Chris Murray

Chris Murray is a unique force on today's music scene. As leader of Canadian ska legends King Apparatus, Chris earned a reputation as a dynamic performer and gifted songwriter. Upon the band's breakup, Chris relocated to Los Angeles and emerged as a solo artist with his debut album, The 4-Track Adventures Of Venice Shoreline Chris. This charmingly lo-fi collection of home recordings won high praise for its finely crafted tunes and the raw sincerity of its vintage production. In addition to his busy schedule of live appearances throughout North America and Europe, Chris has found time for a remarkable array of collaborative efforts. Chris has produced albums for Montreal's Planet Smashers and eclectic NYC supergroup Da Whole Thing. His writing credits have also appeared on releases by Hepcat, The Slackers, Skavoovie & The Epitones and Stubborn All Stars, as well as the highly successful compilation, Give 'Em The Boot (Hellcat Records). Life has led Chris down a musical path to the very roots of reggae music. From trading songs on an acoustic guitar with boogie-ska pioneer Laurel Aitken and singing with Caribbean bandleader Carlos Malcolm & His Afro-Jamaican Rhythms, to jamming with The Specials in a basement club and recording with Jamaica's original drums and bass masters, Lloyd Knibb and Lloyd Brevett, Chris has served his apprenticeship with the finest musicians connected with the genre. Chris was part of the backing band for Prince Buster for a rare appearance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival. His current Asian Man release, Raw, showcases Chris' music in its most stripped-down form ever. Recorded on a Walkman, Raw combines the solo acoustic vibes fans of his live show have come to love with the lo-fi grittiness that has become his sonic trademark. Awesome guest vocal appearances from Deston Berry and Alex Desert (Hepcat), Neville Staple (The Specials) and members of Hawaiian sensations Go Jimmy Go take this one over the top. Chris Murray continues to be a cultivator of the ska scene worldwide. This year he enjoyed singing with artists such as Alton Ellis, Rico Rogriguez, and Leonard Dillon to name a small few. He made his way over to Brazil to perform at Brazil's first Ska Festival with artists such as Victor Rice and his band Firebug exploring new ways ska can be mixed with other danceable genres. Chris continues to promote and book ska bands into the Bluebeat Lounge in Hollywood that has featured many many excellent acts.