INTERVIEW: New single from KRISTOPHER

Orlando-based musician and singer-songwriter Kristopher Houck, known as KRISTOPHER, has embarked on a musical journey that’s as soulful as it is cathartic. With a degree in psychology and a rich background in musical theatre and orchestral performance, KRISTOPHER’s music is an emotional odyssey, drawing from his personal experiences and a deep appreciation for the healing power of music.

His upcoming debut album, titled LIAR, promises a collection of original songs that dive into the imperative need for emotional honesty. It explores a spectrum of musical styles, ranging from acoustic singer-songwriter to pop genres, showcasing Kristopher’s versatility as an artist. In addition to his original songs, Kristopher’s reimagined covers pay homage to the artists who have profoundly influenced him.

Now he brings us his latest release with his new single titled “Cage With No Key,” a truly poignant song that sees the artist open up about his battle with depression, revealing the depth of his authentic and emotive songwriting, using melody and metaphor to describe the indescribable. With “Cage With No Key” KRISTOPHER delivers a moving song, brimming heartfelt lyricism and an aching vulnerability that cuts deep.

With an elegant piano backing, his vocals gracefully hover above, delivered with a restrained style, crafting a beautiful ballad style song that’s impossible not to be moved by. With the stripped back arrangement allowing his voice to remain the focus of the song, his enchanting voice and heartbreaking lyrics serve up a magical piece of music that’s at once enjoyable and important.

In his own words, KRISTOPHER describes “Cage With No Key” as an attempt to convey musically what words alone cannot fully capture. He provides a profound and authentic glimpse into his own struggles with depression, a condition that can often feel isolating and overwhelming. Through this song, he offers solace and understanding to those who may be battling similar demons, reminding them that they are not alone on this difficult path.

His willingness to share his experiences and emotions through his music is not only courageous but also deeply relatable. “Cage With No Key” is a showcase of the therapeutic power of music, demonstrating its ability to connect us, heal us and remind us that we are all human, navigating our way through life’s challenges.

We caught up with KRISTOPHER to find out more about his artistic endeavours, his new single “Cage With No Key” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with KRISTOPHER below.

Hey Kristopher, how’s things?

-Hey! Things are going well! Thanks for asking.

What’s new since we last spoke?

Aside from the music I’ve been releasing I’ve just been writing more and I had my first live performance finally since before Covid. That was a fun night.

Which artists have you been listening to recently?

I’ve actually been listening to a lot of Noah Davis recently. He’s a queer artist that makes mostly pop/R&B music and his voice is incredible.

How did you find making your new single “Cage With No Key”?

It took a bit to get it started. The process for “Cage With No Key” was unique in that I started with a melody before anything else because I wanted to be sure I’d get a good musical atmosphere first. I also wanted to build the structure in a unique way too. Getting the lyrics down felt intense to me especially because there were several times I felt as if I was saying too much or being a little TOO vulnerable and wanted to rewrite. I’m very happy with what I did end up keeping and how everything turned out.

You go really deep with this track, can you tell us about your inspirations for writing it?

Every time I’m in a really bad mental space what usually helps me is listening to music and usually the music that helps me most is anything that lyrically helps me identify my biggest emotional struggle at that moment and that musically evokes my emotion. Writing something of my own was the best way for me to create something consistent.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I wanted to convey the seriousness of depression and anxiety and how badly it can affect people. There’s strength in solidarity and familiarity I think. I believe it helps people to know and understand the struggles of others too.

How did you use metaphor in your writing to achieve this?

I use water as a metaphor a lot. Water is volatile and can be powerful, calm, dynamic, inconsistent, and even dangerous – but it’s also the most important thing on this planet. Sometimes my heart or brain literally feel like they’re suffocating underwater or being eroded slowly or even pushed around from current to current where I can’t keep a solid thought or emotion. Sometimes my anxiety feels like I’m trying to hold water in my hands and no matter what I do it’ll always leak out. It’s dramatic, but to me it all really makes sense

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to this release?

It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be hurting or struggling, and it’s really important that we do our best to be nicer to ourselves because so many people struggle with mental illness. I think by talking about stuff like this candidly, we devalue any stigma and make it easier to enable the help that people really need.

How do you find making music helps you cope with depression and difficulties in life?

It’s a place for me to go where I’m reminded that there is such a wide array of human emotion and within me specifically I’m capable of feeling so much more than depression or anxiety may lead me to believe.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Authenticity is important in some form. You don’t have to bare all your emotions for the world to see and the music doesn’t even necessarily have to be about you, but don’t express yourself halfway. Everyone has a unique viewpoint, lean into that.

Finally, what’s next for you and your music?

I’ve got a surprise single coming soon that kinda came out of nowhere. After that I’ve got one of my last few releases for the Liar album plus a music video that I’m super excited to share!

Listen to Cage With No Key below