In short, if I could give this a six out of five I would. Do I need to go on? Oh, okay then...
Chris Bates has hit a home run with his latest single release Lose My Mind. A song about finding new happiness and love following a low period, this is a reminder of a magical feeling we can all hopefully remember having experienced.
Produced by Daniel Martin, the mix, master and orchestration of the music track is totally spot on. The lyrical performance shows a pleasing range, remaining within the song instead of shouting it down or getting lost in the mix. The melody is a pleasant one that's still bopping through my head as I type.
Chris's intentions are clear. This single has been crafted. The young man means it, and it's worthwhile to give him your attention, if this release is a barometer of his talent. There's a release plan too, with an up-coming EP to look forward to with the working title Forgive Me If I Lose My Mind.
I congratulate Chris on the decision at 13 to move from violin to pop. It suits his voice, and he can deliver. Please show me the video? This single needs a vid because it needs to be aired comprehensively so more people can hear this guy.
Am I gushing here? Yup. Unapologetically. This glam rock loving ol' fella is sold.
Thy kingdom come on the Wild Side.
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.