Chris Dukes is an emotional singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Albany, NY. He has appeared in clubs and theatres throughout the northeast and his songs and vocal stylings have been associated with artists like Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry, and Ed Kowalczyk from (Live).
Born in Albany, New York and raised in a small town outside the city called Voorheesville, Chris spent the majority of his teens singing and writing music. Without a band Chris needed to gain a grasp of multiple instruments in order to record his ideas as he heard them. Though prolific in volume at this time of his life his writing needed time to mold his style to its present status. Chris started private training on the drums before he perused his vocal advancement. “The drums just seemed to make sense to me. I’m not sure what it was, but I would sit down with my teacher and everything that he was saying about them was clear to me.”
His musical influences range through a broad spectrum. In his own words, “My love lies with music itself not in a specific genre.” His songs are filled with catchy hooks, poignant lyrics and creative counter-melodies. Some of the artists that have moved Chris in one way or another are: U2, Queen, Live, Matchbox 20, Metallica, Breaking Benjamin, Vertical Horizon and various others. When asked what was in his CD player right now, Chris said “you’ll find OneRepublic, The Fray, and Jason Reeves there right now. I love what they do. All of them have great song writing craft that is un-deniable in my mind.”
Over the years Chris has had the pleasure of playing along side a very talented cast of musicians. He has played drums for “College Farm” which is made up of members and writers from a past band called “Big Barn Burning.” He has also toured on drums with the band “Arc.” He was a founding member and singer/guitar player in “The Roundbale Conspiracy.” Chris is also known for sitting in with friends of his at their shows on occasion. Chris’ present band is made up of new and old friends and according to him “his most exciting line up yet.”
His song "Follow the Light" was published by GIA Publications with the help of co-writer Richard Putorti and he continues to collaborate with other artists. He has sung on many corporate songs and commercials for companies like: General Electric, Kodak, and FYE including “The Home Depot Anthem.”
He has recently signed a solo record deal with Always Records Inc. in New York City and has already begun working on his upcoming CD tentatively scheduled to release in the spring of 2009.
Haven't stopped in for a little while, just checkin' in to say hi. Hope everything is going well for ya'. Once the weather clears we'll have to plan on visiting Nash at Cheers again :)
Hey thanks for checking it out Mr. Dukes. Its not great. but I think it'll eventually get a little better. Going to the roadhouse tonite? and We still on for saturday? Shoot me a text.
playing ridleys next weekend eh? leaves me a tough choice. I was thinking of going to MA friday night and then NH saturday night... but I haven't been to plattsburg in awhile. Either way I'll be at jillians tomorrow!
things are good man thanks! you should come down to manhattan and jam with me sometime :) would love it... was just in Albany too... let me know your next show and I'll catch a train up :)
Mr dukes, I'm pretty intoxicated, but christmas eve is always a blast at my place. Have a great christmas my good friend, many holiday wishes to you and your wonderful family my friend. Much love to you and yours... see ya soon... I'm off all week we should hang out!!
Hey Chris, thanks so much for the comments, man. much appreciated... plenty more shots on the way... Hope you're enjoying the holiday season...Have a great Christmas!
