MDL CHLD (aka Chris Corsini), a hip-hop artist from Toronto and supporter of ASL, makes a comeback with “Numb,” a stirring new song and music video available right now on all digital streaming services.
The second single from MDL CHLD’s upcoming EP, “Numb,” which was released on October 28th, follows the release of the first single, “All The Sudden,” which was released earlier this year. The pop-driven song “Numb,” which has mellow, dreamy beats, is an autobiographical song about addiction and mental health.
MDL CHLD desires to alter how we perceive inclusivity in the arts. His goal is to combine his work as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter with his love of art and music into a distinctive and approachable performance style because he values diversity and inclusion. In order to produce performance art, music, and videos that are particularly alluring and inclusive, MDL CHLD prioritized LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people in the production of the “Numb” video, working closely with members of the Deaf Community both in front of and behind the camera.
Chris Corsini is the owner of the prosperous wellness business Inward Boutique and performs as a tarot card reader, energy healer, and astrologer when he isn’t making music as MDL CHLD. His successful business venture put him on the Out100 list in 2021 and helped him build a large online following, including 472K Instagram followers, over 17K TikTok followers, and 48.9K YouTube subscribers. Check out his song “Numb” and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
MDL CHLD: I was living in Toronto Canada as an American Sign Language interpreter, and I started interpreting a lot of concerts for celebrities like Jay Z, Taylor, Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes, and I met a few amazing Deaf performers in that environment, and we begin to collaborate to create some more accessible content for the music that I create. I grew up, dancing competitively, in theater and always clowning around so entertaining was second nature to me.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
MDL CHLD: I don’t have any formal training, I just started making music on an app on my phone when I was 23 years old and then from there I was totally blown away by what you can achieve through such a simple tool.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name MDL CHLD?
MDL CHLD: My artist name stems from being the middle child; it just seemed to fit well. I don’t really have a specific musical influence, I grew up in the 90s and I loved all of that pop stuff, I was into Eminem, I love Broadway, I’m kind of all over the map.
4. 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.
MDL CHLD: I don’t think I ever really emulated anybody else. I just kind of was going with my own vibe and figuring out what worked well, and what didn’t; I kind of just played around with music until I really liked the beat, or collaborating with different producers until we agree that something sounds fun to work with, and then I just started writing words with it, and kind of came up with my delivery style.
5. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try to 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?
MDL CHLD:
For me, the function of music is just to express myself and all of the different facets that I have; I really like entertaining people, I like to share all these layers of me, and I think it gives people a bigger, understanding of who I am outside of the spiritual community that I work deeply with. It’s nice to show people that I am multifaceted and not just a teacher or a healer.
6. Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
MDL CHLD:
My creative process starts by just playing around with sounds until I find a rhythm or structure that I really enjoy; then I usually just start writing random words down or figuring out a melody that works with the music. I’ve more recently started to collaborate with a producer, and we have the same process that I just described, but it’s obviously a little more of a mutual jam session.
7. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
MDL CHLD:
I really just laugh at haters or naysayers, or whoever wants to share their unsolicited opinion. I really don’t care much about what other people think, as long as I’m super happy with the project we released then we’re good to go.
8. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
MDL CHLD:
Absolutely love to interact with a live audience; it’s just been such a long time since Covid, but I honestly love performing alongside some incredible Deaf performers, dancers and entertainers, it’s such a vibe.
9. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
MDL CHLD: I think it’s nice that people can interpret my music in whatever way they want to. I think that’s the reason we put it out, so that people can feel they have something to connect with; but it’s definitely important that they understand where I was at when I created the project, because it allows a sense of connectivity and they maybe won’t feel so alone and experiencing whatever it is that the song is talking about because I’ve gone through it too.
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Photo credits: Skreamz