Harmony happens in the center of extremes. Live instrumentation and multi-layered soundscapes come together in CHNNLL’s unique vision of alternative pop. Chicago-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer a.k.a. Chris Davidson tempers emotional subject matter with bold melodies, coating raw truths in hummable hooks.

After generating over 1 million cumulative streams and earning acclaim from the likes of Atwood Magazine, CHNNLL describes his 2024 EP:

“For me, music is about a juxtaposition of different elements,” he shares. “Lyrically, I might be singing about happiness or inspiration, and the sonics will be a little rough — or vice versa. I put a lot of care into every part. I’m focused on the songwriting and the message. Everything is always honest.”

Born in Manhattan and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Chris initially excelled on drums. He studied jazz at The New School and, during college, explored guitar and piano for the first-time while also teaching himself how to write songs. He spent more than a decade working as a highly sought-after professional jazz drummer, but maintained a passion for writing and desire to record material of his own.

“All along, I wanted to have more of a voice in the music,” he notes. “So, my trajectory changed.”

He introduced CHNNLL with the self-titled, CHNNLL EP, during 2018; following up his debut with the 2021 full-length album, The Test, produced by Joey Waronker [Atoms For Peace, Beck, R.E.M.]. The Test also included the likes of Zac Rae [Death Cab For Cutie, Alanis Morissette, Stevie Nicks] on guitar, piano, and synthesizers and Gabe Noel [Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, Father John Misty] on bass and strings.

In between, he has shared stages with artists such as The Moth & The Flame, Wingtip and Beach Bunny, among others. All along building a palpable buzz with both fans and critics such as IMPOSE MAGAZINE and Atwood Magazine who raved, “CHNNLL is not most artists.”

Throughout 2023, Chris recorded what would become his latest EP at Steve Albini’s studio with engineer Drew Brown [Radiohead, Atoms for Peace, Beck] and creative input from The Test friends Joey Waronker, Zac Rae and Gabe Noel. Now, he’s ready to introduce this latest work with the single, “Kick It,” a track that features a head-nodding bassline and unshakable chant, “I’m trying to kick it, kick it, can’t kick the habit.”

“It’s about breaking the cycle or getting out of a routine that no longer serves you,” he notes. “Musically it is an earworm, the kind of song that will be stuck in your head for hours, if not days. I’m definitely aiming to hook an expanded contingent of CHNNLL fans with this one.”

Reflecting broadly on his own music and experience with the art, he said:

“When I listen to a record through the years, it’s a gift, I want more of it. I’d love for you to feel the same way about what I’m doing. If my music can help you navigate a problem or connect you to a specific time in your life, there would be nothing better.”