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By Galen Clark
In relationships, friendships, or especially romantic endeavours, there can be things unsaid or lost in communication that run through your mind, linger, or grow to follow you. For Chris Bloom, an LA based artist who primarily draws inspiration from the people in his life and his dreams for the future, he decided to pour out that sentiment into his latest single, “Phantom”.
Distinct layers of silky modern vocals, a muffled drum beat, a warm blanket of sub bass frequencies, cozy Rhodes keyboard, chorused clean guitars, and spacious synth pads are all textures that transport you into Bloom’s headspace in “Phantom”. It is Bloom’s first work with Blanket Fort, a label and collective based in Montreal. In addition to his first collaboration with Blanket Fort, Bloom is optimistic for the single to be well received being his first release with any label as he stated, “we’re still at the tip of the iceberg in terms of where they want to take the music, but we have solid communication and are able to bounce ideas off of each other well.” Bloom handled the writing, production, mixing and mastering, but bounced ideas off of the label to create a cohesive style and sound that will set precedent for his music to come.
Bloom shared that the song came from a lonely place and that he hopes many people can find it to be a relevant source for emotional release. The tune started with just an honest sentiment formed into a melody and a keyboard churning in the anxieties of how unpredictable life can pan out. According to Bloom, “ Life can be a tough road, but it’s the only way to grow, mature, and learn the only way to grow, mature, and learn.”
Q: What is Phantom about and what kind of headspace were you in when you wrote it?
A: Phantom is about wishing I could predict the future. For myself, and my relationship. I can be anxious to see how things play out in my life and where I’ll end up. Life can be a tough road, but it’s the only way to grow, mature, and learn. To be honest, I was in a lonely headspace. The record sounds pretty close to how it sounded when i first wrote it. Simple, with lyrics I had to get off my chest.
Q: What is your general backstory? (Where are you from, what defines you in life, what does music mean for you?)
A: I’m from Chattanooga, TN. I live in LA now. My family and closest friends are definitely who shaped me. I think what defines me is the same for everybody; I just wanna do what makes me happy, and have good people around me. My fans are the funniest, heartwarming supporters. They really keep me going, often. That’s what music means to me. I think when i make music, it’s my emotional release, but for my people it keeps some of them going. I like to try and reach people’s souls, and the community shaping around me is awesome.
Q: What can people expect to see from you in 2021 onward after “Phantom” is released?
A: Next thing is another EP with my close friend Nobu Sounds. I think we’re a great team with a solid bond. We’re excited to show what we’re working on, and we’re taking our time with it.
Q: How is your relationship with your label, Blanket Fort? Has it shaped or changed your broader community or outreach to people with your music?
A: This song will actually be my first collaboration with Blanket Fort. I’m excited to work with them because it’s my first release with a label. I think we’re still at the tip of the iceberg in terms of where they want to take the music, but we have solid communication and are able to bounce ideas off of each other well.
Q: Did you perform all of the instruments and production on “Phantom” or do you work with any producers/engineers/musicians? Feel free to dive into anything with your process for this tune specifically and how the inspiration was struck and manifested in this song.
A: I produced, mixed, and mastered Phantom. Blanket Fort gave solid input and ideas to help shape the song, including creativity and mix. I enjoy working with others, but for this song I wanted to take it upon myself. I wrote it on the keys, and for the most part that’s where it stayed.
Q: What are your biggest sources of inspiration or influences (this could be musical or hobbies/activities/people/experiences in your life etc…)
A: Love, family, friends, conflicts, tensions, can all be big sources for me, and anyone else. I write to express my views on things, and hope to relate with others. To be a writer, you have to say what others feel but can’t find the words for themselves.
Artist/Band Links: https://linktr.ee/ChrisBloom
