Shawn Chrystopher Interview: SXSW 2010

Shawn Chrystopher doesn't come from a long line of musicians, but you would never know that by looking at his musical pedigree. Chrystopher writes, performs, produces and mixes his own music. His latest CD will be released later this month. Spinner recently talked with Chrystopher , who was tinkering away at his studio,

Describe your sound.

I think my sound is based on art and comes from all different forms. I take movies, paintings and try to jumble them into a cohesive sound, and at the same time try not to stay in the same genre. I think music is art, so I try to put everything together all at one time.

Do you play with a band or solo?

I perform solo. I like to try to do different things. Sometimes I bring out my trumpet and I'll do a trumpet solo. I try to show people that I'm musically inclined. I like to show people that I'm behind the music, too. I like to play the keyboard and engage the people and try to do things differently.

Have you played with a band?

I tried playing with a band accompaniment, but what I found people is people don't hear me as much.

Musical influences?

Kriss Kross was an earlier one. Puff Daddy. Tupac.

What's your biggest vice?

Good question. Well, I was going to say something, but I'm not going to say that... I don't think I'm envious, but when I hear something that's really good, I wish I had done it! I critique myself hard. I need to become a fan more of others than always comparing myself. I'm way too hard on myself.

What's in your festival survival kit?

I have to have my Mac laptop. That's the first thing I grab. It keeps me so sane. My Blackberry is essential. My iPod – I have a crazy playlist. I have to have it – it zones everything out for me. Oh, and this is random, but Sour Patch Kids.

Who's your musical guilty pleasure?

Soulja Boy. I love him because he just has so much fun. He's a kid and he doesn't overthink it. I love to see someone have fun.