Chris Maus
Over the years I have made many attempts to do things with my music. My most recent attempt to find paying gigs in my neighborhood is difficult and rewarding.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I learn to play my first rock and roll song back in 1970. It was "Proud Mary"... I started writing songs when I was in high school.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Almost every chance I get... In Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois
I remember one of my first gigs when a well meaning gentlemen offered me some advice. When I had finished playing for the evening, he loaded up the jukebox with all Frank Sanatra songs and bought me a shot. The end of our conversation came when Rocky looked at me and said, "If you really want to make it you should be doing stuff like this." referring to the songs on the jukebox. I cringed and responded, "But Rocky, I want to do it my way." He walked way and didn't want to talk to me after that.
Your musical influences
I've come to realize that I write 2 kinds of songs, vapid love songs, and angry silly songs. I grew up on the Beatles and CCR then moved on to the Kinks, Violent Femmes, and my friends.
What equipment do you use?
It's just me and my guitar when I perform live. In my studio I use a Rolland VS-880EX and some decent microphones and other toys.
Anything else?
I record, mix, master and manufacture my own CD's. Getting one requires contacting me in some way...
