Artist On The Rise: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
Chris Salvatore: From a very young age, I have always been fascinated with the arts. Thinking back to my earliest memories, music has been a central part of my upbringing and exposure to the outside world. I used music throughout my childhood, and early teens to navigate the inner workings of the world that surrounded me. If I wasn't pursuing my dream of playing music and writing records, I would probably be behind the scenes actively producing and engineering sonics for bands I love! I think what cemented the idea of becoming a musician for me, was when I first bought my acoustic guitar. Even though it was the same height as me at the time, I felt a deep connection with the instrument. I knew it would accompany me in my maturity towards becoming a songwriter.
Artist On The Rise: What was your first song, and what inspired it?
Chris Salvatore: I was 16 years old when I first attempted to write a full-length song. It was titled Breathe, and I actually got the chance to record and release it as part of my former band, Lost in Translation! The song consisted of a catchy four-chord progression and followed the rhythmic swing of indie rock music which was really in the mainstream during the late 2010s. I based the song on a former relationship I was a part of, obviously changing some of the details of the story in order to create ambiguity. But it essentially revolved around a connection, where the love between two people can become so suffocating, you just need to step away and "breathe".
Artist On The Rise: Who was your first major musical mentor, and what did you learn from them?
Chris Salvatore: My first musical mentor was my guitar teacher, Anthony. We'd practice scales, and rhythmic playing techniques, exchanging musical recommendations, and observing the intricacies of notation! He really stressed the emphasis on timing and developing a playing style that was unique to me. I really appreciated how he allowed me to explore the guitar and find my voice behind it, even now when I play the instrument I would stress certain strikes or downstrokes which feel really like "me". I believe developing your sound as a songwriter/ musician is an ongoing field of fascination, further creating an attachment between the two entities.
Artist On The Rise: Have your influences changed over the years?
Chris Salvatore: Starting out in my musical career, I was very mindful of educating myself on the tradition that came before. Most notably I was really interested in what artists were my favorite bands listening to. I fell down a rabbit hole for 4 years listening to all sorts of genres from the 60s, leading up till the late 90s. I believe this was extremely vital in trying to find a soundscape, in which I can envision myself being a part of. Up until recently, I just started taking note of how much my taste is inspired by contemporary works and albums. Though I will never forget my roots and where I first started with my musical journey, keeping yourself updated with new trends and compositions is necessary when trying to find inspiration to pull from. Artists like Julie, Mk.gee, and Wunderhorse are on constant rotation for me when I am running errands or simply listening in awe.
Artist On The Rise: How do you incorporate your cultural background into your music?
Chris Salvatore: As part of my upbringing and cultural background, Eastern music has taught me the significance of tonal experimentation and the power of community behind music. My family came to America from Afghanistan during the mid-80s. This blend between Eastern and Western cultures created a sense of identity in which I can infuse both aspects of myself through my art medium. When I was first learning the guitar, I was strangely attracted to songs that resembled "mystic"/ eastern influences such as Paint it Black (The Rolling Stones) and I'm Only Sleeping (The Beatles). These songs reminded me of the tunes my dad would often play in the house or driving in the car. Without being fully aware of it, I've even pulled inspiration from playing styles and techniques which I observed from my cultural music. In my latest single, Rain, I really leaned into finding notes that would cause dissonance and had an overall darker melodic content!
Artist On The Rise: What challenges did you face early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Chris Salvatore: Some obstacles that I have faced throughout my career have been trying to properly promote myself. Though I use the guise of a band to profile my solo artistic project, I believe that "The Reckless Nights" as a brand can be synonymous with anyone who wants to be a part of the band! To overcome these shortcomings, I'm starting to branch out more and establish a better sense of community by allowing my audience to get to know me better!
Artist On The Rise: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of?
Chris Salvatore: As an artist, I am extremely proud of the maturity that has come along with my songwriting progress. I am constantly trying to steer the direction of the band's vision in order to align with the aesthetic crafted around the songs. Each song I have written has allowed me to transcend my previous musical position. I sense that the more I create and experiment with music, the closer I am to striking the notes that truly resonate with my audience and peers. I think it's that initial "chase" that has me extremely hopeful in continuing my pursuits for sonic identity.
Artist On The Rise: What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Chris Salvatore: An advice I would give my younger self, is something I constantly remind myself on the daily, which is to trust in your own patience and timing for things to occur. I believe in the world we live in, with an abundance of streaming and pressure to craft something better than your last artistic expression, there are lots of anxieties that can cloud the initial spark for creativity. There are genuine moments in which I question myself and whether I am hitting a writer's block, but in these moments I reflect within myself and acknowledge I am creating my own obstacles by bringing outside worries into the creative space. Music, for me, is catharsis in the eyes of anxiety/ pressure. Once I separate the two elements and allow them to inspire the other, then I can truly center myself for inspiration to flow.
Artist On The Rise: How do you measure success in your career?
Chris Salvatore: I believe success in the music career is defined differently by each individual. Emphasizing the exposure of social media, and streams from various platforms, and the overall analytical nature that the industry is saturated in, there is a strong sense of pressure in order to be defined by that "listening count" and judge yourself in relation to the success of your peers. This is a very common issue every artist understands, it's also extremely counterproductive because the reason we are pursuing this career is because of the love we have behind it. For myself, I find it distracting to focus on the "numbers" revolving around my music and it's streaming. Though I appreciate the support of my audience, I as the artist most place my passions on composing and experimenting above the anxieties of "breaking through in the industry". If you allow the facets of "success" to consume you, then the art you believe in initially will also become a caricature behind the doubts you conjured.
Artist On The Rise: How do you engage with your fans online and offline?
Chris Salvatore: I am extremely grateful for all the engagement I have managed to attract through my various promotional and artistic performances. Connecting with my audience has allowed me to become more introspective with the music I am crafting. Their support has allowed me to break through personal boundaries and become more honest as a songwriter/ musician. I believe creating that strong bond with your listeners is vital in further establishing your artistic vision and aesthetic. I'm currently working on crafting a community through my Instagram page in which more people can discover my music and my goals as an artist!
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