CHNNLL Releases Unshakable Alt-Pop Track "Kick It"
CHICAGO-BASED ALT-POP ARTIST
CHNNLL
RELEASES UNSHAKABLE LEAD SINGLE
“KICK IT”
FORTHCOMING EP JANUARY 2024
Above: CHNNLL; Credit: Orel Chollette
NASHVILLE, TN (September 28, 2023) — Chicago-based alt-pop artist CHNNLL, also known as Chris Davidson, releases his lead single “Kick It” from his upcoming 2024 EP, today. The unique vision of CHNNLL combines live instrumentation and multi-layered soundscapes to create a harmonious balance between extremes. The emotionally charged subject matter is tempered by bold melodies, making raw truths more accessible through hummable hooks. “Kick It” is an atmospheric track that gives listeners a taste of what’s to come from his forthcoming EP (due January 2024).
Top Shelf Music Magazine exclusively unveiled the track yesterday raving, “A compelling anthem that resonates deeply with anyone seeking to break free from the clutches of a detrimental habit or situation… In a world of music where authenticity is often elusive, CHNNLL stands out as an artist who unflinchingly shares his truth through his music. His dedication to crafting songs that resonate with listeners on a personal level is evident in every note.”
Stream / Download “Kick It” here.
The track is centered around an acoustic guitar and airy vocal delivery, giving way to a head-nodding bass line and unshakable chant, “I’m trying to kick it.” The instrumentation provides easy listening to juxtapose the desperate feeling of wanting to “kick” a bad habit, with the chorus circling between the desire to stop and the hunger to continue. “It’s about breaking the cycle or getting out of a rourtine that no longer serves you,” Chris notes. “Musically, it’s 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.”
Above: “Kick It” single artwork; Credit: havsum.pudding
After generating over 1 million cumulative streams and earning acclaim from the likes of Atwood Magazine, CHNNLL hones this vision on his 2024 EP and more to come.
“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 the 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 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.
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.”