Crain Productions
Tsunoda Stylings is a Japan-based agency that strives to create successful, responsive websites that are fast, easy to use, and built with the best techniques. At Tsunoda Stylings, we search for new and experienced small business owners looking to promote their businesses without breaking the bank! Not too long after we opened our doors, we received a request from a talented singer who wanted to have his newest song translated for an upcoming project.
Please meet Chris Crain, our first song translation client, a talented singer, and songwriter. Read more below to learn more about him and what he plans to accomplish with her new song translated by Tsunoda Stylings.
Jasmine: I know you started music from a young age. Did you have a particular artist that inspired you to take the path of a music career?
Chris: Growing up, my inspiration was my older brother James Williams. He showed me the beauty of music and introduced me to one of my favorite groups/artists of all time. That group is Take 6.
Jasmine: What is the backstory on "They Say"? What inspired you to write the song/lyrics?
Chris: Being born with a birth defect that left me with very limited use of my left arm and hand brought about many challenges. I suffered from low self-esteem. The idea of not being beautiful or simply enough made my everyday life a bit rough. (I'm talking from my childhood until my late 20's.)
Today, as an accomplished musician, I'm able to encourage others to live their best lives because what they have is more than enough, and they are beautiful. "They say" was written simply to provide a message of love and hope for the many people who suffer in silence.
Jasmine: What skills have you learned that will help you in your singing career? What's your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
Chris: Learning how to rest my voice is by far one of the most I've learned important skills besides knowing how to control my tones and movements. I'm not sure that I've conquered performance anxiety, lol.
I can honestly say that a healthy amount of fear shows up right before every performance. It's, however, never enough fear to cripple me. I normally get comfortable 5-6 minutes into the performance.
Jasmine: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being a musician?
Chris: My favorite thing is having the ability to create and manipulate sound using instruments. It's also sun being able to do something capable of affecting the mood of listeners. My least favorite thing is that I can't turn it off.
Jasmine: What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Chris: To find my own sound.
Jasmine: What advice would you give to someone wanting to make it the industry?
Chris: My advice would be to not chase the industry. Instead, focus on creating and developing good quality art. Then, be patient and let it come to you.
Jasmine: In terms of the overall composition, what is your favorite song you have written/performed and why?
Chris: I'd say that my favorite song is Madam Queen. Madam Queen is a smooth, fun song. It makes you want to move. I love watching the audience move to the music when I perform this song.
Jasmine: What interests you about Japan? Why do you want to break into the Japanese music market?
Chris: I love the Japanese culture. I've heard so many great things about the amazing music culture there. I am excited to experience it firsthand.
Jasmine: How many countries have you performed in so far? Where do you want to go the most?
Chris: I've only performed in 2 countries so far. I'd most like to perform in Africa and Japan !!!
Jasmine: Given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical tour/performance day look like for you compared to before the pandemic? How have you adjusted to these times?
Chris:Things have been quite different, to say the least. Venues are using very strict protocols to ensure people are safe. This includes canceling or postponing shows. I recently had my New Years' Eve show with Trey Songz canceled because of the rise in covid cases. I'll be doing a few virtual streaming performances this year. It's not the same as a live-in person, but it still gives me the chance to perform, and it gives my fans to see me perform.
Jasmine: Are you working on a new album now? Can you tell us about your process?
Chris: I am working on 2 new albums right now. One is a jazz album. Jazz is one of my favorite genres. I'm looking to release both albums this summer.
Jasmine: Any closing remarks you would like to give to our readers?
Chris: Continue to love, live and do it on purpose. Time moves extremely fast, so cherish each moment, find space and time to explore the world. Music can take you everywhere with you, even leaving your house.
You can learn about me and my music at www.chriscrain1music.com. Also, please follow me on Instagram @chriscrain1 and on YouTube at mrchriscrain.