On releasing his debut album, Chris shares “The first line of the entire disc ‘the fact I’m even here at all is a miracle in itself”, is really quite true because I have wanted to record some of these songs for years. To actually have this come to fruition is pretty amazing and a testament to God’s grace in my life.” Life In Between was independently produced in Nashville and gave Chris the opportunity to work with some outstanding musicians. This included longtime friend Garett Buell of Caedmon’s Call. “He hooked me up with a great producer who, as it turned out, I had known years ago in Houston- Donnie Boutwell of the Park Studio. Garett, along with my longtime friend and co-writer Eddie Keels, gave me the encouragement and push to get this project going and get this dream of many years off the ground.” The project showcases Smith’s ability to seamlessly weave intricate rhythms with tender melodies that combine to form musical compositions that resonate on multiple levels. Perhaps even more importantly, though, the project allows the listener to witness the artist’s thirst for enlightenment and his passion to encourage people. Smith’s piano-driven style beckons comparisons from the likes of modern rock superstars Coldplay and Ben Folds to the more pop intonations of Michael W. Smith and Billy Joel. Acting as an antithesis to the majority of today’s pop music, though, Smith offers songs that are both catchy and articulate. Songs such as “Open Up a Window” and “Life Goes On (and it gets better)” offer encouragement to the disheartened while taking on the very non-pop topics of suicide and depression. Chris was born in Woodstock Illinois (most popularly known as Punxsutawney in the movie Groundhog Day!) His mom was a music teacher and exposed Chris to a lot of music – “She had a big influence on me…she recognized the talent in me and helped to develop it in various ways.” While moving around through several states, he eventually landed in Houston, Texas, where he would meet the people who would have the most influence on him musically. While studying music at Sam Houston State University, he made the decision to leave college and develop and pursue his music in other ways. Moving to Montana in 1996 and getting married, Chris settled down to work in different churches as a worship leader. “When I moved to Billings my friends thought I was crazy. However, through this past decade, I have grown and changed and God has taken me on an interesting path and used me in ways that He wanted to. Those experiences are what prepared me to write these songs and make this album a reality. It’s been an intense process to get this project done, but I believe all of the hard work has been worth it; I hope that you feel the same when you hear it.” In regards to the music’s message, the lyrics clearly show that Smith wants to share the love and hope that have been given to him. As someone who has suffered with anxiety and depression for a number of years, the struggles that he sings about are all-too real. Encouraging and honest, the words help the listener to feel that pain is not permanent, that Jesus is always near, and there is hope for every one of us. “I see how God uses my gift to encourage others…there are so many people who feel like there is no point to life or they have lost hope, and my prayer for this project is that people will listen, and find that hope they have been missing.”