New Signing: Chris Antblad
Angelmilk promised new talent and we can’t wait to unleash Swedish singer/songwriter Chris Antblad upon the world. Some may recognize the name – Chris was a big part of the songwriting and vocal talent behind the Spin Galley release Standing Tall, which came out on Atenzia Records in 2004.
That’s just the start – Chris Antblad has spent the better part of his adult life as a musician and primarily as a songwriter. A mix of versatility and exceptional lyricism, has led to many interesting collaborations over the years. Primarily, the songwriting has been concentrated on adult oriented rock music and country. Two styles of music that both are reliant on advanced vocal-parts and arrangements. After a few years of songwriting, the necessity for good demos fostered a vocal ability that in later years led to more and more vocal work. Growing up outside the Swedish music scene, there was little to choose from, in terms of vocalists, and necessity once again turned out to be the mother of invention. He was forced to learn the art of singing, and after a couple of uncomfortable years, he found himself a decent singer. Combined with the experience as a session keyboard player, with a lot of jazz under the belt, and decent abilities on guitar and bass, the quality of the work started to reach a professional level.
The songwriting led to Nashville and collaborations with some of his heroes like John Bettis, Gary Baker, Eric Martin, Paul Carrack, Michael Jay, Joe Lynn Turner, John Capek, Randy Goodrum, Jay Graydon, Brett James and Wayne Kirkpatrick. His interest for AOR always lingered as a result of growing up in the 80-ies and has led to a long time collaboration with Joe Lynn Turner and a few noted appearances, one of which was the noted one-off Spin Gallery project.
After several years of writing and producing, it now feels like it is time to get back to the roots and do another album. Together with the label Angelmilk, Chris hopes to be able to indulge himself in the music he loves and at the same time “give back” to a music-genre that has nurtured his musicality over the years. Time to get back to basics, and time to roll up the sleeves and do a real album.
Says Chris of the upcoming debut solo album: “It will NOT be an encyclopedia of people that did this with everyone, a thousand times over, but rather my take on the music I love, in a very band oriented context. With the odd surprise in terms of mainly songwriting, that is the basis for all good albums. Maybe a duet, but nothing else…than a great band, the best songs I have right now, and a lot of spirit… My favorite album of all times is Reckless by Bryan Adams, and if I can get half-way there, then I will be pleased… and hopefully you guys will like it. I want to say that I’m doing this for the fans, but it’s much too much fun and it’s purely an egotistical endeavor…lol”
And on signing to Angelmilk Records, Chris had this to say: “I like working with small labels, where everyone is in it for the right reasons. I have done records with all kinds of labels, including the majors, and if music is your priority, then a small one is more likely to get you what you want. The discussion I’ve had with Angelmilk, convinced me that we have the same mindset and attitude towards the creative process, and together we will do our best to get the best album possible, out there. Andrew approached me, and suggested a collaboration. His positive attitude and the fact that we have the same taste in music, convinced me that this would be a sound environment to do an album in. Emotionally, it’s sort of like choosing someone to look after your kids…you can’t just go with anyone.”
Andrew McNeice: “As stated earlier – I can’t wait to get this one out to fans. The quality of the songwriting and Chris’ choice for a more AOR approach had me hooked from the start. Chris initially sent me one solo demo some 18 months ago and it is still stuck in my head after all this time – that was the basis for chasing him for Angelmilk. Plus he has one of those voices that just demands your attention.”
Chris Antblad’s solo debut album will be released under his name and is planned to be released before the end of this year – most likely in November. Stay tuned for further details.
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