On this episode we chat with New York City native, Chris Mardini. At only 20 years old, he has released an impressive string of singles along with his self-titled debut album. Hailing from Greenwich Village, an epicenter of New York's 1960s counterculture movement, it's no surprise Chris inherently possesses an eclectic pallet of influences which come through in his music. 

Mardini began playing guitar and drums at age 10 and cut his teeth as a teen playing in bands around the New York tristate area at venues like The Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall but ultimately decided to embark on a solo career as a songwriter. His first endeavor at songwriting, I'll Try, is a fantastic example of Mardini's intuition and maturity as a young songwriter; the song masterfully weaves through genres while maintaining a sound all his own, and the chorus will have you eagerly setting this track to repeat. SPIN Magazine stated “We’re keeping a close eye on him, you might want to do the same.”

Each new release coincides with an equally interesting music video, and we discuss the concepts of each of Mardini's videos along with related topics such as films, directors, actors, and production. His latest single, Pockets, combines modern hybrid musical stylings juxtaposed visually against a simplistic vintage backdrop, but the two collectively express the timeless feelings of agitated youth, angst and unrest. From the aesthetically clean Sleepless directed by Shantie Midnight, to the abstract Herd created by Nick Wolf of Howl Peak Productions, to the animation of Gabriela Sibilska on Skin Tight, each visual representation elevates Chris's songs and further engages his audience. 

Though the overall content of his songs often tap into a more serious and visceral realm, they are undeniably residing in a pop neighborhood. Punk, indie, classic rock, grunge, and hip hop all mesh into a style that is Chris Mardini. Unafraid to venture into uncharted waters, express vulnerability and take chances both in the audio and visual mediums, Chris has left an immediate unapologetic mark as an artist. “I feel like I owe it to myself and to the people listening to be as genuine as possible in my music. Being cheap with the lyrics or writing something that’s just filler is taking the easy way out, so I make sure to put real meaning into every line and melody.”

Currently Chris splits his time between college in St. Louis and his home in Manhattan, as he continues to produce new content. Even through the pandemic some notable shows took place, including a live-streamed concert at the prestigious Brooklyn Bowl, and an opening performance for DJ Zedd in St. Louis. Keep an eye out for Chris's new single coming soon...

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