Rising Stars: Meet Chris Newman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Newman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up playing piano for anyone that would take me, from church services to a cover bar band in high school with a bunch of 40-year-olds ha. That whole time doing live sound production and managing production for events. From there I made the decision to move to Nashville to go to Belmont for Music Business where I got connected in the CCM world of touring.

I started as the keyboardist and Musical Director for Plumb my junior year of college and then over the next 18 months played over 80 shows and did 3 tours all while trying to finish school (which I did!) After graduating, I got moved into the role of Tour Manager, Production Manager, and FOH all while handling the MD duties and playing Keys for other acts as well. It was a fast learning curve being the leader of a whole touring crew that was twice my age.

I then started working for a new and very talented artist, Riley Clemmons and had the pleasure of playing her first show with her and still to this day as her Musical Director and Production Manager. Over the years, I also had the honor of working with Tenth Avenue North, We the Kingdom, and several other mainstream Christian touring acts.

It wasn’t until last year that I got a call to fill in as a Production Manager and FOH for a viral country star, Walker Hayes and that began my journey into country music production. I am now the Production Manager and FOH for Walker full time and have taken our live show to over 20 sold spring tour shows and we are now moving into areas for the fall tour.

It has been a wild ride and has met so many people that have given me more responsibility than I deserve but I am grateful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but all things considered, I have been very blessed and very grateful.

Covid was an obvious challenge to everyone in the world but hit the music industry really hard. It was a tough time but it was also amazing, I did some residential construction and built a recording studio, and remained busy with Riley’s career as she tapped into streaming and the digital side of Covid performances.

Other struggles are being away from home 130 days a year and traveling when you know you’re missing key moments in friends’ and families’ lives.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in live event production management. I have a heavy emphasis on audio but know a lot about video, lighting, and rigging which makes it really easy and fun for me to help with product design and consulting.

I don’t know that in my short career in the industry I’m known for much but I would hope most people that have worked with me recognize a strong work ethic and efficiency. Something that really sets me apart in the production world is having a touring musician and musical director role that is as long as my production role.

I can communicate with musicians and artists and add to the overall creativity in more ways than most other production managers.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Time at home is super valuable and the people around you can make the best of the situations. The best way to realize how blessed you are is to have everything taken away. It was a great time to rest.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chrisnewman_