Chris SD of Sync Songwriter: Stop Chasing the Industry

Malcolm McLaren gave him the best advice

Chris is a producer and CEO of Sync Songwriter. 

We spent two minutes with Chris to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Chris, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now. 

I grew up in Canada and now split time between Los Angeles and Tennessee.

Your earliest musical memory.

I was moved to tears by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture when I was 4 or 5 years old.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

The indie songwriters I have the good fortune of working with every day at Sync.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

Recording Kris Kristofferson.

A recent project you’re proud of.

Helping two indie songwriters get their music into this year’s Cannes Film Festival grand-prize-winning movie, Anora. (Palme d’Or).

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

How music supervisors for TV and film have become the new A&R. They seem to break as many artists as labels do.

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

It’s pretty cool how Lana Del Rey has managed to stay relevant for about 15 years.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

IThe soundtrack, cinematography and lighting in Dune: Part Two were epic.

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

I was just in Paris, so I would say the French high-rise architects. A beautiful mix of the futurism, art and function. 

Your favorite fictional character.

Rocky & Bullwinkle. Two unlikely friends who remind me that we can have relationships with almost anyone no matter how different they are.

How musicians should approach working with brands.

Something the manager of Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, told me: “Stop chasing the industry. Go home and write great songs and make them come to you.”

How brands should approach working with musicians.

Look beyond labels and publishers. There are lots of amazing indie artists out there if you know where to find them.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

Trying to get into the music business.