Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Roberts. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Combining a lifetime of classical training and a love for everything vintage, Chris Roberts has a songwriting style that can only be defined as unique, soulful, and nostalgic. Chris is best known for his progressive rock studio project Pareidol, in which Chris collaborated with the minds behind Zealous Recording to construct his more current musical endeavor, Sill Crow. Chris became interested in music early on, learning to read sheet music and play violin in elementary school before joining his hometown marching band, The Colleton County Band Of Blue, as a trumpet player for the next 6+ years. In that time, Chris played with the Hilton Head Symphonic Orchestra and Regional Orchestras through state-wide music programs. The music Chris writes, performs, and records today pays homage to Classic Rock acts such as ZZ Top, Soul singers such as Bill Withers, and even traditional Blues writers such as Robert Johnson with a pop edge and an attention to detail that listeners will surely notice.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started as a full-time musician, I hadn’t had much word of mouth or press coverage yet, and it was hard to know how to pitch myself to restaurants as a solo acoustic act. I wanted to make it a full-time job to put in hours to improve and hopefully make a living wage. Finding the right members to make a working lineup took time and a lot of finding the kinds I didn’t want to work with. I still struggle to become more well-known to get the attention of the bigger gigs I’m eyeing, like festivals and known tour venues, and find the best producers to work with or managers. Even companies to help put together touring are all obstacles I face daily.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time professional musician who performs at events, weddings, parties, and anywhere live music is needed. Solo or with accompaniment based on whatever the needs for the gig are. I have a business entity for my live performances called Chris Roberts Acoustic and another musical project where I compose most of the music, my brainchild, Sill Crow. Sill Crow is a hard rock band with heavy blues and metal influences that pulls influences from music from all over the world, from jazz to pop, from classic rock to polka. It’s an energetic display of rock n roll with a thoughtful songwriter at the helm. We have released two singles and one debut album, and a second full-length album is written, seasoned, and ready for recording, geared to be released in 2024.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I could improve at making friends. I keep showing up to support them and show kindness and gratitude for their art until they decide I’m worth calling a friend. The music business is a bunch of friends, all trying to help each other. All it takes is showing your face, being kind, and letting everyone have their turn to speak. I pay close attention to the scene when I see someone playing somewhere I’m interested in playing. I try to show my face at several events and make my presence known. Then, I try to make the connections and ask the questions. It isn’t a perfect method, but it has worked here and there.
Pricing:
- Call for pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sillcrow.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sillcrow
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sillcrow
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/sillcrow
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/5RGDUbHGLaqsqWARDJqXqh?si=S1wclJEPRZKDN2ou0NxYEg
Image Credits
Sill Crow Album Cover Art by Jenna FALINE Ave-Lalemant
