within the music

Chris Watts and the power of the indie

Anyone that has known my music taste over the years would know that I love a 'story telling acoustic song'. I love the personal feel, the way the artist can build a story through their lyrics whilst adding a neat melody that makes you tap along. A lot of my friends use to always ask me "doesn't it all sound the same?". I would always reply with "no way, each song is telling a different story and its beautiful shhh." Back then, that's the only real genre of music I use to listen too. My music spectrum has broaden now that I'm technically an adult, but I still love to chill out and listen to a sweet voice, a personal story and that twang of a guitar.

So when I come across an artist like Chris Watts I get all excited. He is full of the stuff I love and gives me this happy rush when I hear his music. And the best thing is, he is from Melbourne so the chances of me seeing him live are very possible (already checked out his gig list and yes very possible). I first heard his track Broken Bones, which is still in my head a week later. It is a perfect mix of chilled out vibes with plenty of heart. I guess its a song about a past lover that you just can't get out of your head. Once I heard this track accompanied by the self made music video, I was madly searching for more.

Luckily my good friend Triple J Unearthed was there to calm me down with three tracks that are available to download for free. Honey, which is much more upbeat and makes you knee slap, and Back Down, a track that is like the middle ground between the other tracks. You can download these tracks by clicking here. Chris Watts has released an album which I have recently downloaded on iTunes and I have to say its my go to album after a busy day of work. From what I have gathered online, Chris is touring locally, making touches to a yet released possible single called Let It Go and working on a new album.

Chris is unsigned, and is a 'do it yourself' type artist. With the changes in the music industry, how people listen to music and the advances in technology, artists' like Chris don't necessary need a record deal to smash it and to be noticed. The labels use to have a tight grip on the steering wheel, with the artist in the passenger seat. However over the last few years, the independents have grabbed the wheel and are co-steering. An indie can record their music from their home, release it to many platforms on the internet where it can be accessed by anyone who has a smart phone, can turn on a computer and has internet. This allowing the indie to build their own fan base up from scratch. When the labels start to notice, the indie has some power, as they now have a brand that is appetising to the label. With the right fit, this could be a beautiful relationship, but a 'do it yourself' artist will always want two hands on the wheel and will wait to the right fit because the music matters not the money.

Chris has found other ways to get noticed and allow his tunes to be heard by a wider audience, without a label backing him. Chris teamed up with Ditto Music, an online distribute service who got his music out to the right people and platforms. This sparked Chris to be noticed by a new comp at MTV OZ called 'Brand New' where he was the only indie against other signed acts. Although Chris didn't win, he still got heaps of publicity including a spot on Channel Nine's Today and feature videos on Vevo.

The game is changing, and its an exciting time to be a wanting to create a future in music. I honestly believe if you have the talent, the songs and the presence you will be heard. You may not get global success and fly around on jets stuffed with $100 bills but people will notice and jump behind you.