Chri$tian Gate$ in Kill My X.
Chri$tian Gate$ has amassed a loyal following on TikTok through snippet covers and remixes that have also come to include his own musical releases. As the California native heads into the new year (with new music on the way), he sat down with LA Confidential to talk more about TikTok, future plans and, his most recent single, “Kill My X.”
TikTok really helped you go viral. As an artist, what do you enjoy about the platform?
I love being able to connect with my fans and supporters in a way that is not possible on other platforms. Along with being able to interact and connect, Tiktok has provided me with a platform to grow and expand my fanbase in ways that I could have never imagined.
@itsluxcity Happy “think about your EXs” day
Chri$tian Gate$ - NUMB - Chri$tian Gate$
You are working toward your first album with a major label. What has that project been like and how has it been different from creating your first album?
When I made the first album I lacked confidence. I have gotten to a place in my career where I feel comfortable being myself and making whatever kind of music I want, while feeling good about doing so.
Your most recent release is the single “Kill My X.” Can you tell us about the song’s inspiration? Also, for the music video, why did you decide to have it be from the perspective of the eponymous ex?
That song came about from my friends and I sitting in a circle and writing music, and I took the inspiration from one of my ex girlfriends that hooked up with one of my close friends and they both still have no idea that I know to this day.
For the music video, it was a lot more interesting to have it be from her perspective, and I was able to have the story be more personal without it coming off too scary. Society normally projects men into powerful scary roles and I thought it would be interesting to have a woman take over the role for this particular music video.
What music did you grow up listening to that has had an impact on you as an artist?
Growing up, I began listening to a lot of fast, heavy rap, primarily Eminem. My music taste also focused on the rock genre, where I listened to bands like Chemical Romance, Blink-182, Weezer and many more. My style of music today is heavily influenced by the artists I grew up listening to and has allowed me to form my own style of music.
Your Spotify streams exploded within one year from 4.2 million to over 79 million. What was it like to reach such a massive milestone?
Reaching such a massive milestone was an insane achievement for me, but I don't feel much different. The only difference is my community feels much larger and the people that I am able to connect with feel more genuine.
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With your upcoming album, what sort of artist do you want to present yourself to the world as?
My goal is to continue expressing who I am through my creative process.
In terms of how I want to present myself to the world, I don't put a whole lot of thought into it. My creative process and presentation is unique because I go based on what feels right at the moment. It makes the process more genuine and allows me to pour my heart into all the music I create.
What else can we look forward to from you in the new year?
I'll be performing at the Roxy Theatre on Feb. 26, 2022, and I'm so excited to meet everybody that supports me and is coming to watch me perform!
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Photography by: Moody Darkroom
