Chris Bolint

"Chicago-based rock guitarist Chris Bolint is just carrying on a family tradition... Hear 'bout his unique journey, what makes for a good guitar instrumental, and if dad approves of the music." - Factory Fast Records

"Chris Bolint joined us at the end of last July along with his band the "iPhoniacs" (his iPhone) and rocked the hell out of his awesome Godin electric guitar. It was one hell of an afternoon." - Michael Teach, CAU - Chicago Acoustic Underground

Region Songwriter Nabs National Honor

Northwest Indiana singer/songwriter Chris Bolint just received his trophy for having taken top honors in the 2016 American Songwriting Awards with his original song, "Forge The Dream," co-written nearly four years ago with friend Billy Cox, of Lake Station.

"I learned about the American Songwriting Awards on the internet," Bolint told the Local Scene. "I entered because I thought of it as another way to get my music out to more people within the music industry, and make connections. Plus, I wanted to see if my songs stood out. I choose 'Forge The Dream' because I thought it was a really good song all the way through and might have a chance of winning."

The song was co-produced in 2012 by Bolint and Wes Koz at the latter's home studio in Lombard, Illinois with additional recording done at Chrome Attic Studios in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The song appears on Bolint's 2015 full length original CD, "Embers Alive," which made this writer's "2015 Regional Top 10" list in the column published on January 7.

"I wrote all the main melodies, bass parts, drums. I recorded all guitars, and bass for the song," said Bolint. "I initially had the opening riff for the song beforehand, Billy and I worked together to develop the rest of the song structure. It was a big help having somebody to bounce ideas off of during the writing session and led to the magic of writing what I think is a truly rockin' song! Contributing to the recording and adding the beats heard behind all of Bolint's instrumentation is drummer Trevor Warren of Lombard, IL

"It feels great to be recognized by songwriting peers as having written a good song," said Bolint. "I knew this was a great song from the second we finished it almost four years ago. Sometimes you just know, but it feels good to have that confirmed, even when stacked up against so many great songwriters from across the world. I'm happy to be recognized for it."

Keep up with the artist at: chrisbolint.com. -

Guitarist Chris Bolint returns to Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso

Chris Bolint's "Embers Alive" provided a spark that fueled an increasingly successful career.

A hard-rock instrumental guitarist, Bolint released the self-financed debut album last year.

The Portage resident makes a return visit to Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso at 7 p.m. Aug. 21.

Bolint is part of a double bill with Robert Rolfe Feddersen, who will open the show. Feddersen has had albums that used the recording talents of Steve Albini, known for his studio work with Nirvana and Cheap Trick.

Bolint also is associated with some other notable names.

"I recently just signed some TV license deals with networks like MTV, Fox Sports, Discovery and NASCAR," Bolint said in a recent phone interview.

Those agreements give him "the opportunity to have my songs placed on their shows," he said.

Bolint said such potential forums hopefully provide a way to "just get my music out to more people."

Plus, it can generate extra revenue.

"You get paid good money depending on what show it is and how long it's played," he said.

Slowly building a reputation, Bolint logged an opening-act gig this year with bass-playing legend Stu Hamm.

"That was at Reggie's Music Joint in Chicago," Bolint said. "That was a big deal for me."

Hamm is a bassist who has rubbed shoulders with some luminaries in the world of guitar wizardry.

"He's played with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Michael Schenker, who are some of my biggest guitar idols," Bolint said.

"My original stuff is completely instrumental," the 29-year-old rocker said. "I kind of let my guitar do the melody, and that's what takes the place of the voice. I never grew up focusing on vocals."

His 2016 win in the "Instrumental" category of the American Songwriting Awards contest proved that Bolint has a knack for crafting wordless tunes.

"I know they can work without lyrics and still have an emotional impact," said Bolint, noting he is a classically trained cellist who grew up playing classical music.

His composition "Forge the Dream" earned him the American Songwriting Award.

Bolint strives for something bigger when releasing a piece of music: "I try to make it like I'm telling a story; just like you would if you're singing," he said.

Feddersen also aims to weave a narrative. The Lakes of the Four Seasons resident said his work fits a certain style.

"I would say folk-rock; there's stories in the songs," the 46-year-old singer-songwriter said. "It's probably a mix between Woody Guthrie and Steve Earle."

Playing acoustic guitar, Feddersen will be accompanied Aug. 21 by violinist Ingrid Schimnoski, electric guitarist Nick Smerz and Feddersen's wife, Terri Ann, who will sing backing vocals and provide percussion.

Feddersen wrote the song "Fly," which is on the soundtrack album for "Varsity Blues" (1999).

Chris Bolint and Robert Rolfe Feddersen

Where: Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21

Tickets: $20; couch seat $30

Information: (219) 464-1636, ext. 1, www.chicagostreet.org

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.

Copyright © 2016, Post-Tribune -

“You are so connected to the instrument. It’s beautiful” Nick D on Rock Guitarist Chris Bolint

In this conversation with Nick Digilio, amazing rock guitarist Chris Bolint talks about his roots and previews his performance this Tuesday, July 12th opening for legendary bassist Stu Hamm. -

"Escaping Shadows" featured in Relix Magazine (April-May Issue) and on CD Sampler. -

Bartlett and Frisell- Duane Andrews
Winter Solstice Between Heaven And Earth- Bill Wren
Willow Waltz- Kathryn Kaye
Ceremony-Fiona Hawkins
Hope-Gina Fant-Saez
11,000 Miles -Michele McLaughlin
Traveler- Lawson Rollins
Brooklyn Days- Evelyne Datl
Escaping Shadows- Chris Bolint
Maisha PolePole-Mushagalusa Charmant -

9) CHRIS BOLINT -- “Embers Alive” (Chris Bolint Music) produced by Wes Koz & Chris Bolint

For those who appreciate inspired instrumental guitar playing that transcends boundaries while steeped equally in jazz and heavy metal influences, the debut CD of all original compositions by Northwest Indiana's Bolint will certainly please. Best tracks: "Infused With" and “OnRush.”

Bolin's string bending proficiency, dexterity of his digits, songwriting acumen and astute arrangements will appeal to fans of such guitar gods as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert. Although his fingers can fly along the frets, Bolint is much more than just another "million notes a minute" type. Bolint demonstrates real finesse and passion throughout his impressive 9-track debut. Other highlights: “Graven” and "Embers Alive." More: chrisbolint.com -

Instrumental hard rock guitarist Chris Bolint, 29, has released a new instrumental album, Embers Alive.

The Indiana-based Bolint, who's also a classically training cellist, draws his inspiration primarily from classic rock and classical music.

Bolint, a Berklee College of Music grad, wrote most of the music on the album and recorded it over the course of two and a half years with a small group of musicians.

He recently performed live on Chicago's WGN Radio, competed in the Guitar Gods Festival Competition and is now playing shows around Chicago as he plans a 2016 U.S tour.

Embers Alive is available through iTunes.

For more about Bolint, visit chrisbolint.com and follow him on Facebook. -

Radio Interview -

Instrumental

Chris Bolint - Forge the Dream
Eduardo de la Iglesia - Escape From Bach
Warren Chadwick - One day at a time
Ionut Mirel Udrea - Dor (Nostalgia) -

Radio Interview -

Radio Interview -

Radio Interview -