Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Walker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My dad was always a huge music lover so I aspired to become a musician since childhood. I played drums in several bands throughout high school, but during my senior year, I was introduced to my first digital audio workstation and started making electronic music. At the time, it was very much a hobby. It wasn’t until 2016 that I started taking music production seriously. Since then, I’ve been able to create a very exciting music career for myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a rough road, but I think all roads in life are bumpy. In 2018 I performed under a different artist persona and I was starting to pop off. I was playing festivals across the country, touring the South East, and opening up for huge national artists here in Atlanta. The issue was that I wasn’t personally ready to handle that level of success. I was self-medicating pretty hard, getting drunk at shows I was playing, and putting off preparing for sets. It was difficult for me to acclimate to the environment. It’s essentially a party environment and before I was playing shows, I was partying at them. So to change my mindset to that of someone who’s at a show in a business capacity was a massive hurdle to overcome, but one that’s smoothed out the journey considerably.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m primarily a music producer, but I DJ as well. In addition, I’m working at De3 Recording Studios as a producer and a mixing/mastering engineer. I also work in the event production field as an audio tech. The thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve achieved a sustainable career for myself in a field that once seemed impenetrable. I think what sets me apart is the quality of my work. I put a lot of skill points into mixing and mastering and that allows me to know my work is of a high caliber and has given me the confidence to assert myself as a competent professional.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I know that in the electronic music scene since it’s still relatively niche as compared to other genres, a lot of the artists that are at the top of the industry are very humble and easy to approach. In addition, some of your favorite artists are either actively offering lessons or would be willing to if asked directly. Don’t be afraid to reach out and initiate conversation. I’d be cautious about reaching out for feedback initially only because some artists are, no doubt, inundated with feedback requests. That’s not to say it’s out of the question, only that it might be better to become acquainted first. The ultimate takeaway is to reach out. You’ll likely get a response and there’s the potential to develop that into a personal or professional association. The answer’s always “no” if you don’t ask.
Pricing:
- Stem Mixing – $150
- Mastering – $150
- Mix and Master – $250
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumpfakebass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpfakebass
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/pumpfakebass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyETD40aWsPvsP5zOuNzPdw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/pumpfakebass
- Other: https://pumpfakebass.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Megan Friddle
