Chris D. Staples: “Life Stories” – There is a life-affirming quality to this EP!
Chris D. Staples has finally dropped his 6 song EP, entitled “Life Stories”, and it was well worth the wait. Chris’ easy going, positive personality permeates the recording. His vocals are authentic and emotive, while the music compliments his voice rather than overtake him. This is important as Chris, and his music in general is sending a message, and it’s a message of hope, family and unity. “Life Stories” is much more than a collection of great songs done well. Its message is consistent and timely, from the first song to the last. Chris D. Staples has something of an everyman quality about him, the epitome of the South – a gentleman, a polite, well-mannered guy, eager to please. Certainly to watch Chris perform you sense all those things – he is an easy going, charming performer who can light up a room with his vocals. And he has acquired those traits notwithstanding moments of turmoil, drawbacks and loss.
Christopher D. Staples is from Decherd, TN. He grew up loving all kinds of music while attending school in Franklin County. Chris spent most of his life caring for his mother, who suffered with Lupus and his grandmother who suffered with Dementia.
Though he loved music, Chris went to school to become a K-5 teacher until 2013 when he lost both his grandmothers within two weeks apart, his mom a month later, and an uncle yet another month after that. He fell into depression and started writing, coming up with his first original song – the empowering and inspirational “Make It Through”.
But that was just the beginning for Chris. The track was so well received that he went on to pen another. This time he focused his attention on his niece Skye Lee, and completed the track, “Miracle”, with is also the EP’s second cut.
Chris loves children and sees them as a blessing, hence he wanted to compose a song that showcased the impact kids have on us. Chris actually executed both a pop and a country version of the song, with instrumentals supplied by Ray Dion and Niko Skipz respectively. The song was also backed up by lovely support video filmed by Seth Garrison, which you can find on YouTube.
“I Need A Girl” is the third track on the EP. It’s a carefree upbeat song with a theme that mirrors the title. This is a great track for chilling. It is also a clear example of how Chris manages to straddle genres which should collect him multiple accolades along the way.
In a recording where there are intense, intimate and emotional songs, this track is the curve ball thrown in for a bit of fun. However, the rich, deep quality of Chris’ voice is ideally suited towards singing in an intimate and heartfelt style, which brings us straight to the title track, “Life Stories”, and its look at the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
When Chris sings this style of song it really feels like he is in the room with you. There is an intensity to his performance which only the very best artists in any genre are able to achieve. It’s also on songs like this that Chris’ lyrical and storytelling ability really shines through.
In the process Chris also tackles a classic like Amazing Grace with his own contemporary twist and calls it “Amazing Grace (His Grace)”. Certainly not an easy song to sing, Chris’ vocals are up to the challenge, as he drives the song forward with style and panache. Clever use of the lyrics and the cadence of the words gives the track a personal touch.
The EP finally closes with an alternative version of “Make It Through”. Here Chris seems reborn, re-energized and singing with a wisdom and clarity hitherto unknown to him. There is a life-affirming quality to this EP that you would have to pay a fortune for in therapy to achieve, yet Christopher D. Staples is willing to help you realize this for the princely sum of a simple download or a stream! I would grab the deal if I were you, because you aren’t going to come across a better musical one this year!
