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

Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been a full time musician since college. After I graduated I joined a band/performing group and toured the country. But once I got married, I decided to get off the road. It was then that I got a job as a studio manager and an advertising/film/tv composer for a music production company in Dallas. I’ve been doing that job for the last 12+ years. It has allowed me to continue making music as a living. And frees me up financially to be able to provide for my family while still making the kind of music I want to in my solo career and with my band Texicana. I suppose I could have sped up the process, but it would have come at a cost to my family. I love where I’m at in my career and love that I’ve been able to do it while maintaining a healthy family life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an advertising/film/tv composer. I’ve written custom music for such international brands as McDonald’s, Yoplait Yogurt, and The Home Depot among others. Even had a song featured in a Super Bowl ad for HEB Super Markets. I’m also a performing singer/songwriter as Chris J Norwood (along with my wife Carrie Norwood). My most recent album “I Am Not Cool” was recently released on State Fair Records. I’m also a member of the award winning Americana/rock band Texicana. I also host a podcast called “The Strangest Gig” where I interview different musicians about their strangest or weirdest gigs.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

One of the easiest ways to support creatives is to follow them on social media. Like their posts. Sign up for their email lists. Etc. But more than that, go to their shows!!! Get their work straight from the source. Buy their music. Buy their tshirts and merch. And tell your friends. If you love an artist, be a megaphone. On a societal level, support legislation that makes it easier for freelance and gig workers to make a decent living. And that includes affordable health care (especially mental health care), affordable housing, etc.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something that is often misunderstood about creative work is the amount of value that should be placed on it. If you commission me to compose a 3 minute piece of music for you, you’re not just paying for 3 minutes of music. You’re paying for years and hundreds and thousands of hours of hand work and experience that have gotten me to this point in my career, not to mention student loans haha

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chrisjnorwood.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/chrisjnorwood
• Facebook: facebook.com/chrisjnorwood
• Twitter: twitter.com/chrisjnorwood
• Other: www.texicanaband.com

Image Credits
Will Von Bolton Robert Chickering