Greetings from Santiago de Chile. It’s been quite an adventure since I last wrote, and if I’m honest, I’m ready to be home. Some of you might remember The Accidental Tourist – a book and later a film about a man who hates travel but makes a living writing guidebooks, finding the little comforts that… More »
Author Archives: Chris Steele
Gear Acquisition Syndrome
As we move through the summer and I record songs for the next album, I’ve been revisiting a lot of the guitar “toys” I’ve collected over the years. Funny thing — some of them are now considered officially vintage. I posted about this on Instagram, and the response made me think I should give a… More »
How To Not Make Money Making Music
UPDATE: Please see end of this post for news! Apologies — this may be a longish blog today, but I got inspired by a text from a friend this morning. First, a huge hat tip to Mr. Mark McCann — longtime friend, former roommate, and someone with whom I have shared many long, deep, and… More »
One Track at a Time
On the road again – currently on my way to Red Deer, Alberta, and just got back from New York City a couple of days ago. But while out, I decided to take a moment to write about what I’ve been up to on the recording front. I was also thinking to myself that it’s… More »
Canada, Songs, and the Spaces Between
Happy Canada Day to all my friends, collaborators, and kindred spirits across the country! Canada has quietly shaped more of my life and work than most people realize—or maybe not so quietly. If you’ve talked to me for more than five minutes, chances are I’ve mentioned a road trip through Alberta, a song that came… More »
Porchfests, Lights, Cameras, and Other Actions
So… um… I may have overcommitted myself a little this month—but honestly, I think I wouldn’t have it any other way. June is packed with performances, and whether I’m on a porch, on camera, or on a livestream, I’m feeling that forward motion that comes from asking for and then saying yes to the right… More »
Starting to Finish (or Finishing Starting)
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been carving out time — sometimes in fits and starts, sometimes in longer bursts — to move a bunch of songs forward. Not just starting new ones (something I’m very good at once the brain kicks into songwriting mode — which I apparently fed caffeine to in February), but… More »
Cheer Up, Dammit
Alright, I’m tired. Not “I didn’t sleep well last night” tired, more like “this has been a decade-long week and the coffee isn’t cutting it” tired, and my stomach can’t take any more coffee anyway (and also, tariffs). The kind of disturbingly weary that seeps into your bones a little and makes your to-do list… More »
Bumping Along
I don’t have much to post right now. I’ve got this great batch of new songs—ones I genuinely love. There’s an album’s worth of fresh tunes ready to record, and plenty of other fun things percolating. I’ve been playing for more people again and making some exciting plans for the summer. And yet… somehow, it… More »
14 Songs and an Overwhelmed American
Apologies in advance if this one runs a little long — there’s been a lot on my mind. Let’s start with February. I didn’t have to travel, but work kept me busy. Even so, I managed to write 14 brand-new songs, meeting the February Album Writing Month (FAWM) quota. It was a challenge, but I’m… More »