I was slightly perplexed about reviewing the single release Here 4 U by EDY featuring Chris Bates, simply because I could not figure out whom EDY was and I am sure the Chris Bates on Spotify could not be the same Chris Bates I was hearing. Slyly diverting away from the link I was given all in the name of research is not always wise. Unraveling the mystery, it turns out EDY is an up-and-coming young music production and audio engineer from Auckland, Chris Bates is a singer/ songwriter based on the North Shore (not a female EDM artist), and they have been collaborating on this track.
Chris has been writing and performing acoustic pop songs around the city since the age of thirteen, he is influenced by musical artists such as John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber and these influences show in Here 4 U.
In 2015 Chris was recognised with the Pat Mcminn Rising Star Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand. He is also a winner of the Parachute Song Grant.
Primarily aimed at the younger generation and with a pop vibe, Here 4 U is a catchy track with its sights set firmly on radio stations such as The Edge and ZM. I can even hear the Bieber vibe on this track.
It is essentially a peppy love song, well mixed and well written. Bubbling with effervescence and highly polished.
Chris has been recording music to be released early next year and I predict he will do rather well with those of a slightly more youthful exuberance.4/5 star rating
Review written by Corinne Rutherford
Described as New Zealand’s "pop prince" by his peers, Chris Bates is a 22-year-old singer known for his silky smooth vocals and intricate pop melodies. His influences range from artists such as Charlie Puth, Bruno Mars and John Mayer, to older artists like Phil Collins.
Hailing from a childhood background of classical violin, much to his mother’s dismay Bates made the switch to pop music at age 13. "It’s my Dad’s fault." Bates remembers long family car trips in which they would listen to his dad’s pop CDs. It was during these years that Bates grew a deep love for songwriting and pop music.
He began writing a string of songs that he performed at open mic nights around Auckland, testing the waters. Entering a variety of competitions including Smokefree Rockquest and busking regularly, Bates started to become known in the Auckland music scene. In 2015 he was recognised with the Rising Star Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, joining winners including Annie Crummer, Lizzy Marvelly and Lisa Crawley.