Chris Wright was born in Sydney, Australia on November 29 1985 into a musical family. Starting on piano at the age of 5, Chris first picked up the guitar at age 9. Finding inspiration in a variety of music, his early influences ranged from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, to Joe Pass and George Benson.
"When I was about 10 years old, my parents took me for lessons with Rod Brockbank at the Liverpool School of Guitar Technology - Rod was an awesome guitar player, originally from England. He helped me learn how to read, got my technique happening, and taught me to appreciate different guitar players and styles of music... he was a great teacher."
"People often ask, "When did you decide that you wanted to make a living from music?" You know, I think it was something I always moved towards. It never crossed my mind that I would do anything but play the guitar! Although a definite turning point and moment of inspiration was seeing a Tommy Emmanuel concert as a kid. I remember coming away from the show knowing that THAT was what I wanted to do one day! The incredible vibe of Tommy and the band, the audience going nuts - it definitely changed something inside me."
"After I left school, I practiced my ass off - I knew I had to put everything into it if I wanted to make a living as a musician. It never felt like a chore though, and it still doesn't. I practice as much as I can, purely because I love to play - especially now I'm getting right into jazz - it's such a deep well of information. I've also realised that the study of music and the guitar is never ending, and I'll still be trying to figure out this thing when I have one foot in the grave, haha. I've had so much fun, and it's been inspiring working with some amazing musicians and artists - I'm really just enjoying the process!"
Chris' career has spanned live performances, recording sessions, composing production music, producing albums, and touring with many artists and shows throughout Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan & the USA.
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- Currently guitarist in the Australian production of 'Fame'. (2010)
- Guitarist for the Australian production of 'Avenue Q'. (2009)
- Guitarist for 'High School Musical - Live On Stage' at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. (2009)
- Guitarist for David Campbell's 'Today Show' Australia Day performance, live in Adelaide. (2009)
- Guitarist for 'Las Vegas Confidential - The Musical' at the State Theatre, Sydney. (2008)
- Guitarist for the Australian production of 'Rocky Horror Show' at Star City Casino, Sydney. (2008)
- Opened for Billy Cobham's 'Culture Mix Band', with Lewis Pragasam at KLPAC, Malaysia. (2006)
- Guitarist for Lewis Pragasam's 'Asiabeat'. Performances have included regular shows at 'Alexis' (Kuala Lumpur), the 2006 'Mont Kiara Jazz Festival' (Kuala Lumpur), the 2007 'Sunrise Jazz Festival' (Kuala Lumpur), the 2007 'Java Jazz Festival' (Jakarta) and the 2007 tour of Indonesia. Chris also recorded all guitars on the new Asiabeat album, 'Urban Beyond'. (2007)
- 'Heroes Of Earth' world tour with artist Leehom Wang. Stadium shows in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai & Hong Kong. The Taipei concert is now available on DVD from Sony Music. Chris also performed with Leehom at the 2006 New Year's Eve 'Countdown Concert' in Shanghai. (2007)
- 'Come as you are' tour with artist Sandy Lam, performing 10 shows at Star Hall, Hong Kong. (2007)
- Produced the album 'Bali Lounge II' for Omega Pacific Productions (Indonesia), with Lewis Pragasam. Performed with the group at the 2007 'Jak Jazz Festival', and the official album launch at nightclub 'X2'. (2007)
- Produced artist Alanna Cherote's debut EP 'Universal Need', distributed through MGM Australia, and now available on-line and in stores. (2008)
- Performed at the 2007 Australian MTV Music Awards with Stephanie McIntosh ('Neighbours'), and appears in the video for her single, 'Do I Say Sorry First'. (2007)
- Guitarist for the pop/rock adaptation of musical 'Carmen', starring pop artist A-Mei. Two concerts at Taipei Arena, Taiwan. (2006)
- Composing production music for 'Sonic OZault' music library, based in Sydney with local and international distribution. Chris' tracks have been used in TV shows such as 'Australian Idol', 'Getaway', 'The Great Outdoors', FOX AFL, 'A Current Affair', 'Sunrise', 'V8 Extra' and 'Thank God You're Here'. (2009)
- Recorded on many commercials including brands such as Pizza Hut, Hungry Jacks, Daimler Chrysler, Hyundai, Fox Sports News, Makita Power Tools, Bundaberg Rum, Fox Sports NRL theme, and Fox Sports Soccer theme. (2009)
- Toured Queensland with the Eurogliders to promote their new self-titled album. Also appeared with them at the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival. (2006)
- Toured Melbourne, Sydney, Beijing & Shanghai with 'Floorplay' - a dynamic ballroom dancing show from the producers of 'Burn The Floor'. (2005)
- Toured 8 months with musical 'Saturday Night Fever'. Tour included Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Melbourne, Perth & Brisbane. (2004/2005)
- Toured with Sam McNally's 'Blues Solution' band to Beijing, China - performing at blues club 'Ice House'. (2005)
- Guitarist for 'The Australian Smooth Jazz Show' featuring saxophonist Andrew Oh and keyboardist Sam McNally. Also regularly performed with the 'Sam McNally Band' at the The Basement, Sydney. (2004)
- Won $20,000 in the 'Nescafe Big Break Competition', which contributed to the construction of Wright Stuff Studios. (2002)
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