Chris Watson, the English producer and DJ sat down with Respect My Region recently to talk about his latest project Real Life. The 4 track EP hits close to home as the main focus of the project surrounds social media and its effect it’s had on Chris’ life and the lives around him. He highlights the “growing epidemic of mental health issues caused by excessive social media and internet use.” After seeing a few of his friends face anxiety and depression issues that were heightened by the use of social media, he felt it was important to speak up on the issues.
With that being said, Chris created uplifting music to help spread happiness and awareness to the current issues that are prevalent in our society and additionally, he was looking to provide fans with new Chris Watson music to give them a taste of what’s to come in the future. After starting his musical journey in 2014, he looks to continue to create momentum for himself project after project. Stay tuned for new music from Chris Watson as the fearless producer and DJ not only looks to do what he’s passionate about, but also looks to take a stand on issues that we currently face as a society, when sometimes it might not be the popular opinion at first, but must be said sooner or later.
Exclusive Chris Watson Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
Hope things are going well for you right now –
Things are going splendidly – thanks for asking 🙂
What sort of feelings did you have towards social media at the time of creating your latest project “Real Life” – Was it something you were mad at? Irritated by? Or what was the specific thing that gave you the urge to put together a project?
At the time of making ‘Real Life’ I was seeing so many of my friends that I met at Uni stopping themselves from putting out creative works and just letting themselves enjoy the little things in life – they were too focused on trying to be something and be seen as amazing on social media which wasn’t really for themselves and their music – it was toj impress their friends and small circles that follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Has the way that you’ve looked at social media changed since creating the new project?
‘Real Life’ was my way of getting things off my chest but make no mistake, I do think the issues I brought up are very much present and will only get worse – especially with younger generations growing up now with the level of phone and internet technology we have in this world nowadays. With any information, you want to know or be able to see anything you want to see instantly from the palm of your hand I believe it is and will have a new effect on people’s minds in years to come – never before seen in history. Exciting yes, but it needs to be monitored.
If you could make any changes to social media and the internet right now what would it be?
It’s been proven that getting likes on Instagram or Facebook, retweets on Twitter, comments on your photos and so forth releases a chemical called dopamine in the brain. The same chemical that is released when a person drinks alcohol, smokes or gambles and makes you feel good. So even from a scientific perspective, you can see how social media can be addictive. The before mentioned activities are regulated… is social media use? No or not nearly enough. Food for thought!
Do you have an opinion on what the future holds for all of us and where we’re headed in the future as a society with technology?
From what I see when I’m out in the clubs DJing, when I’m traveling or just from general life experiences, I’d say many are moving towards a world where it’s all about the experience. I did this, I saw this, I’m doing this…some of the thought processes people are beginning to adopt when they’re choosing what to do with their time. I’m not saying experiencing things is bad, quite the opposite. That’s what life’s about; making memories, trying new things and learning. What I’m saying is that people aren’t necessarily going to be experiencing the things they do for the first time…they see someone do it on Instagram and now they will go and do it because they want it on their profile.
Where do you typically get your musical inspiration from?
I’ve always listened to and appreciated loads of different kinds of music..but it’s fair to say house and electronic music are my two biggest influences genres wise (clearly). It’s what I grew up with. In terms of inspiration, I’m just inspired by life. New people, new things, new places, you always take something away from everything.
I think it’s great that you put something out that relates to society and is a pretty big current issue – Do you wish more people with platforms acted on the current issues at hand? Do you think it’s even possible for more people to do it?
Thank you! Funny enough from what I see, I see more artists and people with influence raising awareness of these issues than ever before. Perhaps it’s because it’s becoming a problem for more people than ever before? Think of big mainstream artists like Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Kanye West talking about mental health issues. A quick Google search and you can read about what they have to say. I think the more people that open up and talk about it the better. Working together and understanding one another is always the best way.
Is ‘Real Life’ your favorite track off the EP or what other one is and why? (Worlds Without Thinking is a very cool and moody track by the way)
Thanks! Word’s Without Thinking is my mum’s favorite haha! I’d say my favorite would be ‘2005’, it just really is me! It’s thoughtful but yet energetic. Hopefully, it makes people feel good and they enjoy doing whatever they like doing the most whilst listening to it.
Do you have anything else planned for the rest of 2019?!
Loads of DJ gigs and many hours in the studio producing for my various projects and collaborations. Stay tuned!
Chris Watson – Real Life EP
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