Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Fio.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I was little, I was the showman among my friends. I pretended to film movies and sing songs on stage like the famous people I saw on TV. I realize now that I just wanted my voice to be heard, I needed for people to pay attention to me. At first, the idea of being on the radio intrigued me. I had the good fortune of appearing on a radio show in my early 20’s. I had a blast reporting current events and being the lead guitarist for the shows in house band.
When I was approached by Producers Kyle Eagle and Boris Douglas Garbe and offered the chance to host my very own podcast, I jumped at the chance. Eagle and Garbe are successful members of the Orlando art scene, and two of the nicest people you have ever met. Kyle Eagle is the host and producer of THE MAJOR SCALE currently on WBG0-NPR. He has also produced documentaries on Gary McFarland and an upcoming film on composer Jack Nietzsche. Boris Garbe is the owner and gallerist of Mills Gallery, one of the hottest galleries in central Florida. Garbe and co-host Marla E appear on the successful web series KISS MY ART, also syndicated by PFT Media.
My show is called THE EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIS FIO and has been described by some as an anti-interview podcast. I actually like the label. I am trying everything to bring back interesting, open conversations between people and not produce boring, stale, by the number of interviews. However, the best thing that is happening because of these interviews is that I get to learn from my guests. I get to meet people I would have never met otherwise, and that is my absolute favorite thing.
Please tell us about your art.
I am bringing back the art of the unscripted anti-interview.
What does that mean? First of all, I don’t listen to experts who tell me how I should conduct an interview. I talk to people based on how they make me feel when I first meet them. Sometimes my instinct tells me they need to learn from me. Sometimes I know I need to shut up and allow them to guide me. It’s quite simple actually, what I do is befriend a stranger.
Not only that, I get that stranger to become my friend.
What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
That’s an interesting question that I actually can answer without hesitation. First of all, creating art is not always easy.
But the harshest of all realities is that the chances of actually becoming a successful artist in the United States is very small. There are all kinds of data out there showing that if you want to make art, then you better have a real job to sustain you and your family. Usually, all the artists I know have more than one job.
I have learned the following from the many interviews with artists and producers: most young creators have unrealistic expectations about what success is. They usually want to earn a living entirely from their art and spend all their time making that art. Not happening.
The real question should be: What would you call a successful artist?
In my opinion, an artist that creates works just to please others is not doing it correctly. I create my art, my podcasting because it is like breathing air for me. When I am talking to somebody on my show, I am in full control of my powers, my creativity, and my process. I do what I do because I love it. That is success.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The Experience with Christ Fio will be released February of 2020 on all platforms by PFT Media. PFT is Central Florida’s largest podcast distributor. I would love it if readers of this article liked our page and followed me on my journey.
Keep checking the page regularly for our many contests. Readers will have the chance to win an opportunity to be interviewed by me. This interview will be released on a special episode featuring an appearance by an internationally acclaimed musician.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 407 234 7033
- Email: millsgalleryorlando@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withchrisfio/
Image Credit:
Sandy Holmes
Jason Fronczek
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
