Alternative pop artist C. SHIROCK is slowly making his debut as a solo singer who is gearing up to release his full-length album Evidence Of Things Unseen later this year. We spoke with the Nashville resident about his music, Instagram aesthetic, and newly released single “Eyes of Sorrow,“ which is now available on all streaming platforms.
For those new to your music, can you please introduce yourself?
My name is C. SHIROCK – I’m an alternative pop artist based between Los Angeles and Nashville. I love what I do so much. For me, there’s nothing like the process of writing, recording, singing, performing, hearing something I imagined in my head come out of speakers driving down the highway. Or hearing stories of how my music became the soundtrack for moments in someone else’s life.
How has your experience changed from being in the band SHIROCK to now being a solo artist? Are there any aspects you miss about being in a band?
In some ways, it’s entirely different, and in a lot of ways, it feels like it hasn’t changed much. I was the frontman and the primary writer for SHIROCK. I view my work as a solo artist as a ‘continuation’ of sorts. To me, it’s all one body of work. There is a new element of freedom being a solo artist. In a band or even a duo, there’s often a give and take – there is a compromise. Sometimes that compromise can make the music or art better and introduce new ideas I would have never thought of but other times it could have a negative effect and take away from the original vision. As a solo artist, I feel much more free to chase whatever I’m excited by.
I do miss the camaraderie of being in a band. It’s like a small, dysfunctional family! You lean on one another through the many victories and defeats, and as things grow you get to look over and see the same people that have been there since day 1. There’s something incredible about that. But I feel like the producers, writers, and musicians I work with as a solo artist are a kind of ‘band’ or family for me now. Something special happens when you’re creating with someone that you also have a history with. Thomas Doeve (co-producer/ songwriter) and I have been working all of this new music together the last few years, and we have chemistry. In the studio, we have a little bit of an unspoken language as we work. I also had the opportunity to work with my brother Scott who is a producer/ writer on some songs as well.
“Eyes of Sorrow” releases this Friday. What can you tell me about this single?
“Eyes of Sorrow” is different than the previous singles. It was written out of the frustration with things in the United States right now. It’s so easy to turn a blind eye to everything going on these days, and this song is a challenge to myself to use whatever means I have to work for positive change. Whether that’s through a song, or through simple acts of generosity or kindness.
Will there be a music video?
I’d love to do a music video for “Eyes of Sorrow.” I have some ideas but as of now we’re not releasing a video just yet.
What are your hopes for “Eyes of Sorrow”?
I hope this song is a mirror for the unrest and the political climate in our country. I hope it’s a reminder that staying silent does not create change. I hope it inspires action in people.
What’s your thought process when creating new music and their videos?
Songs and inspiration seem to come in different ways for me. Sometimes it’s a lyric or a melody first, other times it’s a keyboard or guitar sound. I like to approach my creativity and my work with some sense of structure. I love the idea of showing up and working on my art waiting for the inspiration to strike, ushering it in. With videos sometimes it’s a collaboration with the director – other times I see the storyline or the video unfolding as I’m writing the song.
For my last single, “Stand With Me Tonight,“ I saw this prom scene from the earliest stages of writing that song, so I worked with the director to bring it to life.
Your forthcoming full-length album Evidence Of Things Unseen is set to release this year. How are you planning for its release? From where are you drawing your inspirations for this album?
I’m so excited to be releasing all of this music! I feel like I’ve been writing and working in the studio the last year on all of this, and it’s finally beginning to be shared. I’m releasing singles monthly, and everything will be put out together later this year in a compilation/album. I’m going to be doing shows in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, hopefully, some touring as well.
Tell me about your Instagram aesthetic. I love it! It’s very specific to your music and photoshoots. How did you come up with this theme and how much planning goes into what you’ll post next?
Thank you! The visual aspect of music has always been very important to me. Imagery and photography can be such a powerful tool for a musician – I view it as an extension of my music. I remember someone saying to me, that often people ‘see’ the visuals before they even hear the music. I do my best to have the imagery represent the music as best as I can. I feel very fortunate to get to work with some incredible photographers (Allister Ann, Emilia Paré, Daniella Midenge). Instagram has been a good exercise for me – working within the parameters of the layout can be challenging, and sometimes takes way too much time!
If music wasn’t an option for you, what else would you have been doing right now?
I have no idea! I never really had a back-up plan because ever since I fell in love with music, I never really considered anything else. For better or worse I have a bit of a one-track mind! I grew up playing soccer, I love photography and fashion – maybe I would have ventured into those worlds?
What’s the biggest thing you hope to accomplish in 2019?
Releasing all of this music, performing, and writing are my biggest goals. I want to tour and continue putting out the best music I can, specifically music that moves me and inspires me. I hope it finds a home with you.
Listen to “Eyes of Sorrow” below and stay tuned for the release of C. SHIROCK’s debut album Evidence Of Things Unseen.
Are you interested in learning more about C. SHIROCK and his music? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @CelebMix