Cris Cab is one of the best rising musicians and one of my favorite artists out right now. With two full mixtapes, 2 EP’s and plenty of various covers and singles under his belt, and with being signed to Pharrell’s I Am Other imprint and Mercury Records, the future looks bright for this 19 year old star. I had the great pleasure to have a little Q&A with Cris and talk music, fashion and his debut album among other topics.
Tony Stark: How does it feel to have close relationships with the likes of Pharrell and Wyclef Jean and how have they mentored you so far in your career so far?
Cris Cab: I feel honored to have been able to work with Wyclef Jean and Pharrell Williams on my upcoming album. I met Pharrell when I was 15 and over the last 5 years he has been a mentor and a major part of me growing as a singer/songwriter. Wyclef I met about two years ago and he has also been a major part in teaching me different methods and styles of recording and arranging vocals and instruments.
TS: Since entering into the real-deal music business, what has been the hardest thing to cope with or adjust to?
CC: The hardest part of the music business for me has been just that… the business in music. My love for music and what I get out of listening to and creating music is what’s most important to me so a lot of times I get bummed out about certain politics.
TS: Living in Miami as a kid, how has your surroundings influenced your music?
CC: Growing up in Miami under a Cuban American household has influenced my music greatly. My culture and where I am from is in every bit of my music.
TS: If you could describe your musical style in three words what would they be?
CC: If I could describe my style of music in three words I would describe it as “diverse musical goulash” because my music is a fusion of many different styles.
TS: You are very fashion forward when it pertains to your personal style as well. Who are some of your favorite brands to wear?
CC: My favorite brands to wear are John Varvatos, Rag and Bone, James Perse, Theory, Junk Food , Del Toro Shoes, Dr. Martens boots, Acne Jeans, APC, J Brand, Scotch and Whiskey, Converse, and I love Jeeps.
TS: The guitar seems to be your most prized musical companion. Does your guitar have a name? Are there any other instruments you are lowkey good at playing?
CC: My favorite instrument is definitely the guitar but I have yet to name a guitar. I feel like if I give it a name then it starts becoming more real to me almost like a person then I’m not sure if it’s getting enough air in the case or maybe I should hold it a while longer. I don’t know, I don’t think I want it to get weird out here.
TS: Who do you have in constant rotation currently on your iPod? Who are some of your favorite new artists?
CC: My iPhone playlists consist of Bill Withers, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye, Paul Simon, War, Lenny Kravitz, Vampire Weekend, The Police, UB40, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Sting, Steely Dan, Gypsy Kings, Jimi Hendrix, Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and everything in between.
TS: That’s a great mixture of genres there. If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
CC: If I could collaborate with anyone living or dead I’d say it’d have to be Bob Marley because he is one of my greatest musical influences in every aspect.
TS: With the new track “Liar Liar” with Pharrell out now and the video being shot as we speak, when will we get a glimpse of that?
CC: You guys can check out my latest single with Pharrell “Liar Liar” everywhere now on iTunes, Vevo and YouTube!
TS: Have you picked out a name for your full length debut album and when can we expect that to be released? Any special features or producers you worked with for it?
CC: I have a few titles in mind in regards to my debut album but nothing permanent yet. You guys can expect a full length album sometime in the the new year. I am honored to have worked with amazing producers such as Dallas Austin, Wyclef Jean, Pharrell Williams, Mike Busbee, and Pj McGinnis!
TS: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule of touring and hitting the studio. Anything else you’d like to say to the fans out there?
CC: Thank you guys so much for having me! Make sure you guys follow my story @criscab Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and CrisCab.com for updates, photos, music, and tour dates! Hope to see you on the O.A.R. tour in November.
