The College Voice

Media Credit: CJ Harker

Christopher Fuentes, a 19 year old second year Mercer student, is in the midst of releasing his first demo. His first CD, "One good thing" will be out at the end of November.

Fuentes is a one man band, providing the vocals, guitar, bass and drum tracks on Ossu, which he is now sending to record labels in an effort to launch a musical career.

"If they think its crap, I'll never know. Even if they think its good, just not for them, I'll never know" Fuentes says.

At age five, Fuentes received his first drum for Christmas, and at age fourteen his father told him make in a weekend what he was making in a month on his paper route.

He became the 14-year-old drummer in his father's cover band, playing at restaurants and parties with musicians almost three times his age.

"After a few gigs they accepted me. Said I played better then other drummers, including my first drum teacher," says Fuentes.

But Fuentes was not yet hooked, nor did he anticipate a musical career. After high school, he was awarded a six year full-ride scholarship to study in China.

"A year ago, I would have told you I had plans to get an M.D., to set up a holistic practice" says Fuentes. Due to unplanned events, however, these goals were derailed.

Fuentes life took a new course. He was introduced to Japanese rock bands such as Dir En Grey, which now inspire. He also experienced changes in his relationships that prompted a creative explosion. His first song, entitled "Lina" was written with only a $70 guitar and a computer.

Fuentes music explores themes of attachment: to pleasures, to people, to objects, and life, examining all from a variety of angles. Many of his songs are written about or for people he's come to know in his life.

"It is the pinnacle of music. When you are standing up there, expressing yourself, there is a connection with the audience. That's what it's all about," Fuentes says.

However, Fuentes expresses a desire to write more fictional lyrics in his future.

"There are lots of topics I have not personally experienced; stronger messages outside my personal life that could be spread. I'm not sure I have the voice to do that just yet," he says.

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