R&B Musician CHRIS KNITE Discusses New Music, Biggest Inspirations, Favorite Touring Memories and More!

Get to know, the musician, Chris Knite! At around 5-years-old, he began to sing and was inspired by artists like Boyz II Men, Avant (his cousin), Usher, Luther Vandross and Gerald Levert to name a few.

Then at age 12, Knite began to write songs, and soon found himself in the recording studio. He recorded his first of many songs entitled, “One More Chance,” followed by another hot track entitled, “Its Over”. As Knite continued to submerge himself in writing and music, he joined a musical group in 2007. He gained his faithful and a loyal fan-base. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to be an opening act for artists such as R. Kelly, Tank, Avant, Bobby V., Dougie Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Frankie Beverly & Maze (Funkfest), Plies, J. Cole, Keith Sweat, Ja Rule and many others.

Knite is currently working on recording an album and has several new singles including, “Ready for Love, which he received his first Grammys Consideration for this year. It was produced by J Kin and written by himself, Anthony Smith, Natalia Bortolotti and Cory Ling. He also has writing projects coming up with Tamar Braxton, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Trey Songz, Chico DeBarge and Silk.

Connect With Chris Knite Online Here-

TWITTER – twitter.com/rnbchrisknite

INSTAGRAM – instagram.com/rnbchrisknite

FACEBOOK – facebook.com/rnbchrisknite

Learn more about Chris Knite in the following All Access interview-

Happy New Year! When it comes to your music, what are you most excited about for 2020? 

Happy New Year! I’m excited that R&B is coming back full circle. There’s a cycle that happens where what use be, comes back around. I’m also excited about singing and becoming one of the best. 

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a musician? 

When I knew that I can go anywhere in the country and sing on a stage that I’ve never sung on before and get a positive response from a live audience. That’s when I knew this was for me. 

What do you think motivated you day in and day out?

My motivation was the loss of my brother Kenyardo O’Neal in 2013. He always talked to me about structure and foundation of my business. He was the person that stood tall with me when things were good and bad. 

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of music that you make? 

The music I sing about pushes love and it tells my story. Those who have influenced me, musically, from my birthplace of Cleveland,Ohio are The O’Jays, Gerald Levert and The Rude Boys. And I’ve carried that sound with me to Dublin, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, where I’ve lived.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? 

Music was and is the therapy to my life. It helped me express feelings when I didn’t know what to say. 

Was your family and friends supportive of this career choice? 

My mom Debra, Grandmother Delphine & sister Sonya have always been supportive when it came to my brand. That’s all the support I need. They are my three ladies. 

If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? 

Music is what God put in my heart, playing pro football was my dream.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? 

Being able to tour with Anthony Hamilton, Joe, K Michelle, Avant and Ja Rule. The biggest highlight of my career. I’m forever grateful. Big ups to Levi Jordan (promoter). 

What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

Losing my father in 2017. My father was like Superman. He pushed life in me when I felt like giving up. 

What has been the best part about it all?

Seeing myself turn from a boy to a man. I thank the Lord for the process. 

How did your newest single, “I Gotchu” featuring Kamillion come about? 

Kamillion is from Duval and so am I. I felt it would be dope to collaborate with one of the most talented young ladies that was quickly coming up in the industry. I have an ear for music and it was a perfect match-up. 

What was the inspiration for this track?

In life, we go through different relationships and changes because we need support not only from home but from our significant other. I thought it would be great to finally be in situation where you knew for a fact you had support from the one you love.

How does it compare to anything else you have released?

I’m an r&b type guy so doing something up tempo would to totally be out the box for me. The rest is history.

What can you tell our readers about other music that you have been working on lately? 

If I could get ten seconds of your time I promise you’ll be a fan for life. Just listen to the good vibes. 

What has been inspiring your music these days? 

The fact that I feel that I’m in a lane of my own. 

Do you have any tour dates scheduled for this year yet? 

We are working on an international tour, to be announced soon, among other dates here in the states for early 2020. 

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? 

I’ve grown tremendously and I work hard to continue to grow as an artist and become a household name.

How do you feel about social media? 

Social media gives more access to my fans. They can keep up with the real me. On another note, social media has made artist lazy and there’s nothing like personal engagement. 

What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future? 

Anthony Hamilton and Joe, who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with, and i would love to work with Tank.

What past collaborations stick out to you? 

A record I did with 2 Chainz, called Money Up 

Who have you learned the most from over the years?

Jermaine Supa Jackson. He taught me the game when no one would give it to me. 

If you could design your dream music video right now, what would it look like? 

Dublin High, in the lunch room where it all started. The simple things matter. 

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

The Ellen DeGeneres Show 

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music? 

I hope people take my message of love and spread it like wild fire.