1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I come from a single mother household. My mother was 15 when she had me. Thinking about that now at my age I couldnโt imagine a 15 year old taking care of a baby. She graduated highschool and then college, and shes now a successful director of her company. So I witnessed growth from struggle and I learned resilience. I practiced it daily and learned to apply it in my life and now Iโve learned to apply it to my music.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: Definitely personal exploration. God knows I have to experience things to actually understand things, but that didnโt come without its trials and tribulations. we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, whatโs the story behind choosing the name โSchiz Mentalmusic โ?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: Well I actually didnโt grow up on rap and hip hop when I was young. I grew up listening to music with my Grandfather. And he was a straight Oldies and Spanish music fan, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Temptations, The Beatles. I was around 8 when I finally started listening to rap and hip hop like Biggie Smalls, 2pac, RunDMC, OutKast. But when I finally read the Bible I was stuck on the poetic writing from Godโs Word and the psalms of King David showed me that there is more to music than we think. And I chose the name Schiz Mentalmusic, because Schiz means split, and I think our mentality has to be split from reality sometimes to accomplish those things the world will say is impossible but just remember โWith men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.โ
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I think my music is set apart from other sounds because there is so much bible verses that I donโt even think people would know unless they were familiar with the Bible. I would describe it as warnings and witnessing and I would hope that it would plant a seed in their soul to seek Jesus Christ and find Salvation.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I think everyone wants to sing and rap like others and I tried to emulate other artist but thatโs what made me realize why we should respect everyones voice. We all have a part to play in this grand picture and not everyone is going to be right all the time, thatโs what makes everyone so useful. We need people to tell us how they see, feel and take things so we can continue to grow in love, itโs like water on a seed.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I believe music has many faces, roles and functions. I believe itโs a tool to be used for any and all ways. Itโs a gift from God and I believe we should use it to glorify Him.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment youโre still seeking?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I am happy when even one person enjoys my songs. Its like planting seeds and watching to see what it will bloom into and how much more beautiful it will make the world around us.
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, whatโs the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: All of my songs come after I talk with Jesus Christ. I pray and then I read the Bible to hear his responses. Then I usually talk with external influences like my Wife and 5 kids, my Mom and brother and sister, my Uncles and Auntie, my Lola and Lolo, my in-laws, and everyone I get an opportunity to speak with about Jesus Christ and Salvation, even Judgment and Repentance, because I believe we are all connected and created by God. I exist and you exist. The darkness and evil exist, but so does Light and Truth. We are all created by God and exist together and I see the potential we could have been and can still be if we follow Jesus Christ and seek the face of God and hear the Word of God.
9. Whatโs been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: Just the balance of the two, both my personal life and my music career. Im a man of God first so I have to take care of the responsibilities heโs blessed me with, which is my responsibility as a Husband and Father. So I am busy most of my day but God always makes a way, and he has blessed me with a supportive Family.
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And letโs talk about your latest release and future plans.
CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ: I think the most proud Iโve been is when I see my name in the same article, cite, book anything that has to do with Jesus Christ. I think just seeing our names written together overflows my heart with Joy. My Newest Release is called โFlesh & Spiritโ itโs a reflection of our internal battles and conversations we have with God. I will be releasing a new song in mid September. Pray for me and my family and our country and our world, I would really appreciate it.
