“Mark my words, I will be the next King of Pop.” When you know local Geelong singer/songwriter Chris Stefano, you know these words come from a place of love, non-judgement and compassion. I met Chris because his positive energy is infectious, he shines bright like a diamond. I was like a moth to a flame.
From the tender age of 4, Chris wanted to be a singer/songwriter. When his kinder teacher could see his absolute passion for the dress-up box and performing, she suggested Performance School, which suited him well.
Due to experiencing almost every type of trauma over the course of his life, Chris is also a Mental Health Advocate who desperately wants everyone one to love themselves for who they are. He feels there is too much emphasis on looks and social media perfectness. He’d love it if people could be themselves freely, take ownership of their own mental health without stigma and learn to regulate their own emotions.
Chris’s parents divorced when he was 8 and at 15 when he came out as gay, which wasn’t initially received well by his father. At 19 years of age, he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1. He self diagnoses himself with ADHD + Autism also. He studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree and switched to a Psychology Degree attaining HDs but wasn’t happy. He would have rathered study Music Production in Melbourne. Chris feels his first Bipolar relapse was due to not doing what he loves most – making music.
“So many famous stars are bipolar, it’s a gift that they harness. I can write a song in 10 minutes. Arts and Spirituality are the two most important things for me in the world. They help me harness my Mental Health challenges. I believe my trauma led me to my creativity and I can perform at the drop of a hat.”
Chris grew up in Geelong and at 25, spent an exciting 18 months in London, then after 8 years in Melbourne, he’s returned home to his beloved Geelong. During covid he focused on his creativity and keeping fit, a very important aspect of his life.
During his recent relapse this year, his Psych told him not to think of it as a relapse, but rather, as an opportunity for growth. Chris recommends his favourite artist, Britney Spears’s book “The Woman in Me” because it is a brilliant recount on how to overcome trauma. “Britney is my favourite artist of all time. She is the ultimate performer + she has overcome so much. She is my number one inspiration. I’d love to collaborate with her someday.”
Chris wishes there was more discussion on Mental Health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse. He’s worked with organisations such as Headspace, who are doing a brilliant job.
Jack Arentz is his producer, who recides at Joy Luck Studio in Thornbury, Melbourne. Jack creates the instrumental alongside Chris. Chris writes the lyrics + they come up with the melody for the song together. They are excited to have an album which will be launched later this year. The fabulous launch party is booked at one of his favourite local venues, The Piano Bar, for 7pm September 18th, so get in quick to be part of the fun!
Chris’s favourite book as a child was the Children’s Bible. He practises gratitude + prays to God daily. This routine keeps him grounded, well + grateful. He believes we are all God’s children and we should practise empathy, compassion and understanding. He feels incredibly lucky, and at the time of our catchup, he’d been on the front page of GT, interviewed on KRock and Joy fm. If you’re lucky you might catch him, and his incredible infectious energy, singing at Beavs or the Piano Bar.
Chris is proudly drug and alcohol free. “It’s important to watch who you hang around with, find your vibe tribe who are full of love and who will help you grow. A loving, non-judgemental connection is bliss.”
He has three tracks under his name “Chris Stefano” on Spotify, Apple Music + all other major platforms. He can also be found on Insta + Tik Tok @christopher.rabbit
Story by Jacqui Bennett. Photos supplied by Chris Stefano.