The Upside Of Down
Chris August has struck a balance in a beautiful tension. The soulful singer-songwriter who cites influences from Stevie Wonder to Boyz II Men accepts the call to speak the truth and pour every ounce of his being into his music, without taking himself too seriously. This equilibrium is evident on the award-winning artist’s new record, The Upside of Down.
At 3 p.m. on April 25, 2012, August woke up in a hospital bed with no idea where he was or how he had gotten there. A plastic band hugged his wrist, and an IV poked out from the skin on his arm. Utterly confused, August looked up to meet the eyes of a friend who told him he’d been in a serious skateboarding accident the day before.
“It’s the weirdest feeling I’ve ever had in my entire life,” says the easygoing musician, occasionally laughing in disbelief as he tries to describe what it’s like to forget an entire day of your life – and a frightfully eventful one at that.
August remembers looking at potential covers for his new album with friends on April 24th. What he doesn’t remember is hopping on his electric skateboard on a street he’d boarded hundreds of times, hitting a patch of gravel in an unmarked construction site, flying from his board, being knocked unconscious and later being rushed to the hospital for a bruised, bleeding and swelling brain injury.
After a CT scan, doctors told the 30-year-old that there was a 50 percent chance the swelling would continue, requiring a very serious surgery that sometimes leaves its patients relearning basic functions—like how to walk. Thankfully, though, the swelling went down, and August was able to return home a week later and recover.
Even in the wake of that trauma, August is good-natured and able to make light of certain moments along the way, especially the conversations he had in the hospital, which he now forgets – like trying to convince a friend to escape with him in the middle of the night.
August’s new record, The Upside of Down, is due out on August 21, less than four months after his accident. The record explores the beauty of God’s omnipresence and abiding love, and the lead single, “Center Of It,” points to God’s promise to be with His people in the midst of the highs and lows of our lives.
Joking that he should have prophesied something more optimistic, August describes “The Upside of Down,” written with his co-producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Jason Castro), as revealing the truth that God is with us both in the beauty and the brokenness.
“It shows God’s character and His grace that He has for us,” August explains. “God loves us despite the mistakes we make. He’s there with us no matter what.”
And while the title track and “Center Of It” would seem to have emerged from the story of his recent incident, August penned both songs long before he ever thought of buying an electric skateboard. Both gained new significance, however, when he returned home from the hospital to begin the humbling healing process. Sitting down in his studio to listen through the most recent mixes of the record, August was inundated with poignant reminders of God’s faithfulness pouring out of his songs and reminding him that he wasn’t alone, even in his own highs and lows.
The Upside of Down isn’t August’s first break into the music industry by any means. His Fervent Records debut, 2010’s No Far Away, cemented his name in the Christian music world and earned the Texas native the coveted titles of “New Artist of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Pop Contemporary Album of the Year” at the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. That record also spawned the massively popular radio single “Starry Night,” which held the No.1 spot on Billboard’s Christian / AC chart for six consecutive weeks and was the first debut single to reach No.1 on that chart in more than three years.
When he was just 22, August cut his teeth in the mainstream industry working with names like Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight, Robin Thicke and Babyface and signing with Geffen Records while being managed by Jessica and Ashlee Simpson’s father, Joe Simpson. He toured with and opened for Ashlee, and it was on one of those tours that he finally decided to leave Los Angeles. He’d been living there for three years and felt it was time to head back to Texas and his Christian music roots by leading worship at his church.
Just months later, in January of 2009, August was sitting in his room writing “Starry Night,” an anthem to the God who had rekindled something now burning within him.
“It was really late at night, and was during the time when I had been getting back involved in church in Dallas,” he remembers. “I wrote the whole song that night and recorded it, produced it and put it on an independent record.”
When an A&R rep at Word Records heard that recording, August ended up with a deal and made the move to Nashville. He co-produced No Far Away with celebrated producer Ed Cash (Dave Barnes, Steven Curtis Chapman), exploring the depths of his love for writing and producing.
Now, the self-taught pianist and keyboardist is coming back to his rootsier side with The Upside of Down, letting some of his more soulful, R&B influences take the spotlight.
“Anytime I play live, I do these stylized versions of the songs on my record, and people are always saying, ‘Why don’t you sing like that on your album?’” he muses. “After hearing that suggestion multiple times, I started thinking, ‘Well, now that you say that, maybe I will.’”
An enthusiastic Stevie Wonder fan, August’s gospel music influences are especially clear on his record on songs like the groove-heavy “Amen.” With titles like “Restore,” “Let There Be Light,” “I Believe” and “A Little More Jesus,” the songs on The Upside of Down see August turning to traditional gospel themes, capturing their enduring truths with his pen while infusing them with the new energy of his pop-laden yet grippingly expressive sound.
