Review Fix Exclusive: Kris Angelis Talks ‘Run’

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Kris Angelis, who discusses their new single, “Run” and so much more.

About Kris Angelis:

Kris Angelis explores the peace within the darkness on her new single, “Run” out 2/18/22. Known for exceptional songwriting filled with introspective and heartwarming antidotes, Kris Angelis is no stranger to accolades. Her 2020 EP, “THAT SIREN, HOPE,” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts, topped Billboard’s Top Current Albums Chart and was on the first-round ballot for the 2021 GRAMMY Awards. Her music has been featured on Sirius XM’s “Velvet” and in rotation on a variety of Americana Radio stations, solidifying her as not only an artist but a songwriter to watch.

“Run” begins quietly and builds to a stunning, full-hearted chorus with cascades of vocals layered over serene and calm instrumentation. Inspired by seeing something different in the darkness, she reflected on her childhood on a farm, where she could see the stars with crystal clarity despite sitting in the pitch black. Listeners sense the urgency to let go of the need to see everything within the light and rush towards the unknown instead, knowing that sometimes those moments in the dark allow you to see yourself more clearly. From the soft introspection of the intro to the burgeoning impact of crashing sonic waves, Kris Angelis instills energy and peace into every chord. She pulls us into a whole new experience related to darkness, and it’s one we never want to forget. Check out Kris Angelis’s new single, “Run,” out on all platforms February 18, 2022.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Kris Angelis: I started singing in church choir when I was about 6 years old and then started playing the violin when I was 9. I got involved in musical theater when I was 11 and enjoyed singing and performing so much I just kept doing it!

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Angelis: To be honest it involves a lot of procrastination. I write down little thoughts I have or record little melodies that could be turned into songs whenever they occur to me and then at some point I have to sit my butt down with my guitar and mold them into a song. It can take a couple hours to several years for a song to be complete.

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Angelis: Relationships, mostly, and beautiful lyrics that I relate to. I usually write about whatever is weighing on my heart and mind which isn’t always to do with romance. It could be about dealing with anxiety or struggle or remembering a fun time. “Run” is about embracing the unknown and moving forward. 

Review Fix: 2020 and 2021 gave you a lot of momentum. How is 2022 so far?

Angelis: Well……I finally got Covid which has slowed me down a bit over the last couple of weeks but I’m excited to be putting out new music after several months. “Run” is coming out Feb 18th.

Review Fix: How is this new music different?

Angelis: I think this new song has a bit of a bigger sound than my previous releases. I really wanted to have horns and was lucky enough to find a talented horn player. This song is also a bit more emotionally upbeat and about looking forward rather than backward. 

Review Fix: How has Covid 19 affected your art?

Angelis: I guess less socializing has made me look within more when writing rather than it being about other people and experiences I’m having.

Review Fix: What does music mean to you?

Angelis: Music is a beautiful way to work through emotions and I love that it’s a universal language. Even if you can’t understand the lyrics or if the music doesn’t have words, people can feel it and know what it’s about.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Angelis: This question is hard because I might be too close to it but I’d say its organic instrument based songs influenced by pop structure with the storytelling and melodies of folk music.

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work? Are you looking forward to performing live again?

Angelis: Most of my live shows are just me and an acoustic guitar while my studio recordings tend to have more instrumentation which is so fun to play with. Every once in a while I get the pleasure of playing with some wonderful friends and musicians at my live shows which adds energy and camaraderie that I love.  I spent a lot of the lockdown time performing on live stream which is also fun and rewarding but I do enjoy the dynamic of the audience – getting to see and hear their reactions in real time and make connections. 

Review Fix: What inspired your latest single “Run”?

Angelis: I have always struggled with looking forward and not knowing what’s going to happen so I wanted to write a song about that with an inspiring message of joyfully running into the night where you can see the stars. There is a lot of imagery in it from growing up on a farm and the times when my grandmother would take my sister and me into a dark room and just sit with us. She said the darkness was our friend and it didn’t have to be scary.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2022?

Angelis: I’d like to put out another record, get some film/tv licenses for my songs, and get on a tour.

Review Fix: What do you feel you have to do to get to the level you want to in music?

Angelis: Keep making music I believe in and sharing it as widely as I can.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Angelis: I’m writing songs for a new album and hopefully doing some touring. I’m also excited to be doing theater again in San Francisco in April. 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Angelis: I’m partnering with Music Beats Cancer for their Valentine’s Day Challenge in which artists raise funds for an important cause that probably touches everyone in some way. The top 4 fundraisers get their music featured on iHeartRadio. You can donate here: https://musicbeatscancer.org/artist/kris-angelis/