MTV Brand New Artist Spotlight: Chris Watts

MTV Brand New is the youth brand’s new national competition which gives some of the hottest Australian and New Zealand artists the chance to break internationally. TMN is featuring a nominated artist each week.

CHRIS WATTS
(IND)

Chris Watts, a graphic designer who moonlights as an indie-pop artist, has quickly garnered a reputation as a one of the more innovative figures in the folk/indie scene. Thanks to his creative integration of graphic design into his music, he’s cut out his own niche within the genre. He’s also been compared to the likes of San Cisco, and First Aid Kit, and it’s not hard to see why.

Fully independent, Watts kicked off his career with his debut LP Back Down, offering a blend of catchy riffs, infectious chords, robust rhythms and soaring vocals. With no external funds or a record deal, Watts went on to produce his own music video for the album’s title track, Broken Bones. The video, which took six months to complete and was produced entirely by Watts, was nominated for a design award from the Australian Graphic Design Association.

It wasn’t long before the video grabbed Vevo’s attention, who launched Broken Bones onto their front page and predicted Watts as one of the ‘2015 Artists to Watch.’ Not long after, the video premiered on Rage, which caught the eye of MTV and led to his invitation to participate in the MTV Brand New competition.

Watts has performed at the Queenscliff and St Kilda Festival, and has supported acts including triple j Hottest 100 winner Alex Lloyd. Since then, Watts has launched his album Back Down at the Toff and has held a residency at Melbourne’s Revolver Bandroom. With a string of catchy tunes and his creative blend of two passions, it’s clear that Watts is paving the way for innovation in the folk/indie-pop scene.

VOTING IS CURRENTLY LIVE AT: mtv.com.au/brandnew.  

Visit the website to view video clips and interviews with the artists before casting your vote for your favourite emerging star, either online or via Twitter using the hashtag #MTVbrandnew followed by the artists name.

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