Chris Ely first contacted me in June (2012), referred by the talented Dewey Rogge, and I could tell by our first phone conversation that we would get along well and do great things together. There was just something natural and easy about our conversation, two like-minded people that love music and just want to share that passion with the world. It took five months to finally get Chris and his band on one of my shows, but I knew in my gut that it would be a good show and that it would lead to a solid business relationship. His song "Lost Souls" moved me the first time I heard it, and to this day, I'm still smitten by that song. Today, I'm happy to announce that Chris and his band have decided to work with me as their manager, and I look forward to our journey together!
I encourage you all to check out Chris and his band at their next show, Wednesday, November 28th at The Blank Club, playing with Drop Dead Sixty and Cosmic Machine (21+ FREE show)!
Chris Ely's band consists of Gus Fjelstrom (bass), Nick Grant (drums), and Nick Tresko (guitar/keys). Chris and I both feel that they need to come up with a name that suits them, so if you have any suggestions, let's hear 'em! Chris Ely & The ___________?
BIOGRAPHY:
Chris Ely began his musical journey in the San Francisco rock scene. Originally a bassist, he first picked up a microphone when he was elected to sing in a newly formed band. Overcoming his shyness, he learned to embrace the role of lead singer. A year later, Chris seized an opportunity that led him to move to Africa in 2001. As a songwriter, his music took new shape and purpose. He was forever changed from witnessing the immense poverty and plight of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. After eight years oversees, he could no longer neglect his passion for music and songwriting. Since the prospects of the music scene in Africa were murky at best, Chris decided to return home to California.
In the Fall of 2009, he took a job as a high school teacher. He utilized his first summer off by crafting a fresh sound while crammed into a new apartment. But before embarking on a solo project, he played in two bands, as well as offering his talents as a bassist to a local hip-hop artist. Eventually, at the repeated request of friends, he began work on a solo project. As Chris fine tuned his new sounds, a story began to unfold in the songs while he grappled with American culture and the life he had recently left behind. These songs became a diary of his recent journey called "Can’t Stay for Long."
Between the edgy rock riffs and atmospheric synthesizers, something honest and refreshing emerges in "Can’t Stay for Long." Chris has a way of mending tense and complicated moments with his soothing voice. Coupled with a distaste for politics and the ache of broken relationships, his vulnerable lyrics invoke optimism in the human soul.
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