Stars Go Dim
Stars Go Dim: "Be Authentic to Yourself"
01/08/25
Stars Go Dim, AKA Chris Cleveland, has returned with "Roses," a heartfelt modern twist on a classic sound that showcases his most authentic and emotive work to date.
We had the privilege to connect with the artist about his 15 years of experience in the industry, his evolution, beliefs, and his dedication to crafting heartfelt music that resonates deeply with people in these uncertain times…
Your new album, ‘Roses,’ introduces a modern take on a retro sound. What initially motivated you to start writing this album?
Yes! I knew I wanted to do something different for this album so I took some time to explore sonically and it brought to a place that feels the most authentically “me” of any music I’ve made. It’s soulful, funky, still very poppy, but with a twist of vintage nostalgia.
I’m so proud of how it all came together in the end.
With 15 years of experience in the industry, numerous chart-topping singles, and millions of streams, what led you to change your sonic direction and begin a new chapter in your career? Did you discover this new sound gradually, or did you make a conscious decision to try something different?
I’ve had quite a long and eclectic career but also feel like I’m still learning and growing all the time. This pivot was definitely intentional for me. I felt like I had done all I could do in the programmatic production confines of CCM and didn’t want to sit in that box any longer.
I longed for songs with more musicality and depth so went searching for just that.
I’ll also add that I’m still proud of all of the music I’ve ever made because it represents a time in my life when I was that person - but just as we grow in life, we should also grow creatively - I never want to settle into monotony when it comes to music. This album, however, reminds me of making the music I made when I first started. It’s free and has a depth and feeling that I’ve missed.
Do you have any fond memories or anecdotes from the recording process for this album?
The whole process was really great. This was my first album I produced myself, so that was really incredible and something I plan on leaning into more and more. But the collaborations with other producers, writers, musicians, and singers was the best part for me. So many people lent their talent to this album and I’m so grateful for every one of them.
Tracks like ‘A Little Light’ are deeply moving. Are these songs based on real-life experiences?
Yes, I always try to write from experience. This whole album, however, was written from a single question - every song writing session I asked this of my co-writers: “Who is God to you in real life? And how does this whole thing work? Not what you’ve heard, read, or hope… not what someone has told you; but in the best and worst of life, how does God actually show up?”
Every song was written through that lens. A little light came from a story from Krissy Nordhoff, a wonderful writer, who said she fell asleep thinking of this question and had a dream of walking through a forest and through the trees was a small cabin with single light bulb illuminated on the porch. It wasn’t enough light to show her everything in front of her but it was enough to take the next step - and that’s how she experiences God. I thought that was wonderfully beautiful so we wrote this song from that.
There’s a blend of classic pop ballads and more soulful, funky hits on the album. Can you name any artists who have influenced you both musically and stylistically?
Too many! Anything 70’s soulful, funk, r&b - from the Eagles, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oats… the list goes on and on.
Let’s talk about the cover - it looks as if it could have come straight from the 1970s! How do you think the visuals, including the music videos, help enhance the album's heartwarming vintage world?
That was the idea! We did a video for every song and every visual I intentionally wanted to take you to a different place.
I actually put together an extremely detailed plan for the visuals of the album and we partnered with a team in Albuquerque, NM who helped us bring it to live in incredible detail. If you saw my mock ups compared to the final product, it’s almost shot for shot. I’m really pleased with how it all came together and thankful for the huge team of talented people who helped make it happen.
In these uncertain times, do you believe there’s space for more heartfelt music that connects with individuals on a personal level?
It’s the only way forward. We have to do it. If that’s not what you want to do as an artist, you may want to find something else to do.
Much of your music draws from your devotion to your family and beliefs. Do you find songwriting to be a therapeutic outlet, and if so, why?
Absolutely. But also, I just write what I know - and that’s where I’m at in life right now.
What have you learned from collaborating with legends like Elton John and John Mayer, and how do those experiences inspire you?
Be kind always - and make music that is authentic to you.
As an artist, how do you generally hope to make your listeners feel? Do you want them to dance, feel uplifted, or resonate with the emotions of each track - or is it open to interpretation?
Yes. Haha
I want every song to make them feel something. It should be easy to know how to feel when the music comes on - and I tried to make that a reality on this album. My hope is when you finish listening to Roses, the album, you’ll have gone through a full range of emotion and feel lighter and better because of it.
What did you love most about working on ‘Roses?’
This album reminded me of why I fell in love with music in the first place. It was pure freedom - and that’s something I will always strive for as I continue to create.
The music industry can be challenging. After a long journey. What advice would you give to young artists starting out?
Be authentic to you. & don’t quit!
Also - if someone believes in you, believe them. Real partners in this industry that have your best interests in mind and will work hard with you are hard to come by. When you find them- hold onto them tightly and treat them well.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the rest of 2025 following the release of ‘Roses?’
I hope to support this album on the road - it’s really incredible to play live. I hope people listen and love it! It would be cool for this album to get some recognition because I believe it’s really great - but either way, I’ll continue to create and do what I’ve always done. I’m excited to still have the opportunity to put music like this out into the world.