After a couple of years sticking to the stage, this Estevan native is coming back from the studio with all new tunes.
Chris Henderson's 2013 is shaping up to be busy, much like the previous year. He has been playing shows, writing and recording a new album, and was recently nominated for a pair of Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.
Henderson's first release was in 2008, when Follow the Signs hit shelves. He continued his teaching career until 2011, when he decided to devote himself to music full time. That marked the start of his busy schedule. Last year, Henderson played 160 shows, as he began writing for his sophomore album, tentatively scheduled for release this June. The first single will drop March 25.
"2012 was pretty nuts," Henderson said plainly. "It was my first full year of doing music as a full-time living."
From show to show, Henderson toured as well, playing with fellow Saskatchewan musicians Blake Berglund and Jess Moskaluke. Grassroots and Cowboy Boots was one of the tours that had a stop in Estevan in early 2012.
"We just did a Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan tour with a couple of runs there," he said about the tour they did in two parts, running 17 days and 14 days at a time. "Between the two tours, we did 50 shows in 30 days."
That's getting close to two shows a day for an entire month and gives Henderson's hectic schedule some perspective.
"We were doing lots of two-a-days, and lots of school shows in the afternoon and a show in the evening. It got pretty crazy, but it was good."
In the spare moments he does have away from the road, Henderson tries to fit in a little bit of writing when he can.
"I've also been in the middle of recording the next album that will to be coming out here as well."
He said last year he took on a bunch of tasks he hadn't done in the past, like maintaining his own website and doing video editing. While that takes some time away from his music, it allows him to be very independent from a business sense.
"I'm just finding ways to be more of a do-it-yourself musician as much as possible," said Henderson.
Headquartered in Regina, that's where he has been recording his latest album, after making his debut in Nashville.
"The last time I went down to Nashville and did it there, and it was bing, bang and done in a week. This time we've just been picking away at it in Regina at a studio called B-Rad Studios," said Henderson, noting it's owned by his guitar player. "It's been really nice to work at home and work at a different pace, where you can kind of be a little more creative with it rather than just trying to get it done.
"In Nashville, they have a system where in two or three days, you can record all the music for an album, and then come back and do your vocals. They're very much in a regimented system down there. It's great because it gets done very quickly and the players are amazing down there. That part's wonderful," said Henderson. "Doing it this way has just allowed for more of that personal touch on the record, more of my input and more of my producer's input rather than just letting the players do what they do."
He's happy with first album, and the process he went through, but has also enjoyed the change of pace that a Prairie winter inspires.
"It's been long overdue," said Henderson about releasing his new single.
The last single he released from his debut album was in 2009 and he released a Christmas song in 2010. This is his first step back onto the airwaves since then.
"It's nice to be able to get back in the game and get something current out there."
He has been slowly integrating new material into his live shows. Playing regular gigs in Regina, he said there are people who already know the lyrics to upcoming single that he regularly mixes in to the set.
With nominations for Best Male Vocalist and Rising Star, he said it's his voice he uses to identify himself.
"It's always nice to be recognized by your peers in the industry. I always try to take the attitude that awards are awards; they are what they are," said Henderson.
The nomination isn't based on a province-wide vote, but a tally based on the few hundred members of the Saskatchewan Country Music Association. When they give an affirming nod in his direction, he appreciates that his work is recognized.
"Blake, one of the guys I was touring with, his forte is writing. He's a storyteller. I've always felt that my forte is my singing voice. Lord knows I've never been known as a guitar player or anything like that. I do write, and that's important part of what I like to think of myself as an artist, but most people over the years have told me it's my voice that distinguishes me, whatever that means."
The awards gala will be held on April 27 at the Dakota Dunes Casino on the Whitecap First Nation, south of Saskatoon.
Henderson is planning on another tour in the fall to support to his upcoming release, and he has a few festival shows he is hoping to perform at this summer, including a tentative date in Estevan at the end of August.
