BIO
"Love, peace, happiness and a lot of fun." - C.R.I.S.T.E.N
A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania now residing in North Carolina, C.R.I.S.T.E.N is a beatmaker whose inspirations are drawn from video games, wrestling and anime. Sporting a mask, or an Akatsuki cloak from the anime, "Naruto", he performs at each show, using an SP-404. During the 11 year tenure in his beatmaking journey, C.R.I.S.T.E.N has made a significant impact on the Experimental music scene. With over thirty Bandcamp beattapes, 4 cassette releases, a vinyl release and a cassette release under FUZZOSCOPE underway, he is quickly becoming a household name in both his local community and around the world.
Working with others, he demonstrates the power of music with both his friends and his audiences alike by bringing people together. A co-creator of MTROKNWN, a growing beat collective in Greensboro, North Carolina, he has been involved in helping to bring others together for the love of music. He's also been a part of Okinawa Resonance, a group of talented, young individuals, who are passionate about continuing their growth for making beats. Currently, he is a part of o-nei-ric Tapes, as well as the well-known lo-fi group, S A I K E I.
He has performed with different promotions, including Raund Haus and VacationPay. He's also opened up and played alongside many popular performers, such as STLNDRMS and Sarah, The Illstrumentalist. C.R.I.S.T.E.N is expanding his reach by travelling the world, sharing his gift of beats to everyone. Through his energetic performances, dances and the soul within his beats, he will touch the lives of many and leave each person with a unique experience they'll take home with them after each performance.
PRESS
"...He brought an energy to the crowd that set him apart from other performers." - Rufus Simmons, The Carolinian
"...C.R.I.S.T.E.N lets you in fully and that transparency is beautiful. This is pure expression and it comes across wonderfully, poignantly and clearly." - Psygon, The Keakie
"...This dude here provided one of my favorite moments in our shop EVER...You need to be watching this guy!!!" - Scott Slagle, owner, Diggers Delight
"C.R.I.S.T.E.N's sampling ability is otherworldly and has soul that hits you deep within...He gives the listener a feeling of nostalgia and satisfaction." - Weirddough, beatmaker
"You have a really dope creative sound...extremely dedicated to elevating your artistry." - LINAFORNIA, beatmaker, performer
PHOTOS
CONTACT/BOOKING: booking@cristen.me
Social Media
Credits:
Photography by: Sean Whitaker, Andre McGuire