Interview: Chris Belleau
Q: Where did the interest in blues music originate from?
A: I became interested in blues as a child when I first heard it. Blues communicates in so many ways that are beyond simple words and descriptions. It’s about feelings that can at times be very powerful. At some point I began to realize that blues is the root of most American music forms including jazz, rock and roll, and country. All of these other forms of music that we listen to in America and the world for that matter have been somehow influenced by and tempered by the blues in one way or another.
Q: Growing up, what artists had the greatest impact on you in terms of influencing your work?
A: I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We have a long history of blues traditions here that go way back. People talk about how the blues began in the Mississippi Delta. Well, if you look at the facts the blues has been around South Louisiana at least as long. I grew up listening to people like Moses Whispering Smith, Alvin Batiste, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, and more. I got to see these people play and actually play with them in various situations. I learned not only about the music but about life from them.
Q: Many musicians I’ve spoken to in the past find it difficult to retain a positive attitude towards the industry after a while. Is it the same for you?
A: I play music because that’s what I’m supposed to do whether the industry is there or not. As long as I remember that, my head can be in the right place. The music industry is changing rapidly and in some ways probably a lot more friendly to musicians than it has ever been.
Q: When did you decide to become a musician?
A: I’ve been a musician almost as long as I can remember. At some point after high school I began to work and get paid for playing music. Around that time I began to think of music as an important purpose in my life.
Q: How long have you been recording music?
A: My first recording studio experiences were probably when I was around 19-years-old. It was exciting for me to play in a studio and I was very interested in learning how to do it well.
Q: What is the blues scene in Baton Rouge like right now?
A: Baton Rouge has a great live blues scene with performers like Henry Gray (who played piano with Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter) playing weekly, Kenny Neal and his entire blues playing family, Luther Kent with a 20-piece horn band will knock you in the dirt, Larry Garner, Chris Leblanc, James Johnson, Rudy Richard, lots of cats that can make it happen.
Q: How would you describe your evolution as an artist?
A: In my earlier years I was mostly a player. Later, I became a player who sings. Now I’m becoming a player who sings and writes.
Website: http://chrisbelleaumusic.com