Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Didear.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am what some folks these days call a unicorn; since I actually grew up in Austin and have been performing and recording with bands since I was a teenager. While attending St. Edward’s University where I earned a BA in Communication with a Minor in Political Science, I began playing drums in original bands that sprinkled in a few covers. A self-taught drummer since age 12, I practiced hard and was able to incorporate my voice while playing drums for singing background vocals. I spent years playing in rock clubs, touring, and opening for many national acts on major labels, some of which include Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Sugar Ray, Vertical Horizon, Michelle Branch, The Calling, and Lifehouse. I was also fortunate enough to play drums at the Texas State Fair, The Indianapolis 500, and Sea World.
After the last band I played drums in (50 Mission Crush) disbanded, I began a new musical endeavor as a lead singer. I sang in hard rock bands Deejer and Dark Summer Dawn before reconnecting with my longtime friend and business partner Heath Macintosh to form current indie rock band White Label Analog in 2014. Our mission was to create something fun and contemporary, and that challenged us outside of the normal comfort zone of our past. Our focus was on the craft and process of songwriting and to make music that was instantly catchy and danceable. White Label Analog LLC is our primary business with a subsidiary publishing company called Disco Pancake Music (ASCAP). Over the last few years, WLA has released national radio singles, completed national tours, had songs featured in MTV’s Teen Mom 2 as well as award-winning indie feature films. White Label Analog has been an official SXSW performing artist, named one of Austin Monthly’s “10 Bands to Watch,” and performed at Radio BDC’s + 1 music event in Boston, MA and has performed at Canadian Music Week (CMJ) in Toronto, Canada. We’ve been writing new material during the pandemic and are now in the studio with plans to release new music throughout 2021.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think it depends on your perspective and what your definition of smooth might be. If you are a glass half full type of person, then maybe you view obstacles as learning opportunities. I think to some extent I am a dreamer but also a realist. My personal view is that it takes years to gain the experience, knowledge, and establish relationships needed to navigate the hurdles and challenges of the music business. That said, it’s different for everybody. One thing for sure though is that much like life itself, it is a journey, and the more adept you are in dealing with change, the easier it will be to manage decisions and expectations. They say that music in some respects can be cyclical. However, technology is ever-evolving, as are the nuances and realities of society and pop culture. The quote from Vera Farmiga that says “music is what our feelings sound like” speaks to me in a profound way. The struggle is part of the journey.
It is when we are at the precipice of failure or success that some of our greatest moments and epiphanies are discovered. To me, it is a chicken and egg type of dilemma. When you are the most youthful, ambitious, and energetic stage of your life, many lack the resources and experience (and sometimes luck) needed to get to the next level. I’ve reached milestones in my career that were very meaningful and what some might consider successful, but I am a musician because of my passion for it. Music is such a part of me that I can’t ever imagine life without it. Missed opportunities, bad timing, poor or uninformed decisions, and lack of resources have made my road bumpy at times, they were never enough to stop me from doing what I love. Being in a band is probably the most difficult dynamic of all. People are different. We’re human and have our own thoughts and ideas. It is only when your goals and common interests are aligned that you can endure the struggles as a team.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In order to survive, I maintained a job for most of my adult life outside of music. So, some might say that the musician part of me has been a professional hobby or a side hustle, but it has always been my primary interest and passion. As I got older and less willing to live in poverty, I found a work-life balance that enabled me to keep a roof over my head and still pursue my dreams. However, I reached a point in my life where I was able to leave a career in transportation and become a full-time musician. Being a music artist or any type of creative takes persistence and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. I have used the leadership skills I learned during my time as a Branch Manager in Transportation Planning to help me in leading a band. My drummer Heath and I co-managed White Label Analog until the end of 2019 when we acquired management.
I’m known or recognized as a drummer by some and as a singer by others. It’s interesting to see when those circles of friends and professional relationships converge. Being a drummer first taught me valuable aspects of timing, rhythm, dynamics, and endurance. As a singer, I draw upon those skillsets in songwriting and in live performance. I have also incorporated experience I’ve gained over the years in PR, marketing, and graphics to do the DIY work I couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do. That said, I continue to learn more every day as trends evolve in Social Media, business models change, and streaming platforms dominate the music industry. I think what sets me apart from some is my tenacity and attention to detail. I’m probably proudest of the fact that I was able to have become an accomplished drummer and then reinvent myself as a singer and frontman. It’s no secret to many who know me that Dave Grohl is a big hero of mine.
What does success mean to you?
Success is different for everyone, but to me, it’s being able to do what you love every day. I get to write songs, I get to perform for others, and I get to feel that intangible magic of creating and playing music with my friends. My hope is to continue to explore additional revenue streams so that I can continue to grow my business. I don’t think you ever really “make it,” because if you ever feel that you have, there’s nowhere to go. I want to continue to challenge myself to be the best version of me that I can be.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@whitelabelanalog.com
- Website: https://whitelabelanalog.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitelabelanalog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitelabelanalog
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WLA_band
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WhiteLabelAnalog
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whitelabelanalog
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X1Cdyb5eQgNcIrNSgZWPV?si=FATaCA4z
Image Credits
Ismael Quintanilla III Daniel Rigdon Steve Miller Austin Monthly Magazine
