Life & Work with Say Christo of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Say Christo.

Hi Say, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I (Christopher Richardson) was born in the small town of Hollister, NC, and the middle child of 3. As a kid I was very influenced by art and music. When I wasn’t running around outside and trying to turn backflips in the house, I would find myself drawing and watching music videos trying to be as close to Chris Brown as I could be. Being in such a small town, there wasn’t much opportunity other than your standard 9-5 or going into ministry. I do, however, have a very loving and encouraging mother who was very supportive of my artistic endeavors at a very young age, even seeking out practical opportunities for it. My first and only real opportunity at a young age was in music, where I was taught how to play the drum set for my hometown church by my grandmother from 7 years old to 11, and continuing to play at another church in Savannah, GA up until 15 years old. After leaving Savannah to move to Atlanta in 2014, my drummer days came to a halt. In an attempt to find an outlet for my musical capabilities, I was somehow introduced to FL studio where I began piecing together beats on my older brother’s HP laptop. By this time, music became my main interest and art took a backseat. No longer playing at church, it only made sense to join my High school band (Clarkston High), where I played a variety of percussive instruments in Concert, Jazz, and Marching Band. I continued to play around with making beats on and off throughout high school, and even while trying to settle on my major in college. After struggling to find my purpose in higher education, I finally decided to take my interest in music to the next level, and began putting my beats out on social platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud. Upon gaining attention from my peers for my productions, I gave myself the name ‘SayChristo’ and began promoting this newfound persona through beat projects, collaborations, and even a bit of modeling. Gaining little by little local attention, my desire for making more out of my talent pushed me to attend SAE Institute of Atlanta for my associates in Audio Engineering in 2019, and not graduating until 2025 due to COVID. Learning more and more about the processes of music production and music business, I began creating an idea of a company that not only supported musicians and MCs, but artists of all creative talents; being that all forms of art work together in some aspect. While financial and influential gain is important, my primary purpose of the company would be to be a beacon of opportunity and hope to artists of all kinds that struggle to find outlets and assets they need to fully develop themselves and their craft. In a way, a collaborative network; a Home. Not for the art hobbyists, but for the ones with true willpower, passion, and talent that lack the support they need to grow. While the company is still just an idea, I continue to hold onto it as I develop myself as a producer and find likeminded individuals with the same vision to be apart of a family that helps sharpen each others swords.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has definitely been tough, but nothing good ever comes easy. As a producer, I often find it hard to keep myself inspired and motivated, constantly starting and stopping while maintaining personal responsibilities and emotional ups and downs. Dealing with petty legal troubles has taken a big toll on finances as well. Most importantly, though, the struggles of collaborating with other artists. I’ve had way more unsuccessful experiences than the later, mostly due to learning my own limitations of skill, work ethic, and resources.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a music producer, I can honestly say that my beats aren’t anymore special than any other producer’s. Being mostly a blend of trap and rnb, my beats are fairly simple, rhythmic, and hypnotic, leaving more room for the artist to shine. I feel that my advantage comes from my further role as a producer; collaborating with unique artists to turn something familiar into a one of one experience that leaves people questioning and interpreting the thought process behind it. Whether it be subtle or grandiose, people notice something different about the work.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the industry being completely oversaturated in the next 5-10 years, full of very individualistic artists trying to do as much by themselves as possible. While this may be a great display of willpower, it’s only but so much one artist can do. The world will want to see another group of Underdogs rise up and claim their stake, like Death Row and Bad Boy Records. An all-in-one if you will.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saychristo
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/IC0UhXn4XI5UjRAVbe
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/choppa-harley-quinn-single/1540118443