2014 HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR FOR RECORDING ARTIST AND ACTOR CHRISTOPHER ESTRADA, WHO HAILS FROM THE BRONX. WITH TWO SINGLES AND VIDEOS ALREADY RELEASED SINCE JANUARY AND A THIRD SET ON THE WAY, IT SEEMS THERE’S NO STOPPING THIS YOUNG, EMERGING ARTIST.
If Estrada isn’t writing, recording and performing his own music, or taping his music videos, he can be found acting — or even writing lyrics for independent films.
Which is why I had to chase him down to ATOF Recording Studios in Hoboken just to get a chance to interview him and talk about his journey thus far, upcoming
single releases and love in between.
So, Christopher, you’re on fire this year, and it seems like you’re always working on a project! First you released “Music Is My Only Love” in January, then “I Want More” in March, and now you’re working on a slew of singles, including a special summer single. Tell us about “Music Is My Only Love” and “I Want More.” Both songs appear to reflect your personal life (in a way) yet the messages in both songs are polar opposites. Why is that? Why the mixed messages?
I like to shake things up; it keeps it interesting. So I always want to explore different worlds through my music. Nobody wants to live the same day twice. And I want to keep things fresh for my audience.
Your first two singles and videos are so diverse in terms of music, styling, beat and even genres. What else can we expect from the next singles and videos you’re working on? Are you going to keep us guessing at what Christopher Estrada is going to do next?
Absolutely. Each of my songs are a moment of my life. Sometimes life is incredibly brilliant, and sometimes things are so dark that it stops you in your tracks and makes you fumble for a while until you find your way back to the light. I like surprising people with what I do next.
Not too long ago you were toying around with the idea of a summer single. I heard the early stages of it, and it definitely had the makings of a fun, summer anthem. Where are you with that idea?
It’s called “Goodlife,” and it’s definitely a summer feel-good anthem. I’m working on it now at the studio, and I’m really excited about this song. It’s about wanting to live a good life but never letting go of the dark patches either, because that’s what will propel you forward. My music is autobiographical, and “Goodlife” is where I find the balance between “Music Is My Only Love” and “I Want More.”
Rumor has it you’re collaborating with perhaps another artist…or two. Can you tell us who and what it will be?
Nothing is set in stone just yet, but it’s an idea floating around in my mind. I know some really talented people, and I think it would be a lot of fun to have them help me make this song really great.Guess we’ll have to wait and find out! It will be out very soon. My first two singles are available now on iTunes, and the videos are on YouTube.
Besides your own music, you’ve recently been contacted to write a song for an short, independent film. What’s that like for you?
It’s an alternative rock song being written for an indie film, and when the director shared the story with me, I instantly thought of my guitarist from my first band when I was in high school. It was like time travel for me. It was like returning to my adolescence, but this time as a grown man.
I know you’re young and all, but how do you find the time and energy to put all of this together, constantly going from one project to the next and oftentimes working simultaneously on multiple ones?
It’s a sacrifice. I don’t get as much downtime as I would like to have, but there’s a lot that I can accomplish, and I know that if I work hard I can make it all a reality. And I have a lot of help from my incredible team. I couldn’t do it without them.
Which leads me to the next question: What’s your love life like? Dating anyone? How does working a full-time job and working full time on your music allow you to even go there? I mean, you do say you want more, after all.
I’m definitely single. It would be fun to get to know someone, but my schedule makes it tough. I’d be willing to sacrifice to fit love in my life too, but for the right person.
Where do you see yourself by the end of the year? In five years?
I want to be touring the world with my music; that’s the main goal right now, to travel the world and go wherever the music takes me. So far I’ve been to some amazing
places. I can’t wait to see what’s next in my life.
Anything you’d like to say to your fans, both new and longtime followers?
I love my supporters so much, and I love when they reach out to me. They inspire me to work hard, and I always try to give them something that’s better than my last. I want to thank them for all their support. At the end of the day, that’s why I do what I do.
