New York City-raised singer-songwriter Chris Mardini, a near-lifelong musician, is pressing forward with his musical career at age 19, sharing the new video, “Pockets,” following his debut, self-titled album released last year.
Mardini embraces self-reflection with poetic social commentary in his music, blending a number of genres from alt-rock, hip-hop, and more with his hypnotic vocal work. He’s often explored elements of alienation and insecurity, sabotage, and social pressure, saying he feels he owes it to himself and his listeners to be as genuine as possible in his music.
Though his lyrics often speak to the pain of isolation, Mardini also wants his music to speak to others, recognizing that they are not along in their struggles.
“Pockets” is the newest release from Chris Mardini, and we got to catch up with him to chat about the track, his career and artistry, and the road ahead.
Hey there, Chris! First off, how’s your 2022 treating you so far?
Hey guys! Thanks for having me! Twenty-twenty has been great so far! I’ve had the chance to play with some exciting new tracks. I’ve been working like a dog trying to put a St. Louis-based band together since I go to college out here at WashU. I’ve been decking out this music studio at the old Lemp Brewery, turning it into a place where we can jam, rehearse and record.
You’re releasing “Pockets,” which is your first single since your self-titled debut album was released last year. What does it feel like to share some of your first, new music since that project?
I’m looking forward to playing shows consistently! There’s some really exciting stuff coming up! It feels good. I feel as though I’ve grown as an artist since that album’s release and even since the recording of “Pockets.” I can’t wait to see what the reaction to it is! It’s definitely a song put through the wringer in terms of perfecting. I had a pretty clear vision for what I wanted the song to convey—both lyrically and sonically. It did take some effort to recreate, but I’m super stoked with how it turned out, and I know others will be too!
I know some of the song is about resisting the impulse to be tied down by any one category or genre. I’m curious if you can expand on that element and how you see your music, and you as an artist, traversing that conversation, especially today where genre does seem to widely be entering more grey, in-between areas?
It’s always kind of hard to respond when I get asked, “What kind of music do you make?” I never really know what to say, and I usually just resort to “alt-rock-ish.” But I just feel like it’s so much more than that. Sometimes, I get frustrated with the restrictiveness of categorizing music. I feel like we often get carried away with wanting to understand and identify a piece of music, to the point where it overweighs wanting to enjoy a piece of music. I don’t know, it’s a bit philosophical, but it’s my version of a first-world problem, I guess.
I also know elements of the track explore the struggle of self-identity and fear of failure, rejection. Obviously we all go through some of those struggles, but I’m curious how that pertains to your experience so far making music and sharing it with the public?
I think one thing that I’m more than appreciative of is all of the reactions I’ve gotten towards my music thus far. Although I’m always trying to expand my fanbase, I’ve been extremely thankful for all of the people that listen to my music and are inclined to tell me about it! However, as an artist, I feel as though one must incorporate some element of vulnerability into their art. This can always be daunting, as it has been for me. The fear of rejection is real, man, and I thought it was real enough to incorporate into “Pockets.”
The single release also comes with a music video, which is encompassed by a pretty intimate frame and a generally moody, even a bit claustrophobic, atmosphere. I’m curious how you’d say the visuals relate to the themes of the track?
Shooting that video was so dope! I had a great time doing it. I think the intimate yet intense vibe of the video captures the song’s essence really well. The instrumentals are very intense and abrasive at times but are also intimate and dramatic. The same goes for the lyrics, which I think give off intimate yet confrontational vibes.
As you move forward toward a new, post-debut musical stage of sorts, what do you hope fans and listeners take from your music?
I really hope that all my fans, existing and new, perceive my passion for playing and writing music. I also hope that many can relate to the lyrical messages of my songs and that they touch some of their own life. I want the creation of my music to be more than just therapy for myself, to be a message that others can apply to their own lives.
Looking forward to the rest of 2022, is there anything coming up you’re excited about or that you can tease to readers? Any new singles and videos or live shows?
Yes! I’m looking forward to playing a whole bunch of shows soon! We’ve already got Wild at WashU lined up to play, which I am so stoked about. I’ve also been in the process of creating more of my own music from scratch. It’s super special, and I can’t wait to release it to the world. It’ll be so damn amazing. I can’t waittttttt.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for having me, guys! I appreciate the love and support!
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Watch the video for “Pockets” here:
For more from Chris Mardini, find him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Photo courtesy of Chris Mardini
