Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Crain.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born with a birth defect called Brachial Plexus Palsy. This injury left me with little to no use of my left arm and hand. As a result, I struggled with anger management, and suffered silently from depression and low self-esteem for many years. Today, as an accomplished musician, I consistently use my personal experiences and musical gifts to share a message of love, hope, and possibility for the many people that face physical and emotional obstacles.
Born in Chicago but raised in Lumberton Mississippi I was afforded an upbringing that I will always cherish. I began playing drums at age 5. I later fell in love with the piano and even deeper in love with the guitar. Music ultimately became the friend that would help me overcome my own personal physical and emotional obstacles. At age 11 I was introduced to an awesome musician and singer named James Hamler. James introduced me to a world of music that I never knew existed. He taught me how to play gospel music correctly and how to write it. At age 15 I was introduced to V. Michael Mckay, Houston’s own living legend. I attended Mckay’s Songwriter’s Inc and the rest is history. That began my journey into songwriting and storytelling.
In 2011 I founded The Better Project Awareness Inc. The Better Project Awareness Inc. is a non-Profit 501c3 organization that began with hopes of raising awareness about the birth injury Brachial Plexus Palsy. Our purpose is to promote a positive Self Image amongst children and adults from all walks of life who may suffer from physical, mental or cultural disabilities. The Foundation uses music and music performance as its platform to promote a clear message of HOPE, PERSEVERANCE, LOVE and SELF WORTH. As an additional support, the foundation uses mental health strategies and principles to enhance the lives of the individuals we serve in the program. Our goal is to create positive change and influence using music as the vehicle to do so. Learn more about the foundation at www.tbpaf1music.com
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been easy but very manageable. I attribute my mindset to how my father raised me and taught me to view the world. He would teach me tough lessons and always say things like “It’s just something to do”, or “find a way to get it done”. Those nuggets would prove to be helpful especially when I couldn’t find the help needed or I received a flat-out NO.
I’ve mostly struggled with getting my work exposed to the masses. Some artists never get an honest chance merely because the masses don’t know they even exist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Singer, Songwriter and multifaceted Musician. My passion for using music to make a change is prevalent in every lyric; every rhythm; every note. Change – in the way people listen to music, the way it makes them feel and how it affects the community. I’m known for writing, producing and performing music. I’m most proud that I’ve maintained my own character while creating the kind of music that I personally love. I am also very proud that my music is being played a heard all over the world.
I’m presently working on a project called “Project They Say” Project They Say is a song that was created out of my life’s struggles with Brachial Plexus Palsy. With the intent to reach the entire world, I have translated my composition, “They Say”, into 13 different languages and will eventually share this message of hope in 50 languages. Project They Say: Volume 1 includes English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Ukrainian, and Indian languages (Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Oydia, Marathi, Chattisgarhi and Bengali). My goal is for the lyrics of, “They Say, ” to penetrate the hearts of mankind and aid in the fight for peace, love, and acceptance
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned to have the courage to trust my own crazy ideas!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chriscrain1music.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscrain1/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.crain.keys
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisCrain2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7NWcU_dwY1YSUojVjiXV8w
