We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Weist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how do you define success?
Success, in my opinion, defines a life well lived. Am I engaged in activities that bring me and those around me happiness or do I spend it pursuant of material wealth and status? The richness gained by the first is far more valuable to me than the latter.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a musician first and foremost. Earlier than I can remember I was banging on pots and pans, paving the way to my first passion, drums. Adolescence brought on curiosity for the guitar and passion evolved I quickly to an obsession. In college, I wanted nothing more than to play music as a career and began organizing my life in a way that prioritized those aspirations.

Rent was paid by either landscaping, sweeping floors or serving tables. The important part thing was that I kept my nights and weekends available to work on my craft. Growing up in south eastern Pennsylvania, I migrated to more mountainous regions, first being Vermont then Colorado which inspired much of the music that followed. .

In 2015 I started a bluegrass band, Wood Belly, centered around original songwriting and soon after won the prestigious Telluride band competition., becoming one of the highlights of my career and life. Although the contest spurred momentum, the path leading to was quite difficult and continues to be. Comfortable income and conveniences are substituted for the grind of touring the country in a van, making fractions of what my peers might be bringing in. Compound that with the pandemic and it would seem the lifestyle of a full time musician is riddled with pitfalls and insecurity.

I believe the band and music has come out the other end stronger than ever and continue to try to write music from a place of authenticity. My hope is that those listening are lifted up by the music and glean a bit of joy from my live and studio music I put out in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d certainly check out some live music with any friends visiting. Red Rocks is always a great stop as well as anything that might be happening at the Mishawaka, Bluebird Theatre or Washingtons. Meow Wolf is an awesome and unique place experience as well as tubing down the poudre river. As a bluegrass musician, I’d definitely want to hit up a bluegrass jam in the area, Avogadros Number in Fort Collins being my favorite..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family for their unwavering love and support

Website: Www.kettlewhistlemedia.com

Instagram: @chris_ryan_weist

Linkedin: Christopher Weist

Facebook: Chris Ryan Weist Music

Other: Wood Belly links Www.woodbellymusic.com Instagram: @wood_belly Facebook: Facebook.com/woodbellymusic Twitter: @woodbelly

Image Credits
Backstage Flash Jenna Evelhair

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