Music Transcending Boundaries With Singer-songwriter, Pianist, and Producer ​Chris Urquiaga​, Known as JChris

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Capítulo 045: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​Chris Urquiaga​, known as JChris. Listen in as we discuss his performance experiences, different art styles to his music, and his support for the LGBTQ+ community along with his own drag persona, Cara Linda.
Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​Chris Urquiaga​, known as JChris, is lauded for his exciting performance energy and smooth voice. Hailed as “...the next big thing” by ​Metro Weekly​ magazine, this Latin pop virtuoso is internationally recognized for his pop compositions which are laced with Latin, Afro and Brazilian influences. His music explores themes of gender fluidity and queer culture.

Chris started playing piano at the age of 7 and started playing at churches at the age of 9. During Chris’ childhood years, his performance experiences as a soloist and with choral and instrumental ensembles brewed an interest in composition. Throughout high school and college, Chris developed a desire to tell his own story through his own music. After studying composition at the Eastman School of Music, Chris became highly active as a singer-songwriter, releasing indie pop albums under the stage name Chris Urquiaga. Chris’ desire to deepen his connection with and express his Brazilian, Peruvian and gay identity, led him a new direction. In 2020, Chris rebranded himself as an urban Latin artist under the stage name JChris. As JChris, he has already seen great success with the release of his singles. His 2021 single, Caliente (featuring major Latin artist Naldo Benny), has reached over 1 million views on YouTube. Chris’ Spotify channel has over 500,000 streams.

Chris has co-arranged and co-produced with JohnnyTechAudio for his new sound as JChris. As a team, they have received critical acclaim for their high-quality and edgy urban tracks. Chris has worked with an international team of professionals including chart-topping superstar Naldo Benny for JChris’ “Caliente” music video, and Yurel Echezarreta from the movie West Side Story (Remake) for JChris’ upcoming LGBT-centered music videos Oportunidad and Dime. A vocal a cappella version of JChris’ Macarena has been made by arranger/composer Tom Anderson, whose arrangements have been featured on NBC’s “The Sing Off”. The vocal a cappella version of Macarena written by Anderson is planned to be recorded and released in 2023. Chris has also shared the stage with Stokley Williams of the band Mint Condition.

Follow JChris:
https://jchrisofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jchris_music/
https://www.youtube.com/user/thehumanipod14
https://twitter.com/jchrismusic
https://www.facebook.com/jchrismusic

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!