by tiffany arunarsirakul
photo courtesy of chris lanzon
Australian artist and songwriter Chris Lanzon uses music as an outlet for self-expression. With the “Melancholy Trilogy,” Chris is able to evolve with his music over the last three years, so you can find repeating themes and stories throughout his work. In this interview, Chris addresses the pressure to "capture attention" with everything shared on social media, but also praises social media platforms as a way to network and interact with other talents and his loyal fanbase. Chris ends our interview by giving advice to not give up and to not be someone you are not. We appreciate his words of wisdom!
Hi Chris, how are you? Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?
Chris: “Hey! I’m better than ever, thanks for asking. I’m an artist and songwriter from Sydney, Australia. I’ve used music as my outlet for self-expression ever since I could remember. When I’m not making music, I’m typically overthinking until I end up making music again [laughs]. I just released my first song in a while, it’s called ‘June’ and I’m so excited that it’s finally out in the world. It’s a taste for what’s to come from my upcoming EP, which I can’t wait to share.”
With your music influences being Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, and The 1975, would you say your music style has been shaped by them?
Chris: “Absolutely. These are my top three for sure, and their respective songwriting and production approaches have been a huge influence on my style. I think what makes them all so great is the way they’re able to fuse genres and inspirations to create something new, fresh and exciting. I try to do the same with my music.”
How has life shifted ever since going viral with your cover of “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls?
Chris: “That was such a cool moment. I’ve always enjoyed taking songs I love and making my own versions of them — I find it’s actually a great way to learn about songwriting, and helps to develop your own unique style. So, it was something I just made for fun, and to see so many people connect with it has been really special. It has helped the rest of my music reach more people too, which I’m super grateful for.”
With the EP and short film Melancholy, what did you learn in the process? Do aspects of the storytelling follow into your new works as well considering how it is known as the “Melancholy Trilogy?”
Chris: “I learned so much with that first project. At the time of making it I felt so unsure of who I was, or who I wanted to be, and I wanted to use the project as a vessel to explore myself more deeply. I wanted to dive into parts of myself that I was shying away from, and in the process I learned a lot about myself and started to form a clearer picture of who I was as an artist, and as a human. I think every time I set out to work on a new project I’m hoping to do something that challenges me and forces me to evolve, so these three projects I’ve made so far feel like a connected journey, which is why I think of them as the ‘Melancholy Trilogy.’ I’ve documented my growth as a person over the last three years through these songs, so there are a lot of connected themes and stories that I try to flesh out in the visual world too — hence the short films and music videos.”
What was the inspiration for “June?”
Chris: “‘June’ was quite a mixed bag of inspirations, which is actually what I love most about it. There were some personal experiences and feelings I’ve had that were driving forces behind it, but I co-wrote it with my friend Demi, so it has some of her perspectives and emotions in there too. This approach is what made it lend itself to having another artist involved, so when Eluera added her verse in there, it just felt right. I think the song captures that feeling of ‘getting so close to a good thing, but it doesn't work out’ which is so universal, so it was nice to show multiple sides of that feeling.”
Did you always want to pursue the music industry?
Chris: “Like I said earlier, music has always been something I’ve turned to in order to express myself fully, and also just to grow and heal as a person. So it honestly feels like a necessity for me. It’s not something I actively chose to pursue, but more something I need to do for my own survival. That sounds super dramatic but that’s the only way I can describe it [laughs]. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
How did it feel being a finalist in a television music competition as a teenager?
Chris: “That was a whirlwind. I’m grateful to have experienced that so young because I learnt so much from it, but it was a super confusing time. I was literally 13 years old. I had no idea what I was doing — so to have all that exposure at such a vulnerable point in my life was super weird. But it taught me a ton really quickly, so I don’t regret it. I don’t think I’d be where I am now without it.”
How does social media shape your music? Do you also base the influence of your music through your fanbase?
Chris: “I try not to let it shape my music making, but it certainly has an impact on the way the music is presented. I think there’s a pressure to ‘capture attention’ with everything you share, which can be draining. But I also think social platforms can be a great tool for finding new artists and inspirations, reaching new listeners, and even for collaborations. It’s also just so nice to be able to connect with my listeners there, from all around the world. It definitely helps me see the influence my music is having, which is super cool.”
With yourself having an active Discord server, would you say this is your main platform to communicate with your fanbase/friends?
Chris: “It’s a great platform to communicate directly with my fanbase, but beyond that, it’s more a space for the fanbase to exist and communicate with each other! Everyone can interact in there, so it’s not just me posting something, and everyone else reacting to it. It’s like a giant group chat. It’s so cool seeing people make new friends just through listening to my music.”
What is advice you would like to give to those who are interested in pursuing songwriting and singing?
Chris: “Don’t give up, and don’t try to be anything you’re not. The most valuable thing you can offer as an artist is your own voice and perspective. Everyone has something to say, so tell your truth through your songwriting, and sing in a way that channels your soul. The rest will come.”
Thank you for the opportunity to chat with you Chris. Is there anything else you would like to let us know?
Chris: “Thanks for chatting with me! I’m honestly just excited to keep putting music out into the world. My third project is almost ready to share, so stay tuned for that! It’s my favorite thing I’ve made so far, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”