Lunch Reading with C. Shirock!
Hey Chuck it’s great to meet you! Let’s kick things off now shall we…
You seem to have lived all over! How have your relocations growing up impacted your sound and your inspirations writing and producing music?
I did move around a lot as a kid — the Philippines, Scotland, US, etc… Growing up in the different cultures did expose me to a wide variety of sounds and music early on. It gave me a desire to use new instruments and rhythms, and approach the production in new ways — especially as I’ve continued to evolve in my music and writing, I find myself revisiting sounds and instruments from my past.
What is the easiest and hardest part of writing new music? We wouldn’t even know where to begin!
Songwriting can be like a puzzle, and the easiest part similar to when you get near the end of a puzzle…all of the remaining pieces have their place, and it has a natural rhythm and flow to it. For me, this happens at different point with each song. Some songs seem to come all at once, in a rush of inspiration…it’s a race to get to my piano and record on my phone what I’m already hearing in my head. All of the pieces seem to fit together, and there’s an ease about it. Other songs are like a wrestling match…you work them, re-work them, throw half away, and then start again! These songs often start with a moment of inspiration, and then the work begins! These can be the most frustrating, but also the most rewarding kinds of songs.
What does success look like for you?
Success looks like continuing to create music that moves me — music that is inspiring and vulnerable, innovative and honest. I think music that’s done in this way will always find a home with other people. I always tell myself, if it moves me, it will move someone else. That’s what success looks like to me…continuing to create, sing and perform.
Music streaming is a hot topic for artists these days…what’s your take? Which streaming services do you use?
The whole paradigm has shifted — it feels exciting and a bit out of control! It’s unfortunate that the streaming revenue for musicians is so minimal…however, on the flip side, it’s incredible to have the unprecedented access to music that we now have! So on one hand I wish the royalties were higher, to help support new musicians and artists that struggle to pay their bills and might have to subsequently stop creating because their revenue streams have disappeared…but on the other hand, I love Spotify…
How important are labels for up-and-coming artists in a hyper-connected world?
The role of the label has changed significantly — I think the best labels now have a “brand” of their own. Which means artists they sign are coming into an existing brand, and an existing audience. For example, the label Fueled by Ramen — when they sign an artist, they distribute them through their email lists, youtube channel, etc., to an already exiting fan base, who because of the genre of their label, will most likely be into whatever artist they sign. This is the most valuable asset a label brings to the table.
What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever attended?
Such a hard question! I think my favorites all are in small unusual venues, not fit for the artist. Meaning, when I saw Amy Winehouse play for about 100 people before her record was released…just her and a guitarist. Or seeing Robyn in LA play acoustic with just a pianist. I love seeing artists I’m inspired by when all of the “show” is stripped away.
Favorite karaoke song of all time?
Probably “In Your Eyes,” by Peter Gabriel — love this song.
And because we’re The Lunch Read — how do you consume news?
I usually get my news through NPR — their app, twitter, the “news” app through apple, and now through The Lunch Read!
To hear more from C.SHIROCK, visit his site here.