When it came time to mix the project, August knew the exact patina he wanted, and he didn’t settle for anything less. Though it was a pipe dream at the time, he reached out to his favorite mix engineer – LA-based Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, Sara Bareilles), who has been behind tons of pop records. Avron mixed the entire album, rounding out the songs just the way August had envisioned them when he was still in the writing room.
When it’s all said and done, the musically meticulous artist who sees each of his songs from the initial writing phase to the fully orchestrated, mixed and mastered track, says his primary hope as a songwriter is to write and produce songs that people relate to, songs that meet them where they are and offer something in that interaction.
“I’m not veering from that,” he insists. “At the end of the day, sure it’d be awesome if I could sell a lot of records and have some success just from the business side of it. That’d be great, but what good is all that if I’m not reaching people and encouraging them to live for something greater than themselves?”
More Than I Expected
A couple of years ago I started listening to a Christian Radio station called JOY FM. One of the first songs that caught my attention was "Battle". I loved this song so much. I did not buy the CD because JOY played the song all the time :-). So I have been listening to JOY non stop and I'm now starting to become familiar with many of the artist. In showing my support I have also been to a couple of concerts this year. One being this past Saturday with Toby Mac, Jamie Grace and Chris August. I was excited to hear "Battle". Honestly that is the only reason I really wanted to go to the concert. What I did not know was that Chris also sang "Center of It" and "Starry Night". I'm really just getting familiar with those songs. It takes me a while because I have to get pass the beat and listen to the words. This is where I can tell where a persons heart is. After Christ did a few songs, I wanted to hear more. And since I couldn't hear more live that night, I decided to buy a CD and a picture for him to sign for me. I also took a picture with him and so with all that being said..............I am his newest biggest fan :-). So much that I have watched all the you tubes, asked my friend to borrow the CD she bought that night, and planning to drive to his concert in Waverly, MO. And...............commenting on your website. I never do stuff like this :-/. No pun intended but I am a grown woman, not a little girl. lol But somehow I have been drawn in and on a more spiritual side I have also been led to pray for Chris. Listening to his music and watching his you tube videos, has allowed me to come into his world. I realize that even as a female, he and I have a lot in common. I too love Jesus and have a heart to serve God!!!! My parents also divorced when I was very young and I carried a lot of the pain and hurt into my adult life. But Jesus does and will heal our wounds. And I also love sweets!!!!! I got it bad when it comes to sweets.............real bad :-/. Getting back to the more spiritual side, if Chris does read these comments, I want you to know that your newest CD is amazing. I can tell that you walking closer to the Lord and in just learning things about you in the last few days, it's a beautiful thing to see transformation take place. I may not see it in your everday actions, but I hear it in your heart. What you sing to the world is real. And this is exactly what we need. Especially the Church. Your skateboarding accident seem to have been a blessing rather than a tragedy. Thank God He didn't take you away from here. I'm sure you have a lot more to share with us. It's truly a blessing :-). I can't wait until Dec. 2nd. If the Lord says the same.........and I pray He does.........I will be praising and worshipping our God with you for what He has done in your life. I'm so excited!!! Keep doing what you are doing because it's effective and it's contagious. Be encouraged. :-)
Oh and watching your videos on you tube...............yeah you are super funny :-)
help for Chris
Hi Chris,
My name is Allen Morel. A couple weeks ago I heard you give personal testimony of your skating incident and injuries on our local Christian Family Radio program, WCVK 90.7, in Bowling Green KY, the Weekend Top Twenty Count Down program. You mentioned that in the resulting brain injury that you now experience chronic respiratory ailments. Chris, I think we can help you resist or eliminate these infections and more. I will explain more and would enjoy sharing more information by phone or email. I pray that you will be in touch. almorel49@gmail.com
blessings
My Son
First, I would like to say I love your music. I listen to Air1 and that is where I heard the story of your accident. In April of 2008 I lost my son from a skateboard accident. He wasn't wearing a helmet. He was riding on the residential street where he lives and went over a speed bump and fell off hitting the back of his head. He never came out of it. He was 29. I am trying to start a non-profit organization for helmet awareness. His name was Michael Ray Miles. His favorite saying was "Put Miles on It" So I want to get t-shirts and stickers made with "Put Miles on it!" Put Miles on Your Life... Wear a Helmet!"
