LGBTQ Artist Chris Pierce Talks New Single ‘That One’

After playing Sunfest 2022 alongside Adam Lambert and Lil Wayne, and previously releasing several other hits, LGBTQ indie artist Chris Pierce is back with his latest single “That One.” The groovy new track perfectly showcases Pierce’s wide variety of influences, ranging from Duckwrth, Ariana Grande, and Doja Cat with its nostalgic, timeless synth, powerful vocals, and clever lyrics.

Finding liberation through the release of his artistry, Pierce uses his voice to spread light, happiness, and power within the queer experience. Even though he only started his music career in late 2019, he has already built a name for himself in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Giving it his all, the singer-songwriter hopes to continue inspiring people to be themselves and fight for their dreams.

Pierce took some time to answer a few questions for OFM.

Let me begin by asking, have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

Oh, yes! I started singing when I was very young. My dad’s dream was to be a performer as well, but things kind of got mixed up. He got into some bad situations, and things happened. I think I was the bad situation, honestly (laughs). Kid comes into the world, and you need to get your act together. But he started me out singing in the church. I grew up singing as a soprano, and when I got to school, they made me a bass. It really pissed me off, but after elementary school, that’s when I was like, yes. I want to do this.

How would you describe your musical style and aesthetic?

I would say it’s a very strong relation to Lizzo. It’s very carefree, very fun, and extremely gay. I release a lot of stress through my songs, and there’s a lot of self-love messages in them. I feel like we’re kind of missing that in our community, so that’s why I do my best to emphasize loving yourself.

Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind your new track “That One?”

“That One” is a song basically about thinking you may have found that special somebody, but on the other hand, you may have not. I believe it’s relatable for everybody around the world, but I think the message is more so for my community. Take the second verse, for example. It’s me getting my frustrations out about the hookup culture that’s so common in the gay community. When I say, “Stop hitting me up talking about pics,” it’s such a frustration where a lot of people just want to do something quick. I’m at this point in life where I just want to settle down and kind of experience love because I’ve never even been in a serious relationship.

Do you plan on releasing a music video along with the single?

Heck yes! I shot the video in Miami, and my idea was to do something with a big ring of fire. I do not have the budget to do something extravagant, but what we came up with, it turned out well. We were in the back of an old building, and we soaked some ropes with lighter fluid overnight. Then we wrapped it around me. I can’t wait for everyone to see the video, which will be out soon!

Ultimately, what do you hope listeners take away from “That One?”

I really want people to just have fun. I feel like we’re in a time where a lot of bad stuff going on, like another state is trying to come up with something similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and I feel like if I emphasize how fun our community is, how loving we are, and how our whole essence is about love, maybe that will help change the world. I really do want to help some people out.

How would you say “That One” is different from your previous work, and how does it show your evolution as a musical artist?

When I first started, I feel like my music was very depressing. As I continued on, it got much happier, and I would say “That One” is geared more towards the sound I’m trying to go for. Of course, I’m making pop music, or pop hits, in my opinion, but this one is really what I’m going for. I don’t think I’ve really ever just sung about me being gay and experiencing gay love. I believe “That One” captures that.

I love that you use your voice to spread light, happiness, and power within the queer experience. How are you going to continue to do that?

As of right now, I believe I’m going to try my best to get myself spread out. I feel like with the music that I’m making and the messages I’m putting out, I’ve affected a lot of people. I’ve gotten messages from people about how I helped save their lives and made them feel better. I feel like my message is relatable to a lot of people in my community, and I feel like if I work hard enough to spread myself around, it’ll give somebody or someone that little push to be like, OK, l can keep going.

One of your biggest achievements as an indie artist was that you got to play Sunfest alongside Adam Lambert and Lil Wayne. What was that experience like?

To be honest, it was a nightmare! (Laughs). It was a great day when we first got up and got ready, but when we got there, we had to drive to the back where all the cars and buses were parked, and the gate wasn’t open wide enough. So, the side of my car got scraped. Then right before I was about to go on stage, it started to pour down rain, and it only started raining during my set.

I couldn’t believe this was happening, but the show must go on! I got up there and started with “Love Can Wait,” and I think I completely blacked out after my first song. I remember looking down, and when I looked back up, I was like, shoot, there’s a lot of people out there. The crowd came back, and there were so many people out there clapping and cheering. So, it started out as a nightmare, but it was a great experience. That was my first major performance.

Wow, truly a performance to remember.

Yes, it was huge!

Well, what are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

I hope to make it on the editorial Spotify playlist. That has been so hard so far, and I’m on single number seven. I also want to go on tour, which I may be doing in June, and I would love to work with one of my idols. Even though I’m just starting, I feel like I have the passion, dedication, sound, and talent to really work with one of these people like Lizzo and Miley Cyrus, the people that are making the same kind of messages that I’m making, and I believe we could help each other out.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

Just make sure to download and stream “That One,” and make sure to follow me on social media for the latest news on future projects!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Pierce by following him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @partofchris, or visit his official website, partofchris.com. “That One” is available on all digital music platforms.

Photos courtesy of Chris Pierce and Demetria Jones