Led Zeppelin, true rock royalty.  They were such an influence across so many bands and really pushed the envelope with their music.  Quintessential rock stars. If I were to tour with someone present-day I would hop on board with Dave Matthews or Ed Sheeran. I’ve always enjoyed Dave’s music and more importantly, the perception he gives of being a good person.  With Ed, I dig his music so that would work.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a big thank you for the opportunity to discuss the process and that I’m excited to be releasing the single, “PICTURE,” like I mentioned before.  I was extremely satisfied with the production of the song.  I’m blessed to be working with an established producer and a label that allows the artist to freely create.  We’ll be lining up shows to promote the album soon be on the look-out!