Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Their hours of practice and years of experience clearly shone through with every chord strummed, drum struck and note sung; the contagious songwriting was translated live through a flawless performance. Whether it was through recounting the feelings associated with each song, or through the eclectic range of [Chris’s] voice, the full band’s chemistry connected each spectator to their music, and invited them back with every song.” - Scene Points Zine (written by Ashley Sloggett)
Discography
LP: "Thoughts Were The Enemy"
EP: "Laying The Groundwork"
EP: "Signature Series: Chris Steininger"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Everyone is guided by voices. We hear them in our heads. We fear them, at times. They tell us what to want, who to be, or how to live. Voices are hard to ignore and more difficult to follow.
Chris Steininger is no exception, though his “voice” assumes various forms. It first spoke to him in his hometown of Waterdown, Ontario where at age 17, he aspired to be a recording artist, bought a guitar and started vocal lessons at a local Burlington studio. Within a few months, Chris’ voice showed up in original songs and he began to play local clubs, recreation halls, and campus bars with his band Colonel Chunk.
While a part of the growing local mid-1990s alternative music scene in Hamilton and Burlington, the band caught the attention of several others pursuing the same goal – namely Finger Eleven, now a Platinum-selling modern rock act. Chris and F11 vocalist Scott Anderson formed a positive friendship and working relationship, playing several concerts together. Chris has also performed on bills featuring Treble Charger, Sianspheric and Idle Sons. Chris went on to release the EP “Laying the Groundwork” under the band name Colonel, which sold several hundred copies and earned campus radio play.
And still, the voice in Chris’ head persisted, telling him to push for more. He continued developing his music under the new name My Own Devices. Joining him in this pursuit are Scott McGee (former drummer of the Burlington-based band Tom's Lunch), Dan Flynn on guitar and Andrew Marshall on bass guitar. Dan and Chris have played guitar together for years, which is evident through the interlacing of their melodies.
Chris describes the band’s unique sound as a musical pool with different elements: from Incubus to Last Days of April. He is most noted for his intense vocal delivery, which recalls the range and passion of Jeff Buckley, as well as the frenzy and fury of Mike Patton. Time and time again, Chris’ listeners have been touched by his songwriting as it takes them on an emotional trip mixed with feelings and hope. On stage, Chris’ energy draws in his audience with not only his captivating lyrics, but also a sense of community and belonging.
Chris is no stranger to playing live as, despite the challenges of personnel changes and full-time jobs, he has played consistently around the Hamilton and Toronto area in the past decade. 2005 has been a busy year with the band promoting the January 28th 2005 independent release of “Thoughts Were The Enemy”. This is My Own Devices’ first full-length album, which was co-produced and engineered by Justin Koop, known for his production work with Billy Talent, Silverstein, The Black Maria and Finger Eleven.
And still a voice persists, calling Chris to push for more. It's expression may best be captured in the lyrics to the single “Fantasy World” from “Thoughts Were The Enemy”:
“Try to imagine this:
Your passion pays all your bills
One day the hole will be filled
Things will be just as they seem…not a bad little dream”
For booking information please call: 416-577-8441.
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