- Invited to and graduate of 2005 ASCAP Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
- Winner in the 2005 Great American Songwriting Contest - Rock category
- Semi-Finalist in the 2005 International Songwriting Competition (out of 15,000 entries)
- Pop Uptempo TOP 20 FINALIST in the 2005 Unisong International Songwriting Contest and Honorable Mention in the Acoustic/Folk category
- 2 Honorable Mentions in 2005 Billboard World Song Contest
- Selected Club Showcase Performer:
NACA Northern Plains, April, 2005
NACA West, November, 2005
NACA Nationals, February, 2006
Eleven years ago, my best friend and I left New Jersey, to travel the country and move to Los Angeles. Our shared goal... make music and the cover of Rolling Stone. I released two EP's between 1995 and 1998 and the first full-length album Naked and Alive in 1999.
I hit the road in January of that same year determined to rival Ani DiFranco's tour schedule and to build a fan base outside of the LA scene. During the next few years of touring, folks were taking notice and helped cement opportunities to open for Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Chris Isaak and Natalie Merchant. Reviews were equally exciting:
"Fabulous. Phenomenal. Spectacular. Breathtaking. Unbelievable. He has the look, the sound and the talent. ...Christian is going to be the beginning of a new craze of solo male performers." Carol White, The Pacifican
But after nine national tours through 33 states and Europe, I decided to take a sabbatical from performing, and focus on writing and recording new material. I took a day job to pay down debt and met my future wife (got a wee bit distracted), when suddenly the above-mentioned best friend passed away. That knocked the wind out of me in a bad way... but I eventually started breathing again, one song at time, ever focused on a patch of blue breaking through an overcast sky.
A Patch of Blue was aided by co-producers Wade Biery and Jean Marie Horvat, some great musicians and the budget-wonders of digital recording.
I'm on a break again - but maybe I'll see you sometime again. you can also visit me now at: champcreative.com
My first thought was there's no way the baby is two already and my second thought was wow time went by fast! Seems like you got that phone call that you were goning to be a daddy yesterday!
Hey Christian. Just wanted to let you know that I played your songs Miss Morning and Samsonite on the latest Indie 500 Show podcast. You can check out the show at indie500show.podomatic.com
Thanks for submitting your music. I look forward to working with you in the future.
I need to go and thank Wade for pointing me in your direction...this music is great! Ha! I can really relate to misery (thankfully WAY in the past) but yeah... So far, I think Miss Morning is my favorite. The best of luck with your future! Peace, C
Just thought Id stop in and see how you are doing, I love the new album, It makes me think of warm summer nights....We need that sometimes. Later~Jana~
Hey Christian! Thanks for your message and sorry for the long reply time....Was touring heavily and leading the latest Listening Room International Songwriters Retreat in Denmark. Maybe you'll join us one of these days? Ireland is Oct. 7-14, and Big Sur, CA Jan. 20-27 :-) Hoping all is well and to cross paths soon.
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