Additional Information
Massachusetts native Chris Ross has established himself as a versatile and in-demand bassist since relocating to Montréal for his studies. Now he is stepping into the spotlight with his first solo EP, Overdrive, set for release on September 18th. Chris opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his new music, and his transition from a sideman to a solo artist.
PAN M 360 : Thanks for being here Chris, and congratulations on the latest single. Out of the three you’ve released so far, this one feels the most like a fully-fledged song. Would you say that’s a fair assessment?
Chris Ross: Thank you! Yeah, I think that’s fair to say. “Overdrive” is the title track of the EP, and I believe it gives a good sense of the project as a whole.
PAN M 360 : The EP has a lot of songs, despite what the single rollout may have indicated.
Chris Ross: Exactly. I wanted the release to be varied. There are some unconventional tracks on there, but when they are all played together, they make sense as a cohesive unit. Even though it’s a short, seven-song EP, I’m happy with how it all flows. At first, I thought the diversity in the tracks might be too much, but now that I hear them together, it feels right.
PAN M 360 : And when is the EP coming out?
Chris Ross : September 18th.
PAN M 360 : How are you feeling about the release?
Chris Ross: I’m excited! It’s challenging to be an independent artist, and I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to make music and engage with my community. This project feels like a springboard for more creative work. I’m happy with the music and eager to create more.
PAN M 360 : Is this your first solo effort then? I know you’ve been involved in a lot of different projects as a sideman.
Chris Ross: Yes, it’s my first solo project. These songs are actually a second wave of material I wrote; there’s another set that’s still in the vault. But with these tracks, I felt they belonged together and represented where I’ve been creatively for the past two years.
PAN M 360 : Has this been a long time coming, or is this a recent transition for you, moving more into songwriting and production?
Chris Ross : For a long time I thought I’d be a jazz upright bass player, whatever that means in today’s world. But writing music has always been a part of me, even since I was a kid writing little songs. After years of honing my craft and learning from so many talented musicians, I finally felt ready to release something of my own. Even though nothing is ever perfect, this is a good representation of where I am now.
PAN M 360 : It sounds like this project allowed you to explore the studio space quite a bit. Can you talk more about that?
Chris Ross : Definitely. One thing that ties all the tracks together is the use of analog sounds. For instance, we did a lot with unconventional recording techniques, like using headphones as microphones and recording over phone calls to create a kind of compressed effect. We experimented a lot with things like that, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
PAN M 360 : It sounds great, and what I love is how very personal and intimate it all feels. Is this music really a vehicle for self-reflection then?
Chris Ross : Yeah definitely, especially with songs like the ones about my mom. A lot of the project reflects different kinds of love—love for partners, friends, a parent, nature. I wanted to capture those feelings in the music.
PAN M 360 : And love for the listener for sure. Some of the songs feel like a hug you know?
Chris Ross : Absolutely. I wanted the music to feel warm and welcoming, something people could connect with.
PAN M 360 : Would you say that this album is a step towards more experimental work in the future, or is this the sound you plan to continue with?
Chris Ross : I have many ideas, and I think I could go in several directions. I love all kinds of music, from free jazz to more experimental sounds. But for now, I wanted to create something that people would enjoy listening to—something that felt like an expression of love.
PAN M 360 : Do you think your future projects will still fall under the name Chris Ross, or could you see yourself using a different name for different styles?
Chris Ross : I think Chris Ross is flexible enough to cover a range of styles. I might release some piano sketches under this name or explore other avenues, but I think it can all fit under one umbrella.
PAN M 360 : So what’s next for you? Do you see this solo project as your main focus now?
Chris Ross: I have so many ideas, and this project has given me energy to keep creating, whether under my own name or with others. I love playing other people’s music and collaborating; it always sparks new ideas for my own work. I’m already working on new music, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop creating.
PAN M 360 : That sounds like a fulfilling journey ahead. We wish you all the best, Chris.
Chris Ross : Thanks Varun.
PAN M 360 : Over and out.
