Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards
Since his breakout hit “NUMB” in 2021, Chri$tian Gate$ has been on the rise. His dark, late-night pop recalls juice WRLD and early Post Malone. It’s a perfect combination of nostalgic and new.
Gate$ released his debut album No Strings Attached late last year, and is working on his next move. “after(h)ours,” the singer-songwriter’s latest single, is a collaboration with VOILÀ.
We met up with Gate$ in Los Angeles to talk about his career so far.
How did you become acquainted with VOILÀ, and how did you make the song?
I first came across VOILÀ at one of their shows and I really vibed with their energy. After the show, we got to talking and they threw out the idea of doing a session together. A lot of times those conversations don’t actually lead to anything, but we made it happen. Once we got in the studio, everything clicked pretty quickly. We weren’t overthinking it, we just went with what felt right. Within a few hours, the song was basically done. Some of my favorite tracks come together that way when you don’t try to force anything, and just let it happen naturally.
Now that you’ve had a few months to reflect, how does it feel to have your debut album out in the world?
It feels really good. I think when you spend so much time working on something, it’s easy to get lost in the process and forget that one day people are actually going to hear it. Once it’s out, you realize that it’s no longer just yours anymore. It belongs to the listeners now. That’s a weird but cool feeling. I’m proud of it but at the same time. I already have so much more in the chamber. The second it was released, my brain kind of shifted to “Alright, what’s next?” I don’t like to sit still for too long.
It’s been about four years since your breakout hit “NUMB.” You were super young when it dropped. How has your approach to making music changed since then?
When I first started, I was making music purely for myself. Whatever I felt like making, I made. Then after “NUMB” blew up, I felt this pressure to chase that success and I started making music with an audience in mind. Thinking about what people wanted to hear messed with my creative process for a while. Now I’ve found my way back to just making what I love again. I’ve realized that the best music happens when I’m not worried about whether people will like it. I just focus on making something real and the right people connect with it.
What’s been your favorite city or venue to play so far?
New York is definitely my favorite city to play. The energy there is different. The crowds are loud. They don’t hold back, and you can feel the excitement in the room. That kind of energy makes a huge difference on stage. But if we’re talking venues, Teragram Ballroom in LA is probably my favorite. It’s the perfect size–big enough to feel electric but small enough to still feel intimate. It’s got a great vibe.
Who or what has inspired your aesthetics and personal style?
I don’t think there was ever a specific moment where I decided, “This is my style.” It’s just what I’ve naturally gravitated toward. I’ve always worn a lot of black, and I’ve been into turtlenecks for a long time. Maybe it’s a subconscious Steve Jobs thing I don’t know. But the famous chain I always wear actually started in high school. I bought it back then because I thought it made me look more official in my videos. I wanted people to take me seriously and not just scroll past. Over time, it just became part of my look.
A lot of younger artists are concerned about the future of the music industry Are you more optimistic?
I think a lot of people get caught up in worrying about things they can’t control. The industry is always going to change. Streaming changed everything and now AI is shaking things up, but at the end of the day if you make something great and know how to connect with people, you’ll find your way. I actually just launched a product The Ring by Lux (theringbylux.com) which is designed to help artists and creators reach their audience in a more direct way. So rather than stressing about what’s next, I try to focus on solutions.
Most of your songs are pretty dark and moody. Will we ever hear a more upbeat and positive Chri$tian?
Honestly I have no idea. I never go into a session thinking I need to make a dark song. It just kind of happens. Maybe that says something about me, but who knows. But I’m always open to whatever comes out when I sit down to create. If one day something more upbeat happens, naturally I won’t fight it. But I also don’t feel the need to force it just for the sake of variety. The music is always going to reflect where I’m at in the moment.
What do you have coming up? New music? Shows?
I’ve been sitting on a lot of stuff that I’m excited to start rolling out. Also more live shows for sure. Performing is one of my favorite parts of this whole thing, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there.
For more from Chri$tian Gate$, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.