Singer and songwriter Chris Koehn released his latest single, “Melancholia,” to remind us nothing is permanent, so live in the present.
Chris Koehn is a songwriter, singer, and producer who studied architecture and gave his life to music when his brother died. Chris currently runs his own architectural design firm. He found in music a way to confront the darkest moments and maybe create beauty from them. His mission is to remind listeners that life is beautiful but not constant or infinite. Thus you must seize the day.
Co-produced by Jerry Quintana and inspired by Lars Von Trier’s movie with the same name, “Melancholia,” is Chris Koehn’s most cinematic work as it can evoke memories in its listeners. And it is worth highlighting his successful collaboration with Ximena Sariñana, who lends her vocals to accent the song's dreamy atmosphere.
Getting into “Melancholia” starts with fast-paced drums that contrast with the fantasy-like instrumentals and the soft tone of Chris' vocals, creating a euphoric but emotional ambiance. Ximena’s voice is sweet and warming, perfect for reaffirming the chilling mood and ethereal ambiance of “Melancholia.”
These elements make “Melancholia” seem to come from an oniric world of tranquility where memories live and time goes slower. Maybe that is Chris' way of saying life is about creating memories that remain after we’re gone. Thus, from the moment he sings, "when I’m gone, I don’t want to be forgotten," at the beginning, shivers run down your spine.
Beautiful things are more valuable when they have an end. Listen to “Melancholia” to remind yourself of the beauty of life. And don’t forget to watch the music video.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Chris Koehn, and congratulations on your latest release, "Melancholia." How would you describe the process of writing "Melancholia?"
It was an introspective process during the pandemic lockdown. While rewatching Lars Von Trier's Melancholia and listening to it a lot to Gorillaz, a song idea came out. “It's Only life, every day we die” lyrics reflect what we want to leave behind on others after we pass away.
How did you choose Ximena Sariñana to collaborate with you in “Melancholia?”
She’s a very talented artist and friend. Has a fantastic voice. I always thought her voice would sound nice on a duo with my vocals, and this was the perfect song. So while working on Melancholia production, I asked her if she’d be interested. When we recorded her vocals at the Chapel studio with the harmonics she proposed, it was like magic happened, and the song got this beautiful new vibe.
What do you expect people to feel when listening to “Melancholia?”
To have a cathartic moment. Reflect on what you want to leave behind on others after you pass away. To dance joyfully, to celebrate life by honoring death. It’s curious, I started working on the song lyrics in 2020, and my father passed away four months ago as if I was writing this song message that would help us in the future. So I hope it helps other people too.
What message do you want to transmit in the “Melancholia” music video?
On one hand, it’s to get people to dance, to celebrate death. On the other, it’s to share the magic moment between our collaboration. Vertov the Noise, the video director, had this amazing idea when a song gets to the upbeat part, the closeness of our collaboration slows down, so you get to experience the sound of vocals and our connection visually. So I could say to reflect on the duality of life. Every day we die, and the more we acknowledge and celebrate this, the more contentment in our life we´ll get.
What's next for you?
Melancholia is the 2nd single off my upcoming EP. So new music & collaborations will drop beginning next year for this EP, with some gigs in LA & Mexico. Currently, I’m composing & recording new material for my next album.