Chresten Hyde, multi-instrumentalist

www.chrestenhyde.com

What have you been working on lately (musically)? 

I've got a powerhouse soul/r&b band called The New Balance.

An EP with Tim Sheff to be released someday soon...

Electronic pop with singer/songwriter and Circuitree Records' artist Miranda Rae - something will be released soon...

How does your work space help you create new music? 

There's something interesting always within arm's reach - It's like creative circuit training. 

Have you ever experienced a creative crisis? 

Nothing dramatic enough to talk about, honestly. There are definitely hot and cold moments, but I try to keep moderated: pick another style to work on, another song to write, another instrument to play, or go for a walk, or maybe I'll draw a funny looking thing for a while. 

You play many instruments. Do you find it easier to play everything on your own when recording, or do you prefer to have a band to play with you?

It's two different experiences, both are great, but they are two very different head-spaces.  Playing it all myself is a completely seamless connection from idea to notes (not counting how many times I mess up); which is great.  But working with other musicians is amazing - hearing someone else's take on your material is kind of magical and inspiring.  

If you could instantly play one instrument (other than your own) like one artist, what/who would you pick? (question asked by Mike)

Trumpet like Louis

What should I ask the next person to be on By Measure? 

What does being a successful musician mean to you?  

Chresten's Favorite Songs:
(stream these songs at 8tracks.com)
1. That Features the Sleigh Bells - An Airbag Saved My Life - Radiohead

2. To Dance to - Off the Wall - Michael Jackson

3. By two Chicago-born Artists - The Ghetto (Live) - Donny Hathaway

4. To have Heard Live - I Got You (I Feel Good) - Live (1968/Dallas Memorial Auditorium) - James Brown

5. In a Foreign Language - Look-ka Py Py - The Meters

6. To Get Through a Tough Day - I'm Your Puppet - James and Bobby Purify

7. By an Unknown Band - I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles

8. To Play Loud - Come on Up to the House - Tom Waits