Reverb: Passed the Test

“Another challenge has been to find a team that believe in my craft and doesn’t want to make me the next Chris Brown.” -Chris Santiago

Even though he is not new to the scene, Chris Santiago is ready for you to test him. With the need of strength, discipline and wisdom to survive in this tough business, the R&B/ POP artist is ready to prove why he is a force to reckon with. With a new artist arising every split second, Chris describes his music as “strength” and wants it to be known that he doesn’t want to be made into the next Chris Brown. The New York City native’s music is based upon real life experiences.  And all he wants you to do is sit back, relax and let him tell his story.

Words Leon Christian Twitter @imLeonChristian
Photograph by Scott Davis
Wardrobe Stylist Shaundel Hull

Leon: Chris please tell us what have you been up to since releasing your first EP “Eclipse” which was in 2009?
Chris: “Eclipse” sadly never saw the light of day. “Test Me” coming this fall will actually be my first EP release. What I can say is since 2009, I have been spending a lot of time finding myself and who I’m as an artist. I also spend a lot of time behind the scenes to learn the ins and outs for myself.
Leon: Of all the tracks on the EP “Test Me” which song has the most meaning to you and why?
Chris: On my EP “Test Me,” the title track under the same name would be the track that means the most to me. While recording the song I felt all this pain I had been carrying around finally fall off my shoulders. It’s like I was free.
Leon: How has your music evolved since recording “Eclipse” to “Test Me”? Furthermore, could you describe your music in one word?
Chris: Since the recording of “Eclipse” I have grown a lot as a person and as a man. You can definitely hear that within the music. I have left my heart behind the mic and let the melodies tell the story of what I have been through. The one word I would use to describe my music is “Strength.”
Leon: Your music seems be very relationship based. Do you sing about your personal experiences or of those around you?
Chris: A lot of topics are based on my personal life. I think that when you’re writing your own lyrics its best to be as honest as you can, because you can hear it in the music. You can’t fake real pain. I feel that the listener knows when someone is trying to sell them someone they aren’t. So I try my best to keep it as real as I can. I have the freedom to do so at the moment so I run with it.

Leon: So I know many recording artists have rituals or things they do in order to record in the studio. Do you have any rituals yourself, or have any must haves to record music?
Chris: I actual don’t have any rituals. I like to just be in the moment. When I’m in the studio all I can think about is the work at hand and how lucky I’m to be in the studio, and to be working with so many gifted and talent people.
Leon: When did you begin performing and what was the moment that made you know music was want you wanted to pursue and there was no turning back?
Chris: Well, I have been performing from a young age. It’s been a blessing to grow up in a city with so many different programs for kids. Because I surely took part in anything that had to do with arts growing up. I have always loved anything that has to do with entertainment. However, the defining moment for me was back in 2008. I was locked up in a studio for 4 days in the middle of nowhere in IL with THE INSOMNIAX recording “Eclipse” and I said to myself this is me, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Leon: What or who inspires you the most and why? Any music artist that is currently out?
Chris: To me there will always been one artist that I will always look up too and it would have to be Christina Aguilera. No matter what anyone has to say, she does what feels right to her at that moment and whatever she feels represents what she is going through at that point in her life. I love that she takes chances with her sounds and looks. And she delivers full packages. All her projects make sense from the promo pics, to the videos, to the tour they all flow. And that shows to me that it means more to her then just the fame and the money.
Leon: Who would you like to work with? Why?
Chris: Rodney Jerkins, there is something about a Darkchild Productions that you just can’t find anywhere else. There have been times that I have heard songs from artist I don’t even know and I ask myself why do I love this song so much? And then I do a little research and sure enough Rodney Jerkins was behind it.
Leon: What music artist is currently on your favorite playlist?
Chris: Wow, this is a hard one. I usually have a song that I’m really feeling at the moment more then any artists and at the moment that song is Shontelle “Perfect Nightmare” which is produce by the one and only Rodney Jerkins.
Leon: What has been your biggest challenge as a recording artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Chris: I have had a lot of challenges as a recording artist. One challenge was believing in my own voice and letting it show me the way instead of me trying to control it and make it what I want it to be. Another challenge has been to find a team that believe in my craft and doesn’t want to make me the next Chris Brown.
Leon: Could we expect to see you doing any acting anytime soon like most music artists?
Chris: I would love to do some acting down the line. It would only seem right as I went to a Musical Theater school. But it’s not something that’s happen anytime soon. If I get offered a role tomorrow, I’ll have to think about it. (LOL)
Leon:  Can you please tell us what can we expect from you in the upcoming months or year?
Chris: Right now I’m putting the finishing touches on my First EP “Test Me” which I hope to release this fall. I’m heading down to FL in a few days to work with The Lions Dens down there.  I’m going to try to knock out a few songs with them.
Leon: Tell us something about Chris that we don’t know? Do you have any other hidden talents or hobbies?
Chris: I’m a low key guy. I don’t go out much. When I do go out I like to just meet up with close friends to have dinner. Spend time with family when I can and shop. I’m a very good shopper LOL. Tell me what you’re looking for and I will find it. Anything from clothes to electronics I’m your man.

Leon: If you were stranded on a deserted island what are 3 things that you would need to survive?
Chris: A laptop, (with a lot of movies and music), shades and sun screen lotion.

Leon: If you could SPEAK or be the face for public awareness for any good cause, what cause would it be? Why?
Chris: It would have to be for children with disabilities. There are so many children out there every day born with disabilities, but very few people lending their voices to speak up for them. My cousin is handicap, and they told her mother she would not see pass 10, and at 21 we are bless to still have her with us.

Leon: Any last words?
Chris: I would just like to Thank Jerris and EVERYONE at Obvious Magazine for letting me be a part of something so special. Now for the next issue, I want my own Cover LOL.

Chris Santiago’s Twitter: @ChrisSantiago07