At The Skylines’ Vocalist Writes Blog About Being A Musician

April 1st, 2013

Kriston McConnell

Chris Shelley, who is one of the vocalists in the band known as At The Skylines, has written a heartfelt blog about being a lyricist and vocalist in a band. He obviously has a lot to say on the subject, so I would recommend checking out what he took the time to write all of the band’s fans. You can read what he had to say by taking a look below the jump.

According to a post on ATS’ Facebook page, the band is planning on releasing some new music in the foreseeable future. Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook for additional updates.

I am going to take a few minutes, to genuinely try my best to express something that has been on my mind, and in my heart, since I took on the utmost amazing responsibility I could have ever dreamed of, a vocalist. A lyricist. One that uses words, and emotions, to portray themselves in a means of musical sense to get across feelings that I may be feeling, or events I may be going through at a certain point in my life. I am a human being, just like you. I have had the pleasure over the last few years to tour to cities, states, and countries I had never dreamed of visiting. I have met thousands of awesome kids, heard countless stories of endurance, positivity, struggle, and heartache. To get to my point, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing what you have decided to use as a role model. A “guide”, if you will, to lean on in which you strive to be. You are always mostly concerned with what the artist is doing, where the artist is, what he or she is thinking about, what they ate for breakfast, etc. Instead of taking the greatest responsibility of what is attached with being a role model, which to me would be the opportunity to use your ability to be heard by thousands to spread a message in which you believe weather that be negativity but hopefully positive, you have decided to look past all of that to be somebody. Somebody that is sought for attention, of what you wear, how many holes are in your black jeans, what new tattoo you got, how many times you can say fuck in a song, or what band your next track will be based off. You have decided that it is no longer an exponential responsibility of what you are writing about, but rather.. who you are writing to. There is generally little effort now a days into what a lyric can do for somebody, but rather how much money it can make you. As someone who has always taken pride in writing about struggles, personal experiences, or to provide love for someone to lean on, I am genuinely upset with the way this generation’s outlook on music has turned out. I get asked all the time “dude! whats going on with at the skylines?!” “hey dude, when are you going to post an update” etc, etc. Granted, there are plenty of people out there who are interested in what the band is doing, where are musically, etc. This isn’t just limited to my band, or whatever project I may be in. However, it further goes to prove that people are slowly taking themselves away from what matters most with what music should be about.. and that is the art. The struggle to express yourself in any means necessary to impact a society. To connect. To share. To love. It has become a rat race to see who can become popular the fastest. Who can rip who. Who can come up with the next big gimmick. We have become flooded with clones. Same song, different band. At this point, all I can do is to continue what I have always driven to be. A positive role model. Someone people can look up to and know that what I am doing has a purpose, has a meaning, and is genuine. It breaks my heart to see kids strive to be a copy of something, someone that stands for nothing. There are 7 billion people in this world. We all have a purpose. Instead of trying to sound, or be like whats big right now, place your heart in a spot where you feel alive. I am forever thankful for every opportunity I have ever had. I do my very best to be a role model for those who are looking for a real hand to hold onto. Change is inevitable, and we must all change together.

With Love,

C

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