There is a void in a today’s music, for substantive, heartfelt, rock songs. Call it ambitious, but Chris Moreno hopes to help fill that void, with his straightforward, honest lyrics and catchy melodies.

Chris is a Pop/Rock artist from Boston, MA. Heavily influenced by his love of alternative rock music from the 1990s and early 2000s, he combines that influence with his own unique and modern style to create an infectious sound that encompasses pop, rock, and country elements.

In this interview, we speak with Chris about his latest projects, motivations and more.

Q&A with links and streams can be found below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Boston, MA and currently still live there. If I had to pick a term to describe my music it would be “Pop Rock”. I have a sound that’s reminiscent of a lot of 90’s alternative music which I’m largely influenced by, but my sound also crosses over and even fits in with some of today’s modern country. The songs I write are catchy and I think what distinguishes me from other artists is the honesty I put into the lyrics. Every song I’ve written to date has been based on personal experience and I’ve never written a lyric that I didn’t believe in.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course? 

Ever since I was a kid I knew I wanted to play music. I can remember watching MTV when I was about 11 years old and one day seeing the music video for Machine Head by Bush. From then on I knew I wanted to be a rock star and a week later after a lot of begging my parents bought me a guitar! I guess you could say that dream never died.

Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?

Being a songwriter I’d have to say Ryan Tedder is my biggest inspiration these days. The way he’s able to write such amazing songs in all different genres is impressive. Growing up Chino Moreno of the Deftones was easily my biggest musical influence. Other notable acts that have greatly influenced me are Andrew McMahon, Goo Goo Dolls, Gaslight Anthem, Parachute, and Drake.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

My new record “Into the Sun” will be my first full length album as a solo artist. I think what makes this album special is that in some ways it’s really a documentary of the past two or three years of my life. It contains songs about heartbreak which were written a while back, to songs about finding new love which are the ones that I wrote more recently.  The songs really cover a broad spectrum of emotions. I couldn’t be more proud of the record and I’m fortunate enough to have an amazing band behind me that played on it, as well as a great producer, David Minehan. I’m really excited for people to hear it.

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

I think it’s an amazing time to be a musician because everyone has a platform within the internet to have their music heard. The only tricky part is finding ways to stick out with such an abundance of music out there.

How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?

In theory I’m not opposed to streaming services although I think they do result in a lot less money for the artist. In the end though if it helps my music reach more people then I’m for it.

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

My music is available everywhere including iTunes and Spotify. People can also find me on social media!

• Website: chrismorenomusic.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismorenomusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrismorenoband
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismorenomusic

Anything else before we sign off?

Please check out my new single, and the record when it comes out in November!