18 November 2022 - 0 Comments

Chris Sanders is releasing his first “grown-ups” music since 2013, a 5 song EP called In My Arms. Recorded at the Lab Studios in Auckland in 2015/16, the songs were recently mixed and mastered and are finally ready to be released to the world. So why did it take so long?

When recording started in 2015, Chris’ plan was to record his debut album and release later in 2016. But as can happen in life, the plan took a sharp turn. Half way through the recording process, one of the songs that was going to be on the album just didn't sit right with the other songs, that song was called Angel Star.

“I had a bit of an epiphany (if that's what you want to call it) that Angel Star should actually be a stand alone children's song with a picture book. Then I would get back to finishing my album,” says Sanders.

6 years later, Chris has become one of New Zealand’s most well known children’s songwriters, authors and performers. He has released 3 children’s albums, 6 picture books, 2 children’s musicals, toured extensively, received an NZ Honour from the Governor General for his charitable work for St John, performed with the APO, been nominated for a TUI Award and had 4 songs in the Official NZ Music Charts! He’s also written some pretty iconic children’s songs in that time such as the 111 Ambulance Song and Mittens about the famous Wellington Celebrikitty.

“Talk about a change in musical direction!!! But now I think it’s time to release the songs that have been sitting on a shelf for all those years – I guess Anika Moa went from writing ‘grown ups’ songs to kids music, so I’m just doing things in reverse,” says Chris.

The first single In My Arms which features the award winning Black Quartet is also the name of the EP and quite an appropriate song given that for the last couple of years, holding those we love close to us hasn't been as easy as it would normally be.

To celebrate the launch of the first single, Chris has created a beautifully scented Limited Edition In My Arms candle, available exclusively through his Bandcamp page. The song is all about remembering those we love and cherish. Whether its someone you have missed through being disconnected during lockdowns or someone who has passed away, then it’s a lovely way to remember and celebrate those you love.

The other songs on the EP include Light at the End of the Tunnel a song about breaking through all the barriers to success, no matter how many people tell you that you will fail, you should never let anything stop you from achieving your plan. And the second single Try As You Might is a pretty succinct description of the world as it is today, living in the moment and not thinking or caring too much about the future repercussions.

The EP was mixed by Rikki Morris.

The EP and Candle are available now exclusively through Chris’ Bandcamp page

The EP is also available to pre-order now on several platforms (full release Nov 26)

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