Just wanted to share and say you are so very blessed to be alive
Bless you
BLPerez
Chris, You have had such an
Chris,
You have had such an emotional, and what seems like, a hard life, but you still find the time for your music career, your fans, and most of all you seem to find time for God too. You have the most inspirational story. You don't have this amazing voice by chance, God has given you this amazing voice because he knew that you would use this talent to give glory to him and also use it to inspire so many people around the world. Please don't stop what you're doing because it is changing lives everywhere:) and you're such a great person... And remember God doesn't make mistakes! <3
Awesome
The information is very interesting with great pleasure i read your blog.Its really nice and interesting.I recently came across your blog and have been reading along.I think i would leave my first comment but don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.And its a nice blog.I will keep visiting this blog very often.
KIND OF ALONE
I love your music. Center of it really puts you where you should be. The song kind of alone I am trying to find for a friend of mine that lost her husband a couple of months ago. She plays it all the time on youtube but we can't find it on any CD. Is it on any CD or on a single?
Blessings
Loss of words song
Hey how are you dong Chris? I just discovered you awhile song, the first song I heard from you is 70x7 and it stuck with me. I love the transparency in your songs, it resonates with me as a listener. There is one song that was the most beautiful worship songs I heard in awhile. On your debut cd, you have a song that is called "Loss of words". I had to listen to that song twice, it was astounding how I related so well to you.It is favorite of mine, I hope I get to see you live singing that song.
Be blessed,
Chris you are a pretty
Chris you are a pretty Awesome guy. You Pensacola EW concert was my 2nd concert I have been to in my 29 years of life and I loved it. You did an awesome job and I had to buy your CD because all the songs were great. I really love your song Loving you is easy, I plan to play it at my wedding...now all I have to do is find the groom LOL! Thanks for what you do and keep doing it God Bless and you should so come to Atlanta and do a show. I will be in the front row...depending on the prices though, if it's expensive I will be in the back row. P.S. Sorry about the NBA thing...stupid talent thing.
Beautiful Accident
Dear Chris,
I stumbled upon your song Stranger on youtube, purely by accident, I think I clicked wrong or something. But that was the most beautiful accident to happen on the internet. After listening to Stranger, I just can't stop listening to your songs. I swear, your music just speaks; and during this age and time, music that speaks is music that matters. I made my friends listen to you, they had no choice since I drive them everywhere, and they couldn't help but swoon to Little Lovin' Left To Do. so, keep on doing what you're doing and let God's words flow through your music. You inspire many. I know you've helped me see that God is Faithfully loving me. God bless always!
Nica
Dear Chris, I just wanted
Dear Chris,
I just wanted you to know how much your music has meant to me, especially the song 7x70. I also grew up in a broken home, and your song captured those difficult emotions so well. I have had an amazing healing experience through the Lord that has changed my life. You really have a wonderful gift! I will be praying for you!
Laurie
Dear Chris, I just wanted
Dear Chris,
I just wanted you to know how much your music has meant to me, especially the song 7x70. I also grew up in a broken home, and your song captured those difficult emotions so well. I have had an amazing healing experience through the Lord that has changed my life. You really have a wonderful gift! I will be praying for you!
Laurie
On the contrary, I think that
On the contrary, I think that writing your own bio was the smartest thing to do. I start to fall asleep when I read shimmering bios written by someone else, but this one had me hooked from the start. Thank you for being real and honest; knowing the person and feelings and experiences behind the music makes the music itself that much more powerful.
hey chris! don't know if
hey chris! don't know if you'll ever read this but ive been wanting to tell u that i saw u play in myrtle beach last summer and it was a awesome healing experience for me. i had been in a mentally abusive relationship for 9 years, he was an alcoholic and i became addicted to drugs to cope. going to live concerts was my favorite thing to do then, but i was usually doing drugs and he was always drunk and there was always a screaming fight after. i left him 2 years ago (praise GOD) but have been scared to go back to a concert because of the bad memories, and i didn't know if i could enjoy it anymore. i took some youth from my church to see the sunday christian concert series in myrtle beach, sc. i went as a chaperone but ended up having the time of my life! u and your music were great! it was awesome hearing music i listen to on the radio (KLOVE only now) live again, but this time not having to worry about what was going to happen later or what i was going to have to do to get over it. i have been in church my whole life, but those 9 years where not my best. anyway, just wanted u to know that people do relate to your music. I break down every time i hear 7x70 because i know i have to forgive him for what he did to me. and starry night touches me because i appreciate the beauty and wonder in all of God's creations. thanks for what you do for the youth of our country, they need music like yours to rock out to but is a blessing in disguise. can't wait to see you again this summer in myrtle beach (if their schedule is correct)! God Bless You! tara holden taralh@hotmail.com