Chris Walton
Ruminating Thoughts is the debut album of Boston-artist Chris Walton. I listened to the complete album without skipping any song. Every song feels just right. Filled with timeless guitar chords, soulful/jazzy melodies and an honest songwriting, Ruminating Thoughts is a brilliant album that explores the feelings of love and lost love. If I had to pick a favorite song, I think it will be “Soon”. Just amazing.
Make sure to go stream this record if you like artists like John Mayer, Daniel Caesar and Bruno Major.
Ruminating Thoughts is now available everywhere.
Photo credit: O.J Slaughter
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hello, my name is Chris Walton. I’m a singer, songwriter, and guitarist based in Boston Massachusetts.
What did you grow up listening to?
There was a lot of Lauryn Hill, Earth Wind and Fire, and Stevie Wonder in my household. As I grew into my own as a musician, I started to listen to people like Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles, and Coldplay to name a few.
When did you start producing your own tracks? Where did you get your inspiration from?
I studied songwriting in college, and I think every songwriter should know how to produce a little bit. Even if it's just a demo to get the ball rolling. My inspiration mostly comes from classic sounds, like real analog instruments. That’s really where my passion is currently.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
From a very young age, maybe 5 or 6, I fell in love with playing music for myself. It wasn’t really until I sang in a talent show halfway through high school when I realized I really enjoy playing music for others. As for writing my own tunes, I had/have this dream of writing short songs for television. Like the stuff that plays during a commercial for an auto parts store or something. It was through that goal that I found songwriting.
How did things change for you since the release of your first single? What have you learned about yourself?
Releasing music is an interesting thing to me. If I play a song and decide I don’t like how the second verse is landing, I can just change it for the next time I play it; whereas, with distributed music, I can’t do that. So I guess it’s turned me into a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to recording and releasing. If there’s one thing I don’t like about a song, I won’t put it out.
"Ruminating Thoughts" is your debut album - how does it feel to release your first project ever?
It’s both awesome and terrifying. I’m really glad I decided to wait on releasing an album. I think I’m at a good place as a writer and player. There are definitely lines I wrote that a younger Chris would have come up with. On the playing side of things, all of the solos are single takes, meaning they’re not multiple takes combined to make a solo. It’s just press, play, and go. As a guitarist, that’s always been something I’ve thought was cool. I’m really glad I was able to accomplish this on my first record.
What's the story/inspiration behind this album? How did it come about?
I struggle sleeping at night. Mostly when my brain has a song idea based on an experience I’ve lived or a situation someone told me about. This record is the result of many sleepless nights because of my restless mind…or my “Ruminating Thoughts.”
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this record? Who helped you create it?
So as a general rule I have for myself, Chris Walton songs are always written by me. One thing that’s different with the writing process for this record is the vetting process. Typically, I’d write a song and then play an open mic and see how other writers react to it. If it’s got legs, it’ll stand out sorta thing. But due to the quarantine, I didn’t get a chance to battle test most of the record. Without my regular process, I feel like I wrote stuff that is very much concentrated Chris Walton. Production wise, I worked with the same guys from my last EP and singles (CC Ellis and Nick Groat) in Nashville. I like working with a small team because you get to a place where you get to know their tricks and signature moves. Like any other relationship, it takes time to trust people you’re working with. I think I was able to step back a little bit on the production side of things cause I trusted the rest of the team.
What different topics are you talking about on this album?
Love and love lost, platonic and otherwise.
Any favorite memories from the making of the record?
I really enjoyed the routine of recording a record. Wake up, breakfast, drive to the studio, record, break for lunch, record some more, go home, workout, shower, eat dinner, go to bed, and wake up and do it again. There’s something beautiful about a simple routine to me.
What was the biggest challenge when making this album?
Budget is always a challenge for the independent artist. I was lucky enough to get some funding for the record through Club Passim’s Iguana Fund, but there’s still a lot of cost involved with living in another city for 2 months.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this album?
I want them to feel connected. The topics on this record are specifically related to me, but my goal was to make it as relatable as possible.
Could you list a few albums that influenced the music you are making today?
Tom Misch - “what kind of music“
Theo Katzman - “modern Johnny sings in the age of vibe”
John Mayer - “the search for everything“
Daniel Caesar - “CASE STUDY 01”
Bruno Major - “A song for every Moon“
Mariya Takeuchi - “Expressions”
To name a few of the most prominent.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I would increase the pay per stream because it’s really quite atrocious how little we get paid for our art. I also think the emphasis on social media is a tricky one. On one hand, it’s great that we live in an age where learning an instrument is easier than ever, we are able to promote music and release it without a label, and stay in touch with people we care about. With that, however, comes a whole laundry list of problems for those of us that have to be chronically online for work.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Everyone’s trying their best and no one knows what they’re doing until they do it.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If everyone’s baseline needs were met, I think people would be more inclined to pursue something they are passionate about. Passion leads to innovation, and innovation is what makes the world better.
What are your goals for 2023?
I’m looking forward to touring this record. It will also be my first tour, so we’re crossing off a lot of lifelong goals this year.
Connect with Chris: