..: Chris Trousdale :..
Interviewed on September 23, 2003
In the midst of recording a hot new album, perfecting his dance moves, and planning a spooky Halloween party, Chris freed up some time for a phone interview and also called 2 lucky FRFz readers!
This talented 18-year-old, whom many may remember from the hit group Dream Street, has been able to see most sides of the music industry, both the highs and lows. Yet Chris is the biggest sweetheart to all his fans: the shy, the crying, the scary, and the ones who are just real; he credits these fans for his success. One can see Chris loves his fans by the way Chris remembers the specific gifts his fans have given him, where he met them, and who they are! With this attitude, the world needs to embrace Chris, who hasn’t yet become hardened by the business. He has the staying power and talent that mainstream radio is looking for.
Chris: Thank you so much for all that you do for FRFz and also for all that you do for me. Your kindness shines through in all you do, and the whole world is ready for you to burst onto the solo scene. You have supplied us with awesome memories, and I’m sure that this is only the beginning. We wish you the best of luck with your album, and we will be there behind you 100% of this amazing trip you have embarked upon, not only as fanz but also as friends. Our friendship means the world to me, and I can’t wait for the next time we see each other!
Claudia: Setting up this last interview was so sweet of you, and the contest was awesome! We, along with all our readers, can’t thank you enough for all that you do. You are one of the nicest and most talented people I have ever met. I hope that we will be able to stay in touch, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
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Front Row Fanz: Your album is rumored to be released later in November; has a date been set yet?
Chris: A date hasn't quite been set yet. I still recording some of my songs, so that is delaying the release. But, I want to get it out as soon as possible. I want to get the best album out there because I don't want just nine songs or three songs. I want a full length album, so I am just taking my time to make it good.
Front Row Fanz: Can you describe the sound of your album?
Chris: It has a lot of good beats for dancing because I love to dance. It also has some nice ballads. It has some R&B, pop, and hip-hop and also some Spanish! It is a very versatile album.
Front Row Fanz: From the material you have recorded, do you have any favorite songs?
Chris: I have a couple favorite songs actually. I have one song called "Tongue Ring". It is really edgy and cool. Then, I have a ballad called "Chains" which is really dramatic. It is about a girl who drives me insane and how she has me locked up in these chains of her love. It is really really cool! And then, I got this other one called "Turn It Up". It has a really great drive and dance to it.
Front Row Fanz: You mentioned your song "Tongue Ring". How do you feel about girls with tongue rings?
Chris: I think it's very nice... kind of a turn on in a way. I think it's really sexy. But, I think it depends more on the girl because anyone can have a tongue ring. But, I have to find something really attractive about her. That is definitely a plus and turn on.
Front Row Fanz: Have you chosen your first single yet?
Chris: In the long run, it is up to the record label. My first choice as a single though would be "Tounge Ring" or "You Won't Let Me Let Go". But, hey, it's up to the label and not me. *laughs*
Front Row Fanz: Do you know when your single will be released to radio?
Chris: Hopefully later this year, but I'm not sure. Everything in this business is really just a gamble. But, I will wait because I want the best marketing and publicity. I want it to be all over the TV and radio. I don't want a quiet release.
Front Row Fanz: Did you co-write any of the songs on your album?
Chris: I didn't write any one song completely, but I helped change the songs a little and make them my own.
Front Row Fanz: As a new solo artist, do you want to stay with Radio Disney listeners or go mainstream?
Chris: The bigger the fan base the better. Radio Disney does a great job with a certain amount of fans, but to hit mainstream, you hit everyone! I would love to have my stuff heard in Europe - I'd just love to go there. And places like Japan and all over the world. I want to go mainstream and not limit myself.
Front Row Fanz: What are your thoughts about being removed from the Aaron Carter Jukebox Tour?
Chris: I was a little annoyed, but at the same time, I didn't expect anything less. I was surprised I was even let on the tour in the first place because Aaron [Carter] and I are different types of performers and have different types of material. I just wish I would have known earlier because it was literally like 5 days before the first show. That does a LOT of damage when you have hotels and tour buses booked, and then five days before, it's all blown out the window. But, I mean, it didn't kill me because the tour was really scaled down from last year. It wasn't like I was bummed and like, 'Oh, I missed out on this huge tour!' My biggest problem was lack of notice.
Front Row Fanz: Are you planning a tour of your own?
Chris: At the end of this year, I will be continuing "The Biggest Fan" tour and promoting the movie. And have a 30-45 minute set after the movie.
Front Row Fanz: How was it performing at the U.S. Open?
Chris: The U.S. Open was awesome! Even though it was early in the morning, tons and tons of people were there. I had a lot of people there who weren't really my fans. I ended up getting a lot more fans.
Front Row Fanz: You recently graduated this year. How did you go about getting your education?
Chris: I was tutored, which really helped because I did a lot of touring. But, at the end of last year, I went and got my diploma and graduated at the top of my class.
Front Row Fanz: Are there any fan gifts that really stand out?
Chris: Well... Wait! Didn't I get some sweet stuff from you guys. I loved the picture you drew of me with the dots! But, I have received a lot of awesome fan art. I go and show my mom, and she's like, 'Whoa! Holy crap!'
All: *laughs*
Chris: But, she just can't believe it.
Front Row Fanz: Where do you receive the biggest fan support?
Chris: Hmm... I think every place is equal. Most would think New York was the biggest support, but they aren't. They are just as equal with any other place I go.
Front Row Fanz: What would you like to say to your fans?
Chris: Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thank you for hanging in there. I can't wait to get out there more with my music and let you guys hear it. Thanks for waiting and supporting me.