Electronic ambient music can occasionally come across as muted and mundane. Some artists fancy a drone and allow it to spread its flightless wings so far into an oblivious wasteland of sound tethered by nonsense. I’m not attempting to mince words here but it is what it is. Principles are sometimes eschewed and ignored but the public and listeners do know the difference between minimalist & creative as opposed to utilizing instruments with no direction. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though, as some eschew the bland principle of minimalistic drones in favor of something more challenging and flavorful. Multi-instrumentalist Christopher Sky is one such artist. Sky recently release his latest opus What It is, It Isn’t (Aagoo Records) and changes that perception within the swelling waves of his music. We caught up with Sky for another quick round of Q&As, and take a closer look at the hidden secret that is Christopher Sky and the music he breathes life into.
(so) Who are you really?
I’m Christopher Sky Garcia. A Musician and Producer from Los Angeles
What are your (personal) aspirations?
Currently, my aspirations are to get my music to as many people as possible and of course to have a sustainable living as an artist which can be difficult in these times. I’d also love to perform in as many countries as possible. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures.
Where do you currently live and how’s that affected your energy, creative output, etc.?
I currently live in Los Angeles and I love my city. I was born and raised here and always find new inspiration in the city. As an artist, I also like to tie my music to the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been to.
When did you first begin recording and playing live?
I’ve been writing and performing music since I was 12 years old. I was taught drums in middle school and kind of ran with it. I started writing and performing in my Electronic Post-rock project Let’s Drive to Alaska when I was 15. The project saw many changes with the times and in the end, I decided to move it into a solo project in 2009. I took some time off to focus back on Let’s Drive to Alaska, but in 2017 I decided to come out of hiding with new music and readjust my focus to Christopher Sky.
What would you like music listeners in the States to know about your music?
The music on What it is, it Isn’t was written in tandem with my previous release Vastness. Vastness was very minimal and used the sonic space to paint pictures. On the new record, I wanted to explore that same space and fill it with synthesizers, keyboards, drums, guitars, and bass. I felt like I wanted to express more and felt I needed those elements to get certain ideas across.
How would you describe your sound and/or the genre it exists in/out of?
The music I write is electronic at the core but has cinematic aspects to it. At times it can feel nostalgic or dreamlike. My first records were very Ambient and piano-based but this new one, although ambient in nature it has more of an indie rock or post-rock feel.
How would you describe your album to the casual listener?
My most current record What It Is, It Isn’t was written in a transitional period and I hope the listeners can take something personal away from it. It’s very dreamlike and at times has a driving beat behind it. It’s a great record to drive to or put on when you’re doing things around the house.
Lastly, as far as comparisons go, would you say it’s a fair assessment to categorize your music with others?
Yes of course. I admire a lot of my predecessors and their work. You can always learn techniques from your favorite records but it’s up to you to personalize them and create your own sound. Comparisons are a great way to approach someone who hasn’t heard your music.
Social Media