I’ve been following producer/performer Christopher Norman for quite some time now, so it’s especially exciting for me to see just how much he’s developed as an all around artist. EP1 is Norman’s pop-oriented debut after establishing himself as a respected dance producer, DJ and remixer. Considering the fact that songwriting is something that Norman only delved into recently, I’m wholly impressed. I can only imagine how daunting it must be for an artist to venture into territories unknown, musically speaking. It’s so easy to settle into an musical comfort zone and just remain there indefinitely. Christopher Norman has simply taken his comfort zone and expanded it.
“His background in techno lends a lush sense of space and a unique perspective, while his keen ear for hooks gives his songs a catchy pop sensibility.”
EP1, due out April 26th on Pok Pok Records, will be the first of three EPs, the other two scheduled for release later this year. The 4-track EP seamlessly blends pop and electronica into a perfect pop package. While each of the EP’s four tracks are highly listenable, “Wanting” and “Can’t Let Go” seem ready made for a television soundtrack (i.e. House, Grey’s Anatomy).
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Norman got his start in the dance/electronic music genre when he was known by Retrobyte. It was under that pseudonym that he remixed “Light The Skies” by the trance group Cerf, Mitiska and Jaren. His first big break came in 2006 when well known San Francisco-based DJs Gabriel & Dresden announced his first single, “Going Down” as their “find of the year” at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. Since then, Norman has remixed songs for Katy Perry, Uberzone, Gareth Emery and Gabriel & Dresden. His Gabriel & Dresden remixes earned Norman his first two #1 remixes on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart and were featured in compilations from top dance labels including Armada, Cuurve, Black Hole and Baroque. More recently, Norman’s remix of Discount Rhino‘s “Pills & Champagne” topped the Beatport Minimal chart for nearly two months. Norman teamed up with frequent collaborator, Anthony Attalla to create the Incorrect Music label, releasing one album – Prime – back in 2009.