Chris Stills On His Long-Awaited New Album “Don’t Be Afraid” & Working With Ryan Adams
Over the years, Chris Stills has worked with a wide array of major artists, including Ryan Adams, Smashing Pumpkins, Lucinda Williams, The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, and LeAnn Rimes. He has done the major label thing, he has had his music used in various television and film productions, and he has toured all over the world. Yet until releasing Don’t Be Afraid earlier this year, it had been more than a decade since Stills — as seen on the series Shameless — had released a full-length solo album.
On behalf of The Hype Magazine, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Stills via e-mail about Don’t Be Afraid and plenty more. Stills can be visited at www.chrisstills.com and followed via Facebook.
Chris Stills: 12, ACTUALLY. I’d just say a lot happened. There were five good years and then five hard years. The last two years have been much better, although not politically. But a lot of this record is about my journey through those years.
When in the creative process did the opportunity to record at Pax Am come about?
Chris Stills: Ryan Adams is a friend and invited me to come work and write at his studio. Probably one of the most creative environments I’ve ever been in. Really great gear. Fully set up to hit record. Ready to go at a moment’s notice. So you can really get into a flow. That’s where “Criminal Mind” comes from. Ryan wrote the bridge on the fly while we were jamming the riff… and the song.
Do you have a favorite song on Don’t Be Afraid?
Chris Stills: I have a soft spot for “Daddy’s Little Girl.” That one came out of nowhere and wrote itself in about 10 minutes. Poured out of me with tears and all. Fans come up to me and tell me that songs make them cry, and I always kinda think I always cry when I write my songs!
Your first full-length album came out over 15 years ago, as you got your professional start young. At what age did you know that music was going to be your career path?
Chris Stills: Most people see a career as something to look forward to. I think for artists it’s more something you look back upon and marvel at the fact you actually have one. I was about 10 years old. I discovered I could connect a few things together: music, words, and rhythm. And those three things together connected me to myself. I mean, all I do is chase the best results of that. So far, I’m still here.
Release of Don’t Be Afraid aside, what is coming up for you career-wise?
Chris Stills: There’s that word again… Here’s something, I’m working with a company called Twisted Sun to bring grid power to outdoor festivals with zero carbon footprint.
Chris Stills: Best time spent is always with kids and my family. No FOMO there. Otherwise I surf. I hike. I play golf. I’m a foodie. I’m half-French, double-cultured. As a human being, I feel it’s important to recreate. Go have fun. Make memories with those you love and most importantly, those you know love you back.
Beyond touring and recording, you are known to be involved with a lot of charitable causes. Do you enjoy the process of putting together benefit concerts? Or is it more of a civic duty that you feel?
Chris Stills: I’d say all of the above. It’s scientifically-proven that the thing that makes people feel the best is giving. And just look at the previous lineups for Light Up The Blues. I have to pinch myself every once in a while. Who wouldn’t wanna stand shoulder to shoulder with that lot and give back together?
Your first acting role was almost a decade ago. Do you view yourself as both an actor and a musician? Or is acting more of a hobby?
Chris Stills: I wanted to be an actor before I wanted to be a musician. I love acting. The ultimate test of maintaining control and letting go. Not unlike music. You have to listen, be aware, and be in control of your instrument. It’s funny, it’s almost exactly the same feeling when you get a good take while recording a record and shooting a scene. Same feeling of “not sure what just happened but I know THAT was the one!”
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Chris Stills: Well, I’m usually in them, ya know… Like when I get back from tour. it’s not like I go rush out to see more music. I need some time for quiet and non-movement! But its very important to always go see live music and discover what other artists are doing. Look for new sounds and vibes. It’s the most inspiring thing me to get motivated to write. Last show? Katie Toupin at the Hotel Cafe or Trevor Menear at some place I can’t remember.
Finally, Chris, any last words for the kids?
Chris Stills: Never give up. Never surrender. Remind yourself that you and everyone else are simply “human beings” from time to time. And don’t forget, in the end you’re gonna be OK. And if in the end you’re not OK, just remember, it’s not the end.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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