Monday, August 24, 2009

New Release Close to Home for Chris Dupont


For Chris Dupont, the release of his latest album, Safe Place to Land is "a landmark moment."

"Ever since I started writing songs I wanted to make a statement that would stand out lyrically and musically, hopefully surprising some people in the process," Dupont said.

According to Dupont, Safe Place to Land was recorded during a transition time, and will be released right before the singer/songwriter is set to leave his home of Grand Rapids. From the beginnings of the album, to the release, home is an important topic in the world of Chris Dupont. Most of Safe Place to Land was recorded in his house, with his sister Liz providing the live drums and his dad as a guest guitarist. Close friends Matt Eastman and Jessi Shear also were guests on the album, and provided guitar and vocals, respectively.

"It was such a thrill to work with them, and I cherished our collaboration greatly during my last summer in Grand Rapids," he said.

Keeping grounded in production shines through in Dupont's eight tracks on Safe Place to Land. The songs are acoustic pop with an aura of comfort. The composer side of Chris Dupont creates melodies are layered, but soft enough to not overpower his vocalist side.

"[Recording at home] gave me the chance to act as artist and producer, a situation that is becoming ever more common as technology changes," he said. "It's getting to the point where many independent songwriters act as their own producer, which is both awesome and burdensome at the same time. You have to really love what you're doing to stick with it."

Like Ben Folds without the snark and John Mayer without the douche, Chris Dupont creates songs that are catchy, but deep enough for those intellectual types.

Catch Chris Dupont when he releases his album on August 28 at Mixtape Cafe with special guests Justin Reed, Josiah Gentry and Kari Lynch. Show is at 6:30 with a $5 cover. Safe Place to Land will also be sold at Vertigo.

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