Chris Sandoe joins us today after releasing his latest single “Steph Curry (All Glory),” whose proceeds from the first three months will be going to Steph and Ayesha Curry’s Foundation “Eat.Learn.Play” to combat child hunger.
We discuss his music, his inspirations, and what we can expect from him in the future! Make sure to check out our interview below:
Was there anyone or anything in particular that pushed you to pursue music?
No one pushed me to do it, I just developed a desire to do it in Junior High School. I would write raps and share them with friends. I did become inspired to start singing by a Boyz To Men album.
What has your musical journey been like? Run us through your story.
It has been filled with ups and downs to be honest. I met Snoop Dogg’s younger brother Bing Worthington around my high school years. Through that meeting, I was eventually able to produce a song for Daz Dillinger of Tha Dogg Pound. From there I had a chance to work with a few other established acts. I had my music used on a show on VH1 as well as other things. You would think that the only way was up after that but I have also experienced a lot of disappointment. I have had people make promises that fell through and heard “No” many times also. I just keep pushing and try to not get discouraged. God has blessed me with a lot of opportunities and I’m grateful.
What is the motivation behind such a lyrically rich and melodically unique single “Steph Curry (All Glory)”?
I have been inspired by Steph for a while now. First off he is undersized for the NBA, He is not the most athletic either but he has found a way to flourish in the land of the giants anyway. He works very hard, he seems to be a great husband, father, and even son to his parents. He earned 2 MVP awards and one was a unanimous decision. He has this huge platform and on top of that platform he chooses to honor God, and let people know who he puts his faith, hope, and trust in and that is Jesus. He could be living any kind of way but he chooses to honor God. I very much admire and respect that.
What is the hardest aspect of songwriting?
The hardest part is making sure you can communicate something of value to people. A lot of popular artists, and I use that term lightly, I notice that they don’t really have much good to say. They actually are poisonous to the mind and spirit in a lot of ways in my opinion. If all you talk about is how you can take advantage of women, treat them as objects, spend your money on things that don’t last, and what your favorite drugs are then I can live without it. I value things I can relate to or that stir up thought. That’s what I want to contribute and sometimes it can be challenging. I’m a fan of lyrics that have substance. Something that can help you grow, or shift your perspective.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I think a listener who doesn’t know me wouldn’t know that I’m 6’8. Also that I’m a huge fan of Coldplay and Switchfoot.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to pursuing your musical dreams and how did you overcome them?
Money to do anything as far as music creation, and then access to things that can advance you. I had to get a day job to be able to support my desire to create art. You can’t draw a picture without crayons and paper, you gotta have a couple of dollars first. As far as access, internet access is not as much of a problem. You can create, and collab. You can get distribution and much more.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with so many artists. I would love to work with Lecrae, or Chance the Rapper, but if I could only choose one I would have to say Lauryn Hill. She is freaking amazing to me.
Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity, and for anyone that took the time to read this. I appreciate it very much. I would just like to let everyone know that I have other projects available for streaming or purchase
(Beautiful Battlefield, & The Left Side: So. Cal Vibes). Also, I have the music video for my current single set to drop in the next week so stay tuned.
Follow Chris Sandoe on Instagram.
