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Chris Bates - Single Review: Find A Way Feat. Jarna

15 Aug 2020 // A review by malexa

Big ups to the multi-genre production team of EDY for this inventive, crisp and clear production take on contemporary RnB.

They’ve already hit the sweet spot with rising star and recent university graduate Chris Bates, with Say The Word and have done it again on his latest single Find A Way, featuring Jarna.

Find A Way has a lovely clipped acoustic guitar melody and a stripped back but steady beat. The vocal swings and sways from mid to high note like a gentle summer breeze. The sweetly refreshing vocals of Jarna flutter in on the chorus, which gives the overall effect of a call and response conversation. It’s a gentle push-pull though emphasising lyrics that “explore the idea of modern technology in our social lives and how it can get in the way of friends and loved ones”.

Bates has the kind of voice that’s persuasive rather than direct, that’s seductive rather than primal. It’s a stunningly effective “musical marriage” with Jarna, who keeps impressing with a steady stream of singles in 2020.

Find A Way is due for release on 21 August 2020, and it could well be Bates’ 'graduation' song.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )
 
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About Chris Bates

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.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Chris Bates

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