Chris Karabas Songwriter|Singer

 Music Row Publishers have said about his writing:
 

" There's more to country music than trucks and beer, and Karabas writes about it in, poetic fashion. "

A gifted songwriter  that Music Row should pay attention to"
"

He has the sensitivity to write about others, the courage to write about himself.. and, at any given time, it's hard to tell which one he's doing"
 

"An obvious knack for lyric writing we haven't seen in some time"



Chris' style of country music has a focus on meaningful lyrical content backed by thoughtful production, his music draws upon his influences: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Bruce Springsteen.

HIs writing is poignant, thought provoking, ironic, melancholy, and at time humorous.
He is earning a reputation, on Music Row, as a writer with "an obvious talent for lyric writing."  

Growing up ,around his family's restaurant/bar, Chris was exposed to a variety of live music but it was Country Music that resonated with him the most.  His early fascination with Elvis made him want to be a performer.  When he stumbled upon his first Willie Nelson record, at the age of 10, he decided he wanted to be a writer.  But he never really did anything about it until he was 14 and saw Bruce Springsteen live.  He started his first band the next day.

 Upon graduating college he worked in a recording studio, played in bands, and sang commercials.  Eventually he heard the call of Nashville and moved there to pursue his career.  Within a year he was noticed by a management company who secured a record deal with River North Nashville.
It was also during that time he caught the attention of Chuck Howard who was fresh off the success of artists like Leanne Rymes, Billy Dean, John Barry, and Hank Williams Jr.  Chuck introduced him to some of the writers at EMI/Tower Street and Chris honed the craft of song writing and spent plenty of time producing his own demos.  
As was common, at the time, Chris' album never was released.  "I wasn't good enough at the time so cant blame it on "the label." My songwriting needed the depth, that only living life can provide."

Upon returning to Chicago, he formed a roots rock band, and started a family.  

The band, The Lucky Jackson Band, played the top clubs in Chicago and became local favorites.
While writing songs for the second Lucky Jackson album, it was obvious that the material was not right for the band, as it felt more Country than rock and the band didn't have the instruments that would be needed for this more country direction.
"I went back to Nashville, because that's where I learned how to make records, and it's an environment tailor made for the way I work."
I'm not a good planner... I like to improvise, so if I"m cutting a song and decide at the last minute, I need a dobro, or steel player; I can get one within the hour... you can't do that anywhere else."
During a recent trip to Nashville where Chris met with several labels and publishing companies, pitching his songs to other artists, there was a unanimous consensus from them all- "These songs are great.. you sing them great... don't wait for someone else to cut them... release these yourself first"  
So, with that, Chris has decided to do just that.  He'll be releasing his songs gradually throughout the year while supporting it with live shows in and around Chicago.


 Chris splits his time between Chicago and Nashville and enjoys his family with his wife, Margie,3 amazing kids, a cat named WIllie Nelson and a dog named Banjo.