Q&A: Chris Wills' Musical Odyssey of Love and Collaboration in "Ready to Go"
Photos By Liz Nistico
CHRIS WILLS EMBARKS ON A SONIC JOURNEY of self-discovery with his latest track, "Ready to Go," a captivating exploration of embracing love amidst life's uncertainties. Collaborating with Steven Colyer, Wills unveils a fresh sound that reflects his newfound perspective and artistic evolution. Drawing inspiration from a major life shift, Wills infuses his music with introspective themes, inviting listeners to join him on a voyage of healing and growth.
Set to kick off his debut album, "Ready to Go" sets the tone for a profound exploration of letting go and allowing life to unfold. Wills' recent move to Brooklyn with partner Liz Nistico (of Revenge Wife) adds depth to the song's message, infusing it with personal experiences and reflections on love's transformative power. As Nistico's presence resonates in both the album art and music video, Wills celebrates the enriching collaboration that enhances his creative process, embodying a union of kindred spirits united by a shared passion for music as a spiritual practice.
LUNA: You're back with a fresh sound collaborating with Steven Colyer. What inspired this shift, and how does Colyer's production complement your artistic evolution?
WILLS: I was ready for something new! I had a new sound in my head, new songs, new ideas. I went through a major life shift where my perspective changed and I needed the production to feel a certain way.
I actually met Steven at a party a couple years ago and when I was thinking of people to possibly work with, his name popped into my head out of the blue. I love working with Steven! His guitar playing and attention to detail are unparalleled. If I were a betting man I’d put all my money on Steven! It’s everything I’ve been going for; the songs meeting their best possible production match.
LUNA: "Ready to Go" kicks off your debut album. Can you tell us about the overall themes and direction of the album, and when can fans expect its release?
WILLS: Yes! There’s a lot. A lot about letting go of the need to try to control your life and then what happens when you leave some room for life to happen. I fell in love and moved back across the country from LA to Brooklyn.
Music has such power to heal and move us forward. That’s what this record is about. That journey from feeling like nothing is going to change, a deep dark hole of depression, then healing and seeing the world in a more grounded way. There are still some things in the air but looking to release the album in the fall or early winter!
LUNA: "Ready to Go" explores embracing love. How did your recent move to Brooklyn with your partner Liz Nistico influence the song's message?
WILLS: There are a lot of things in life we cannot explain. I tend to overthink things to death, especially things that thinking cannot solve. When you’re 16 you think you know it all, but eventually life happens and you have to learn to live with the things that are unexplainable. You have to choose what to believe in. Why not throw it all into love?
LUNA: Beyond inspiration, your girlfriend Liz (Revenge Wife) is on the album art and directed the music video. How does collaborating with your partner enrich your creative process?
WILLS: Obviously just because two people share similar interests doesn’t mean they’ll be compatible. But I think what bonds us besides the intangibles is that we both use music as a spiritual practice and a way to connect with ourselves and other people. Which, in the days of fast fashion like music and everyone trying to go viral on social networks, that feels a bit niche!
But she’s very air and I’m very earth. I think it’s a nice pairing that makes life feel possible.
LUNA: You describe your sound as "Yacht Rock" for self-loving listeners. How do classic artists like The Cure or Tom Petty influence your music, while catering to a modern audience?
WILLS: The Cure and Tom Petty are like going to Italy for the first time to try pasta and drink their wine. It’s the bar for songwriting and intention. After you learn how it’s done, sure you can forget about them so you can find your own space and break the rules but what I’m after is that special thing that moves you past words.
I think a great song, great performance, and a great recording can connect with anyone, anytime, no matter if it’s a modern or an older audience.
LUNA: You explore navigating life as a musician and house painter. How do you balance vulnerability with strength in your songwriting, particularly as a man in the music industry?
WILLS: I think it takes strength to be vulnerable with yourself and then especially if you’re going to write a song about it and ask people to listen to it! I enjoy the challenge. What’s more human than being vulnerable and being vulnerable with others? If people don’t like what’s being expressed, maybe it just makes them uncomfortable or they haven’t had that life experience yet. Who knows, it’s not the artists’ job to think about that.
But one thing I’ve been exploring in writing sessions is having a guy sing a girl’s lyrics and then having a girl sing a guy’s lyrics. I got that idea from Liz and it’s really a nice way to ask that question about what’s acceptable for men and women to sing and write about in a song.
LUNA: You've collaborated with LA producers and toured with De Lux. Now you're gearing up for a US/UK tour. How has your sound and fan base evolved since your LA days?
WILLS: My sound now has more air, more room to breathe, more space. More dynamics, more touch, more feel, more nuance, more room for the song to shine, more variability. It has all of my heart in it. I think this new production and the songwriting is finding people who also share this intense love and passion for music and life. People that are curious, think for themselves, explore, and are interested in things beyond joining the rat race and keeping up with the Joneses.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
WILLS: Enjoy nature. It’s been so cold in New York and it feels like spring just wouldn’t break. I am such an outdoors guy, playing tennis or basketball, hanging with my dogs, going on hikes. I don’t like spending my time indoors staring at a screen. It feels easier to be present when the weather is nice and I can walk outside. This spring I intend to relax into the moment, not put pressure on myself to be somewhere or to be doing something, and enjoy life a bit more outside of work.
