About Me
Much of my experience and exposure in the music industry has been in Gospel, he explains. I've always had an undying obsession with melody. My parents exposed me to all kinds of music when I was youngeverything from gospel, soul, Top 40 and even oldies. Growing up, I discovered other musical genres that I was passionate about as well like classical, r&b, Rock and Roll and just about everything else. It's no wonder my appreciation and tastes are so broad! My musical heroes are the obvious: Stevie, Michael, Jefferey Osbourne, James Ingram. Thankfully these are the ones people say they hear in my voice. But my favorite of all time is Donny Hathaway. He had an amazing blend passion, pain, joy and reverence in his voice and songs that was so evocative and inspiring to me.
It was only a matter of time before several well-known artists and producers began to take notice of the fledgling artists dynamic vocal abilities and vast musical scope. And before long, the young studio novice established himself as an in-demand session singer and songwriter. From 1996 to the present, Chris performed vocal duties for an impressive list of artists ranging from: American Idol sensations Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson; gospel notables CeCe Winans and Take Six; country veterans Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton;and influential pop legends like Quincy Jones, Desmond Child and Dusty Springfield.
Willis work with Desmond Child from 1998 to 2004, which includes backing vocals on Ricky Martins multi-platinum Sound Loaded set (Columbia/Sony, 2000), also earned the budding star his first production credit co-producing Parisian Pop Superstars 2BE3's last album Excuse My French (Edel). His work with the group would lead to an introduction to pioneering French electro-house DJ/producer David Guetta.
In 2002, the charismatic NYC-based newcomer burst into the international spotlight as a featured vocalist/collaborator on Guetta's acclaimed debut Just A Little More Love. The album, which included 7 collaborations with Willis, yielded two worldwide club and radio smash singles, 'Just A Little More Love' and 'Love Don't Let Me Go' (which was heralded as an innovative scorcher marrying Moroder's techno-disco style with Depeche Mode's haunting new-wave sound) along with Distortion and the underground favorite People Come, People Go (which is only included on the European release). The songs announced a resoundingly fresh new voice well-versed in the traditions of classic r&b, gospel and pop, as well as, fluent in the mechanics of contemporary dance and electronic music.
The album went on to sell over 250,000 copies worldwide introducing Chris to a welcoming dance music community that was starving for a commanding new male voice in house music that could competently follow in the footsteps of premier dance music vocalists like Michael Procter, Byron Stingily, Robert Owens, Roland Clark and Duane Harden with a modern flair. This was most evident when Guetta and Willis embarked on an extensive club tour in support of the album (which was certified platinum in France). Chris proved to be a force to reckon with; a confident live performer possessing a powerful voice and an electrifying stage presence that captivated audiences across the globe.
The beauty of the work I did with David is that my collaborations with him gave me an opportunity to explore my varied tastes in music, he explains. I feel so alive and fulfilled with the work we've created together. He encourages me to explore all of the different sides of myself under the blanket of dance music. I can be the gospel singer, the pop singer, the Rock and Roll singer all at once!
In 2004, Willis once again teamed up with Guetta for the artists sophomore set Guetta Blaster (released June 21 on Virgin/EMI France ). Chris was elated with the prospect of pushing himself further and eagerly arose to the challenge of adapting Guettas new musical environment. Guetta Blaster places itself at the experimental roots of house music incorporating influences from disco-not-disco, cold-wave and soulful, moody electronic pop displaying a boundless diversity that is 100% addictive. Against a backdrop of sweltering, state-of-the-art dancefloor grooves, the natural vocal powerhouse delivers some of his most infectious, poignant and formidable tunes such as Time, the reflective Used To Be The One, Stay and the contagious single Money. Much like its predecessor, Guetta Blaster has received massive rave reviews overseas (achieving gold status in France) and America will undoubtedly follow suit when Guetta Blaster is released in early 2005 on Astralwerks.
In the meantime, Chris has been working on an array of projects including several collaborations, as well as, assembling material for his own new solo album. He also intends on hitting the road with his own band. Whatever project he chooses or direction he embarks on, the future looks very bright for Chris Willis. The possibilities are endless and he wouldnt have it any other way!
This has definitely been a journey and I know that theres more to uncover and explore.
When I first started writing and performing, the question that haunted me most was what do you have to say that hasn't already been said and why should other people listen to it? I wasnt certain back then. But all of my experiences, the mix of the good and bad, and just being alive have given me a clearer idea and focus. I am so lucky to be able to do what I love and share some of my experiences, passions and revelations with a receptive audience. This is truly powerful, healing and uplifting.
For more information, visit www.chrisworldentertainment.com or www.peacebisquit.com
BOY CULTURE MOVIE IN THEATERS AND SOUNDTRACK OUT NOW ON PEACE BISQUIT SOUNDTRACKS..
CLICK ON PIC TO BUY ALBUM
BOY CULTURE: Chris Willis
..
CHRIS WILLIS ON ITUNES
CHRIS WILLIS - "My Freedom" - EP
