Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Emerson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I never thought I could sing, until a girl in my high school told me to try out for the school musical. I thought it would be a good way to make some new friends. I figured they’d learn I couldn’t sing, and make me an extra. I ended up getting the lead role and later became President of the Drama Club. On graduation day, my teacher encouraged me to pursue a career as a pop singer.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I interned for a pro audio sales guy. I just wanted to learn the gear. I didn’t know how to use it, but I knew what it was for. Next I took voice lessons, and took music theory classes. Then I started writing and recording original songs on guitar in studios in Boston and NYC. Eventually one of my songs won The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, which caught the attention of SONY Pictures. They nabbed the song for Dawson’s Creek. Subsequent placements followed, and I was signed to Empire/BMG. It only took 12 years.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I auditioned for lots of bands and was rejected. I entered lots of songs in songwriting contests and lost. I met lotsbof managers and agents who wanted me to sign management, and I refused, because myblawyer told me you should never sign management until there’s something to manage. I went out of my way to always be hanging around recording studios to meet people. I eventually met an agent who shopped me on spec. No written agreement. We went to NYC and LA and met with the Director of A&R at every major label. I was turned down by all. I then met Maurice Star’s camp, and Maurice turned me down because I was too old. I went to Nashville and they daid I was too pop. The point is the rejection is part of the process. It makes you wiser. Its all about understanding the business, and who the decision makers are. Know the process. Know what they’re looking for. Today, the want followers more than anything else, but image and hit songs are a big plus too. My advice to anyone trying to make it is stary a TikTok page foing covers, build a following. Try and co-write with writers who already have had sucess, even of your just the lyricist. Then shop for a publishing deal, not a record deal. After you write a few top 10 hits, then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate your future.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My advice for any musician, is to go to Berklee College of Music, or Full Sail Academy. Learn piano or guitar, and studio music theory. Last but not least, buy a drum kit. Every musician should be a drummer. Without rhythm you have nothing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: #chrisemerson_official
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrisemerson17
• Other: www.reverbnation.com/chrisemerson