Chris Sligh – Manchester, NH
Watch Chris Sligh perform Mute Math’s “Typical” Sunday night in Manchester, NH:
What’s next for Chris Sligh? The answer can be found in a recent post on his blog. Some excerpts:
Right now, I have deal on the table from an indie label that is a 50-50 deal. I’m also looking into starting my own label with major distribution where my cut would obviously be even higher. I also have deals from major labels that are in the works…the question is what’s the best option.
And:
I have the labels still interested. I have indie labels interested. But I might have the possibility to do things a little differently. We’re looking at possibly doing a direct deal with a retail chain that would be exclusive for a short amount of time (3-6 months). The albums would have a very low price point (like $6.99), so I would make similar money to a label deal, but it would help move units. We would do a large amount of albums non-returnable (this is important) to the retail chain and really push to that chain (playing the album in the store, doing in-store appearances, albums by the registers, etc.) At the end of the exclusivity period we would take the album to every retail chain, via major distribution, a la Elliot Yamin. We will have already sold a large amount of albums (the numbers we’re looking at now are between 1-200,000) with the exclusive deal. This whole time, we would be working to radio, since ultimately singles will sell the record. However, as we go to distribution, we would still keep the price point low (maybe $7.99).
The goal through this is not necessarily to sell records (thought that is how the endgame happens)…it’s to put music in people’s hands to push them to buy concert tickets. The focus would be touring. I am a touring musician. I hope to play 200-250 shows a year over the next few years. Radio is important to moving records. But I think that touring is what will allow me to have a career.
Chris explained it to me just like that at the after party Sunday night. So glad he’s got a blog–I don’t have to re-explain it, thus sparing what few brain cells I have left…heh.
No doubt, all of this year’s Idols are entering a music industry that’s currently very volatile and in an extreme state of flux. I don’t doubt that some of them will ink unusual deals outside of the typical label contract.
One last thing. Regular readers know that I have been a Chris Sligh fan since I found his My Space back when I leaked some spoilers last December. I stayed a fan once the competition started. Even after “Endless Love” one might ask? Of course. I loved the way Chris reworked that song and STILL maintain it was a great vocal performance. The iTunes recording is even better. So, there…
Anyway. I think Chris continued to bring it on tour. Working the big arena stage has definitely helped his stage presence–as has Phil Stacey, who reportedly gave him performance tips. (Chris told me Phil would talk to him honestly off stage, “Dude, no….” Heh.
Best of luck Chris, and thanks for everything. You know what I mean.
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13 Responses to “Chris Sligh – Manchester, NH”
I have to say I like Chris.
Hope all goes well for him.
Sligh’s got a great voice. With the right songs, he could do very well.
And I loved his version of Endless Love.
He also seems to be taking a clear-eyed look at the increasingly dire future of the recorded music industry. While there are still things that the major labels can do better than any indie or hybrid out there, the sad fact is, more often than not they can’t be bothered.
*yells at MJ*
Me too, me too. First time I’ve actually enjoyed that *ahem* song. Every other time I’ve ever heard it I’ve had to supress the urge to puke.
I was a Chris fan from early on, and actually was at the taping of his Exit interview on AI Extra. I had tickets to the results show, but due to the VIPs and friends and family, we couldn’t get in, so they gave us the choice of watching the AI Extra taping or staying after to watch Akon. We chose to see Chris, it was pretty cool – and it’s filmed on the Price is Right Soundstage!
After the taping, my friend and I snuck on to the AI soundstage and I stood on the Idol Stage, and got behind the judges platform and mimicked Paula, lol. I actually retrived some pullsheets from the set too, and a few other miscellaneous items. Crashing the soundstage and standing on the AI stage was a highlight for me, so had I not attended Chris’ exit interview taping, I may not have had this opportunity – thanks Chris!
He sounds like a very smart guy. Good luck to him! And stay away from buffets, Mongolian or otherwise… :smile1_tb:
Loved the Mute Math song – haven’t heard the original version but can’t imagine it being much better than this rendition. The style suits Sligh very well.
He does seem to have a good handle on the state of the record biz and it sounds likes he’s got all his bases covered.
Best of luck to Chris Sligh.
I have always liked Sligh, and I think he has a very good voice. That song did suite him very well. I wish him much luck.
I think Sligh is doing the smart thing. He definitely has a good business sense about him. I have to say – I’m glad for the blog post he put up too, because when he started getting into explaining this to us, my eyes started to gloss over. What can I say, I’m a visual learner, not auditory.
His stage presence really improved over the course of the tour, I think. From seeing him in Tampa to Manchester, he really did learn how to better work the stage.
I’ll definitely be anxious to get his album when it’s released. I’ve always loved his voice.
And don’t cha just love that Let It Be tee?
He analyzes everything, so I’m sure he’ll make the right business decision, even though it’s a tough choice. With his phenomenal talent, he should go far. This just closes Chapter One of his journey. The best is yet to come… :happy_tb:
Thanks, MJ! I couldn’t load this at work for some reason, so am just now getting around to watching it. Loved it. I do think his stage presense has improved.
I’ll admit I didn’t care for “Endless Love,” but I respected him for doing his own thing. Actually, that whole night sucked. I didn’t care for Blake’s “You Keep Me Hanging On” either.
As for his blog, I read it when it was posted a few days ago. Very interesting.
Keep rocking, Chris! Can’t wait for your new music.
Chris’ version is OK I guess. Mute Math performed Typical on Jimmy Kimmel a few weeks ago and I loved it.
http://abc.go.com/primetime/jimmykimmel/garage/index.html
Chris does a nice job on this song. He really does have a good voice. I am one who, though, appreciates a little charisma from an onstage performer. He/she doesn’t have to have model good looks, but, to me Chris Sligh possesses none. I have a real problem even watching him perform. I did when he was on Idol, even though I liked his voice quite a bit, and I do now when I see any vids from the tour of him singing.
I really like this song, and group, a lot. The video for it is terrific.
I’ve always loved Sligh’s voice and thought it was the best of the guys. She’s not there is on my iPod and I love it. I’m not a Diana Ross fan so don’t have either his or Blake’s songs from that week. I really like him doing Typical. I wish him a lot of luck in whatever he decides to do.