The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents NEM#232: Chris Church Refines Power Pop
Jun 15, 2025
Chris Church, a seasoned singer-songwriter from North Carolina, dives into his extensive music career, highlighting his evolution in power pop through key tracks like "She Looks Good in Black." He shares memorable stories from opening for legendary bands in the 90s and discusses the emotional depth in his latest album, emphasizing authenticity in songwriting. The podcast also touches on the beauty of imperfections in music production and explores his creative collaborations, reflecting on the influence of icons like Todd Rundgren in shaping his unique sound.
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Opening for Big Bands Story
- Chris Church shared opening for big rock bands was fun but didn’t bring wide success.
- Most gigs came by luck and connections through his bandmate’s radio work.
Invented Stories Drive Songs
- Chris invents song scenarios to create emotional narratives since his personal life is stable.
- "She Looks Good in Black" imagines loss through a humorous tale about his wife attending a satanic show.
Value of Imperfections in Music
- Imperfections in recordings add character and authenticity.
- Listeners often come to love quirks initially perceived as mistakes.