Features : Rising Singer-Songwriter Chris App Blends Genres in Newest Collaborations

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Blues-infused guitar solos paired with moving lyrics are what encapsulate Chris App’s distinct indie-rock sound. Starting music from an early age and inspired by the legendary songwriting of Bruce Springsteen as well as the guitar mastery of John Mayer—specifically his 2006 album, Continuum, the DC-based indie musician has honed his guitar-playing skillset and songwriting repertoire for nearly a decade. That’s the backdrop for how App’s newest EP, Brighter Skies, came to fruition as a genre-bending collaboration featuring three top-tier vocalists.

App is set to release his collaborative EP, Brighter Skies, on July 14^th and describes the 4-song EP as southern-rock inspired. The EP’s title track, “Brighter Skies”, reflects the songwriting prowess that has influenced App throughout his music journey and includes guitar solos that App describes as some of his strongest so far. The second track is “You’re Gonna Know”, an acoustic song about a musician believing in themselves and their music, featuring singer Benjamin Blythe (penname). The following track, “When I’m With You”, is a slow-tempo, love song featuring country vocalist Sam Mitchell (penname). “Drive Away”, a song about the inner-conflict we often face when trying to hold on to good memories while acknowledging the interconnected stained ones, closes the EP with a contemporary indie-pop vibe and soft, raspy vocals from singer Zach McCaffrey (penname) —all creating strong emotional connections within their lyrics and vocal delivery.

“I spent a lot of time in the mixing studio (shoutout Crescendo Studios in Falls Church, VA!) with these tracks, and I’m really grateful I got to work with incredibly talented vocalists, producers, and mixing engineers to see these songs develop from beginning-to-end’ says App. ‘I wouldn't say any one of the four share the same genre; the positive feedback I’ve gotten so far on the variety of the genres and quality of the songs has been awesome to hear, and I think the blended range gives something special for listeners to love and hold onto.”

“Livin' On The Coast”, App’s most recent single, features R&B/hip-hop singer Jay Nova, the penname for the talented vocalist with an impressive range. An indie ska track with a contemporary pop beat, “Livin’ On The Coast” explores the adrenaline of feeling alive with friends and lovers on the coast, even if that time is just a few precious days or moments.

The standalone single is the latest for App, who last year released hit tracks such as “Blue Water” and “Amethyst Kiss”, among other singles that have launched him to over half-a-million streams on Spotify and thousands of playlist adds within his first debut year, all while being fully independent as an unsigned artist.

App’s next venture is experimenting with new genres, including R&B and pop-rock. 

“I think my two biggest strengths are my songwriting and guitar arrangements. I love so many different styles of music, so vocally, I'm still trying to explore new genres to find my voice’s niche. I also want to continue collaborating with different artists and materialize the visions I have for my songs’ says App. ‘Paying respect to the greats I admire so deeply while simultaneously carving my own path is how I want to grow as a musician.”

Link to EP