Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cunningham.
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Dallas and raised in Forney, Texas, my first guitar came as a gift from my Cousin at Christmas, around age 12. By 15, I’d written my first song and by 16 I began to play bars all over East Texas. At 21 I took a long break from the music scene and took up a “real job” in Dallas but was left completely lost because I was not born for offices or 5:30am. Somewhere around 2016/17 I made the jump back into music, this time with a more serious approach. I knew I needed to release some music and so I recorded my first two singles “Something Real” and “Meeting You”. Most recently, February 2025 brought the release of my first full album, “Checked Out”. While I love releasing new music, I’ve found that my place in this industry is writing with others. From what ive been told, im not bad at it, but to me, it gives me a place to put words that constantly float around in my mind. 2026 is going to usher in some other firsts, from a live jam EP to my Debut at Gruene Hall and so many other exciting things and I look forward to seeing every single one of you at a show! I also host an Open Mic every Sunday night at Rhinestone Saloon in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards and invite anyone out who’d like the chance to earn a spot in the Stockyards!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Until recently, I did not realize that my drinking was a hindrance not a helper. Things really started visibly changing once I gave it up, and am now cresting 100 shows sober!
As a writer, the intrusion of AI always has a lingering intimidation, but my stance on AI is strong. Sure it can create and assimilate pretty words and melodies but it will never have the two most important aspects of writing a song… Experiences and Emotions. Its now more important than ever that people stop trying to write hits and write their experiences and find the crowd to relate with those instances.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in artist writing development. Typically, when people reach out to me, they’ve got a start or a hook for a song and just get completely lost on where the story should go or is going. This is where I truly believe I shine. No matter who or what we are writing about, I fish lines from personal experiences and feelings ive collected over time, leaving a signature style in everything I have the opportunity to write on.
One thing I am super proud of is Dakota Ritter’s 2023 album “Cocaine, Cabernet and a Rose Tattoo.” We co-wrote that album front to back and when it released, rose through the Charts and landed at #10 on the Country iTunes Chart. To see a full album do that after putting so much time in was truly rewarding. It was a proud moment for both of us.
I dont have quit. Its easy to be jaded by the industry. Its easy to say “I’m going to walk away from this.” But ive already come to terms with the fact that music is me. So through the hard times, through venues closing, through weather cancelations and the check engine light that seems to haunt my dreams, I keep fighting for a place to feel the sun. All I’ll ever be at the end is the songs I’ve written and the people who needed them the most.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Do not be afraid to listen to new music. There are so many talented artists that are absolutely brilliant who’ve just gotten lost in the quantity of music released. Support live music. That tip jar on that stage is so important to so many artists. Please dont pass it if you felt something or sang along. Music is supposed to be a reset and an experience, not background noise. Feel it. Feel something in this world that likes to square up edges and take away anything vibrant.
Pricing:
- It costs $0.00 to clap
- Its costs $0.00 to share a post
- 2hr private shows available message/email
- Venues: message/email for availability
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hyperfollow.com/chriscunningham
- Other: All links to social and streaming platforms at link above
Image Credits
Volbro Photography Fw
Dakota Ritter
Mariposa Entertainment
