We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kris Litman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I usually approach writing songs based off how I’m feeling at the given time, a collection of songs may represent a snapshot of time for me. Each project I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of has meant something to me. Whenever I write a new track, it usually takes on the most meaningful title.
The Scarlet Son began as a solo venture for me, an outlet for songs that didn’t necessarily fit into traditional genres. It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve released anything so this latest album “Death Blooms” has a special place in my heart. Some of the tracks like “When?” have seen multiple iterations and been around for years, and then others like “Meet Me By the Shore” were written in the span of a few days (including writing lyrics in the train on the way to the recording studio!)
The last few years I have gone through some large life changes, such as switching careers, failed relationships, moving across the country solo, etc. Some of these moments are captured in the lyrics, with darker tones and hints of optimism for a better future. I think this sentiment basically encapsulates the project. When going through something hard in life – and even if you can’t tell at the time, it may lead to you “blooming”.
Kris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name’s Kris Litman and I’ve been making music most of my life. All the way back in middle school I was even putting bands together, playing Green Day covers.
I grew up on the east coast, in Pittsburgh PA. The music scene there (at least at the time) was thriving with rock/metal/hardcore acts. In my twenties I played in various metal adjacent bands, while working in kitchens. It wasn’t glamorous, but I learned a lot and managed to self-book some tours as well. I recruited some friends at the time to play in The Scarlet Son, and we managed to get some radio exposure, shows, and recorded some music in Long Island NY with producer Mike Watts (who has worked with The Dillinger Escape Plan, Glassjaw, The Dear Hunter)
In 2016 I moved to Tampa Florida to focus on my health and took a step back from the band. During this time I had a brief stint of assisting as an audio engineer at a commercial studio in the area. In 2018 I ended up moving out to Denver, CO where I joined an alternative rock band – which fueled my desire to start writing more of my own music.
During the pandemic I pivoted into software engineering, which has given me the freedom to focus more on my musical craft. Fast-forward to 2024, and The Scarlet Son began to take shape again as a full band now with Bryn Saunders on drums, Chase Gorowski on guitar, Blake Mills on bass and myself on vocals/guitar!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
It may not be directly music related, but the book Atomic Habits definitely had an impact on my productivity. The concepts in the book helped be able to break down complicated problems into manageable components, which really helped when entering the software engineering space. Beyond that, I think it helped me become better at managing my musical craft. Highly recommend to anyone looking to build stronger life long habits.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Having someone relate or find their own meaning in my songs. I definitely have my own perspective of where I’m coming from for these songs, but it is very fulfilling to hear the meaning or impact they make on someone else.
I write music as an outlet, a way to heal from difficult experiences and to grow as a person. If they’re able to help anyone else going through their own tough times, that would be especially rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thescarletson.start.page/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarletson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571994223020
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheScarletSon
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-scarlet-son
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/30IcaGT8HSCiYpU0HwctrA?si=8Dg7mMc0Q4uXs_nCJB0OyQ
Image Credits
Photos by Mitch Kline
Death Blooms artwork by Tony Koehl
Other artwork by Jessica Schuhle