Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Chris Caulfield

THE RELEASE

Chris Caulfield is a genuine Canadian from just outside of Toronto. Chris isn't your typical musician; he's a musical chameleon that seamlessly combines hip-hop, alternative, emo rock, dark-pop, and a dash of retro vibes, creating an emotional rollercoaster that digs into issues such as anxiety, sadness, and chronic pain. Chris Caulfield's soundscapes touch you directly in the feelings, striking a deep, sympathetic chord.

Lovesick begins with a dark chord pattern that serves as the perfect backdrop for Chris' emotionally intense, passionate lyrics. The song then flows into a high-energy vocal performance that exudes flair and a profound feeling of desire. It dives deeply into the concept of an all-consuming love that refuses to be forgotten, describing the mind's unrelenting grasp on it. Chris's vocals take on a rap-infused sound in the second verse, providing a dynamic contrast with the bouncy synth melody and harmonies that infuse the tune with an enticing charm. "Lovesick" stands out as a totally unique work, a musical experience that invites you to listen and immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind and memorable ambiance.

THE INTERVIEW

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

That's definitely one to think on, but I think for me it would be a combination of musical inspirations and artists that I think have done exceptional things outside of the music itself. I think having taken an entrepreneurial path all of my adult life, I can really appreciate and admire the empires some artists have built for themselves.

Starting with Canada, I'd have to say Drake is definitely someone I look up to. I know it's not the most original answer, but he's achieved so much, especially considering his age. He was able to hit some success here in Canada early on TV, but then almost more remarkably was able to crossover, despite a lot of challenges in those early days with people accepting him as an artist, and of course his sound was quite different. Then, to be able to morph into one of the most commercially successful rappers and hip-hop artists, with a decade plus of staying power, and more recently the diversification into so many other business and musical pursuits - it's amazing to see that level, that "evolution", and all from someone from the same place and time as me. 

Chester Bennington would be one of my top overall influences and artists I've looked up to. I love Linkin Park of course as well, just too many heads for Mt. Rushmore haha. Obviously, we all want him to still be here making music, but the connection I've maintained to his lyrics, his vocals and sound, really he would be at the top of the list here.

Dave Grohl would be up there. How many people can strike gold as many times as he has, despite life throwing some curveballs, he's been able to forge one hell of a career out of all of it. I was torn for a minute thinking I'd put Jack White here for some of the same reasons, but definitely would say Dave Grohl has been a larger influence.

There's honestly so many it's hard to pick a last one here, but I'd say maybe Eminem, I know perhaps again not the most original, but what he accomplished, when he accomplished it, is something to look up to. Taking himself from one place and elevating to unimaginable heights, making music that helped him heal, unapologetically, and while it seemed at a time the entire system was working against him, he was able to break through and become one of the most respected artists of his time. Rap skills and such aside, the lyricism, emotion and that "breaking out" tale is really inspiring. 

Were there any specific experiences or events in your life that influenced the song's lyrics?

So many of my songs are heavily interwoven with my own life experiences, events, thoughts, challenges, and things that have impacted and affected me - and influenced the lyrics and mood of those songs. It's been a therapeutic journey. That said, with this project, "Lovesick", I wanted to step outside myself to a degree and aim for a more universal experience. There are emotions and situations that many of us encounter in life, regardless of background, individual circumstance, etc. Things like lust, infatuation and that elusive concept of "love at first sight", these are universal themes that resonate with people fundamentally, anywhere. 

What I find particularly captivating about these emptions is the intensity they bring with them, the chaos. They create this beautiful tension, a push and pull within ourselves, the oscillating between self-doubt and self-confidence and the mix of those conflicting feelings that can be exhilarating, and maddening. That's precisely what I tried to capture and recreate, those emotional ebbs and flows, sonically.

Can you share any interesting anecdotes about the song's development with your co-writers or producers?

"Lovesick" was originally intended to be a collaboration with another artist, but I ended up minimizing and varying the verses and shortening the song and ultimately it ended up being what you hear now. I think it probably worked out for the best, but it's always interesting to compare initial demos and directions with where the song lands at the end. 

What was the biggest takeaway or lesson you learned while creating this song?

This is the most recent among several projects in which I'm aiming to refine my approach. I have a tendency to incorporate a multitude of intricacies and layers into my work. Occasionally, this has led my projects to venture into more experimental realms, more akin to sub-genres like "art rock." I believe this stylistic choice aligns with the personal journey I was undergoing during those periods and some of the feelings and emotions I was navigating at the time.

As I've dug into it, I've now been working on clarifying and making more impactful (and selective, lol) choices, and I think it's making for a better end product. The chorus in this single was a little "busier" in the initial iterations, and my continued relationship with Aaron, one of my lead engineers, has led to more trust in letting him let those moments shine through and pull back on some of the other elements. Interestingly, as I have "reigned in" the vocal approach, it's led to a couple of comments around levelling up the instrumental as well to sort of replace those areas and have that constant give and take in the composition. Guess I learned a lot with this one! ‏

How has your recent growth as an artist influenced the direction of your future work?

As I've continued to evolve, I've had the privilege of learning from new connections in the industry—fellow musicians, industry professionals, engineers, and more. These interactions have expanded my horizons and provided me with fresh insights and perspectives. Making music from your own studio is exciting and one of the main reasons so many independent artists are able to start their journeys, but, it also can be a lonely process, isolated from external feedback and influences, and collaboration, in any form, can really enhance and amplify what you're doing. With that, I've also learned to better navigate which feedback to act and reflect upon, and which feedback to tune out and move past. 

Honing on elements that work, and the balance between simplicity and complexity, focusing on the connection and the engagement to the music - there's been a lot of focus and thought on streamlining, my creative process, and how to continue to evolve and maintain authenticity, etc. Similarly, I've discovered that not everything can be meticulously planned or shaped in advance. Sometimes, the most remarkable moments in art happen organically.  

Lastly, it's led me to a new project I am really excited to announce soon that I've been working hard at since quite early this year. I believe it's a testament to a lot of this growth and evolution I've experienced, and I'm beyond excited for 2024. Follow me on social media or hop onto my email list for updates, they'll be coming soon!

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