In this candid interview, we speak with Debbie Christ, an indie musician whose journey in music is deeply personal and rooted in resilience. From a young age, Debbie was drawn to music, crafting songs before she even learned how to play an instrument. Her path to becoming an artist was shaped by overcoming the challenges of recovering from a rare form of joint cancer, which led her to pick up the guitar and pursue her passion for songwriting.
Known for her eclectic and boundary-pushing sound, Debbie describes her music as free from rules, constantly evolving and reflecting her innermost feelings. We delve into her creative process, the self-doubt she’s faced, and the messages of honesty and self-acceptance she strives to convey. With a focus on healing and connection, Debbie’s music is an invitation to embrace vulnerability, and in this interview, she shares her vision for the future as she continues to inspire and impact others through her art.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
From a very young age I have been obsessed with music. I remember before I could even write or play an instrument I would make up songs and sing them. I never had any formal lessons growing up, but it’s something that I’ve always been called to do. I started teaching myself guitar when I was around 15 to help regain mobility in my hand after recovering from a rare form of joint cancer.
Once I started applying my own lyrics to what I was writing guitar I just knew that this was what I am supposed to be doing. When I was about 17 my step dad said to me when I was frustrated about making a choice for university, “Just focus on music. There is nothing else in this world that lights you up the way music does.” So I guess that’s my inspiration. I have tried other professions, but I always get called back to making music.
There’s just nothing else out there that I’d rather be doing.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
My style has no rules or expectations, and I think that’s what makes it pop.
You just never know what you’re going to get with Debbie Christ.
When I sit down to write, I’m not trying to imitate what anyone else is doing. I just play whatever comes to me. I write my music by just fiddling around until I find something that I can work with, and I build it up from there. I think because of that there’s more room to explore and find a unique sound.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
I think one of the challenges is imposter syndrome for me. I’m not a trained musician, and I don’t shred, so I tend to feel out of place. Something that I tell myself to deal with my self doubts is that you could be the most technically precise musician, but does that mean that you’ve created something that has resonated deeply with someone? So I tell myself, my goal isn’t to be the best, but to create something that others can resonate deeply with.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
I have a hard time creating for the sake of creating. Music is a place for healing and introspection for me. I’m not someone who opens up very easily, so music is where I cry, and manage my more difficult emotions. Songwriting is a very cathartic experience for me. When I finish writing a song, I tend to feel so much lighter, and like I’ve come out the other side from something difficult or painful.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
It all changes depending on what I’m going through, or what’s laying heavily on my heart. I don’t think that I have an exact theme or message, but I’m just trying to be very honest with whatever it is that I am saying. I think ultimately what inspires my lyrics is my relationship with life, and my relationship with my inner and outer world.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
As far as long-term goals go, my only real goal is to be able to tour. I’m not a materialistic person, I don’t need to be making the big bucks. I just want to play music, have fun with my band, and travel this big beautiful planet of ours. I do want to have a positive impact on people though, I think that’s what matters most as an artist outside of making the art of course.
I want to inspire people to be themselves. Especially all of the weird kids, like me, who didn’t feel like they had a place in this world. I hope that I can inspire people to be brave, vulnerable, and more compassionate too.
