Recently, Bella Magazine caught up with Chris Ndeti for a round of 5 questions.
Who were some of your musical heroes and influences growing up? Do you find elements of them in your work today?
My mom grew up in Brooklyn during the 50s. She sang with her local girl group at The Apollo Theater before it was televised. So I grew up listening to the doo-wop, rock, and pop of that era. My dad is from Kenya, so I would listen to popular tunes from Kenyan artists. In my tween years I began branching out on my own music ventures. I started listening to an Atlanta radio station 99X. I delved into alternative and acoustic rock and that was it. I heard Lisa Loeb’s “Stay” and knew I needed to learn guitar. Still to this day I have no idea why I connected to that song so much, but I wanted to learn guitar just to play that tune. The influences for my style are a conglomerate of all of it. It’s hard for me to name specific artists because it would be a huge list of contributors. I pick up little things from so many musicians, songwriters, arrangers, and composers. Even the way an artist produces a song has left some type of musical impression on me.
You began playing violin when you were 11. Can you tell us a little of what that was like? Why the violin? And how does your violin training and performance inform what you do today as a musician?
In middle school students could choose band, orchestra, and chorus. At the time I had already committed to orchestra and just knew I would be joining the chorus because I already had a love for singing. However, when I heard students perform in orientation, sadly I was not impressed with the chorus. I remember being so disappointed. I don’t know if it was the teacher’s instruction or the students’ approach, but I was not moved. Following that major blow, I was sitting in the cafeteria where the orchestra orientation would be, and the teacher, Ms. Bernadette Scruggs (I’ll never forget her), whipped out a violin and played a piece that changed my world. I later learned it was part of a Bach Double Concerto. The energy and motion caught my attention and I said to myself, “I want to do that!” That experience, and learning how to read music and listening to what the music is doing and how it moves, enhanced my music listening experience from day one. I remember being absorbed in my music books and I was a kid that actually liked to practice! The orchestral/symphony experience opened my ears and mind to appreciate music in its parts and understand how each part is essential — bass lines, melody, rhythm, chording, and voicing.
What musical achievement are you most proud of so far, and why is it significant to you?
I have to say hearing my son sing. He’s just a little tot, but when we are in the car and he’s belting out a tune, it makes my heart happy. He doesn’t hold back. He’s got good pitch and tone and loves moving and dancing to all rhythms. Voice is the very first instrument, and he finds ways to use his in the most entertaining way. Being able to pass that to him even while in the womb has been my masterpiece.
What was one of your most difficult gigs? Why was it tough? How did the experience shape or inform you?
I was doing jam band/acoustic sets in college, and we had a big opportunity to be an opener for a touring act. It was a much-needed paid gig, or so I was told. The set ended, and we nailed it. I didn’t get paid that evening, or the next. The rest of the band had gotten paid, but I thought everyone else was still waiting to get paid too. It was difficult because I thought I was in a trusted circle of musicians/friends. That experience helped me to become business-minded, to speak up, and not to be afraid to turn down gigs that were not opportunities for growth. It was also a reminder to treat working musicians fairly. I’ve paid out-of-pocket to make sure musicians I work with are compensated. Their talent and effort are appreciated when I ask anyone to share the stage with me.
What are you looking forward to the most as a musician in 2021?
I look forward opportunities to play new venues this year and seeing what the CSRA has in store for promoting the live arts!
Known for her vocal range, clear tone, and clever musicianship, Chris Ndeti has been a dynamic musical force and powerhouse in the Central Savannah River Area and for more than 10 years. Blues, funk, rock, folk — all are her wheelhouse; in live performance she deftly turns on a dime from one genre to the next.
In 2014 she was featured as a music therapist in Augusta Magazine. Later that year she was named Augusta Magazine’s Best Female Vocalist 2014.
Over the years Ndeti has shared stages with the likes of Oteil Burbridge and Otis Redding III.
Find out where Chris will play next on her website at AcousticChocolate.com.
