A Songwriter Who Turns Stories into Songs

Chris Steele is a songwriter with a storyteller’s instinct. Whether drawing from personal experience, overheard conversations, or the absurdities of modern life, his songs balance sharp wit, emotional depth, and an undeniable sense of melody. His work spans from stripped-down acoustic numbers to full-band rockers, each carrying a distinct voice—one that reflects both keen observation and evolving perspective.

A prime example of Steele’s songwriting approach is “All’s Well That Ends,” written in less than thirty minutes in a Marriott hotel bar in Edmonton. Piecing together snippets of conversation and TV ads, he crafted a song that feels both lived-in and universal. Now a staple in his live performances, he often closes sets with it, leaving audiences humming its infectious melody long after the show.

Steele’s work isn’t just about personal reflection—it also takes a sharp look at the world. His song “Have You Read the News” critiques misinformation and the erosion of truth, blending funky, high-energy sections with acoustic introspection. Whether through social commentary or humor, his songs invite listeners to engage rather than just observe. His love song “And God Laughs” captures this balance, mixing sincerity with wit in a way that makes its emotions hit even harder.

Place often plays a role in Steele’s music as well. His song “YEG,” a full-band rocker, is an ode to Edmonton, where he’s played shows and even once found himself drowned out by an Oilers-Bruins game on TV. Yet his ability to win over an audience—no matter the challenge—reflects his strength as both a songwriter and performer.

One of Steele’s most unusual inspirations came from a real-life media mix-up when his name was confused with Christopher Steele, the ex-intelligence officer behind the infamous Trump dossier. MSNBC even mistakenly aired his picture on national TV. Instead of letting the moment pass, Steele turned it into a song—“Dossier”—showcasing his ability to transform even the strangest events into compelling music.

Musically, Steele’s influences range from Tom Petty to Elvis Costello and The Cars to Sloan and Cage the Elephant. His recent songs-in-progress channel those inspirations into tight, punchy rockers and reflective acoustic numbers.

Steele is no stranger to the recording process and he continues to push his craft forward. His dedication to storytelling, melody, and authenticity makes him a songwriter whose work lingers long after the music stops.

Chris has had the good fortune to have my music showcased in multiple online shows and broadcasts, including: