After releasing his debut EP and lead single 'Runaway', Chris Sebastian will unleash his new music around the country.
Chris has already toured Australia and New Zealand in support of some undeniable talent, and has recently performed in sold-out arenas with American vocal group Pentatonix. Before hitting the road, Chris took the time to answer some questions about 'Runaway', touring and more.
How does this EP showcase Chris Sebastian?
This EP, in a nutshell, is me. It came at a time where I was really trying to find my sound and I ended up just doing what felt good to me rather than, I guess, what was cool. I wanted to make a record that I really enjoyed playing live, that was really important to me. I played a majority of the instrumentation and produced the record which was terrifying, because if it sucks, it's all on me.
You wrote the songs that feature on your debut EP many times; then a session in LA focused into what 'Runaway' materialised into; what was that time like, away from home?
I went over there with one or two writing sessions set-up and no performances. The plan was to hope for the best. Nobody there had any pre-conceived notions, and didn't know a thing about me. I ended up with five sessions a week for the two-and-a-half months I was there, and about ten performances. I am so, so grateful for that experience. It showed me that I can stand on my own.
What age were you when you first began to write music, form songs?
I wrote so much as a kid. I had school books covered in lyrics (which were most likely terrible) but I started performing songs that I had written when I was about 13.
What was the recent tour with Pentatonix like?
The PTX Tour was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only were they so nice and supportive, but the crowds were real music lovers. It was all about the vocal to them, and I had the time of my life. Playing to at least two or three thousand a night and some of the shows were even bigger, who wouldn't love that?
You mentioned on Facebook earlier this month about hearing your track on the radio for the first time; surreal moment no doubt?
It really was. This project has been so personal, no label, no big investor, just my close-knit team and I. So to hear the fruits of our labour paying off is truly incredible.
2017 for Chris Sebastian: What are the next couple of steps along your career path?
I've already started the next record! I wrote the first song on my next record about two weeks after finishing my first one. But more tours, hopefully some success on radio, and a venture overseas to see if they'll have me too.
On your Instagram page, you posted recently about a new set of cricket apparel/ equipment you'd been sent; are you a cricket tragic?
I really, really am. Summer in the Sebastian house was the men watching/ playing cricket and my mum just sitting there bored, or cooking way too much food. I play for a team here in Sydney every week and we take it far too seriously.
Is this summer going to be as tough for the Baggy Green?
The outlook certainly doesn't look great, but the Aussies are fighters. You can absolutely never count them out, so I expect them to all grow moustaches and come back fighting.
Can we add golf tragic to your resume as well?
I am actually obsessed with golf. It's really not healthy. If you could see my YouTube home page it is nothing but golf videos. I am at the range or the golf course at least three times a week. When do I even work?
Would you like to share a sentence about the Trump victory?
My mum taught me that if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all. In saying that, I think a lot of what he said was just for the vote, and there is no way he is going to build a wall or anything like that. I think he got his voters hook line and sinker.
The 'Runaway' EP is out now.
Chris Sebastian Tour Dates
Fri 9 Dec - Venue 505 (Sydney)Sat 10 Dec - The Milk Factory (Brisbane)
Thu 15 Dec - Bella Union (Melbourne)
