CHRIS HANLIN

 

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, vocalist and bandleader, Chris Hanlin has been a California musical force for nearly two decades.  A native of rural Indiana, Hanlin moved west to California in 1989 and began to establish a reputation as a musician and vocalist in many diverse styles, including rock, blues, gospel, bluegrass and folk.

 

Now a resident of Northern California, Hanlin’s most recent release is a solo acoustic album of original material titled “Hand to Mouth”, and is available on the Pond House label.
In 2012, his song “Dustbowl of Dreams” was included on the soundtrack of the French 3D documentary called “California Dream”.

 

Another project, the DIBS, features Hanlin compositions and lead vocals, and ranges from intimate acoustic confessionals to noisy excursions into alt-rock.  Formed by musicians who share a common love of songwriting and personal friendship, the DIBS have been called “the best band you’ve never heard of” (Steve Lowry, the Orange County Weekly).  Their single, “When a Man Loves the Moon”, was recently getting over 200 spins a week on over twenty AOR stations in the Midwest and Southern United States.

 

A self described “American musical centrist”, Hanlin’s often uplifting, sometimes heartbreaking songs belie his rural roots.  Themes of yearning for home, personal redemption, anguish and hope all run throughout his work. Equally at home in both electric and acoustic formats, the material has the depth necessary to stand the test of time.  The song is the key.  Writing great songs is his goal.