Chris Walla | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Christopher Ryan Walla |
Born |
Bothell, Washington |
November 2, 1975
Genres | Indie rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, film score composer |
Instruments | Guitar, vocals, piano, keyboards, samples, bass, audio sequencer |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels |
Barsuk Atlantic Elsinor |
Associated acts | Death Cab for Cutie, Martin Youth Auxiliary |
Christopher Ryan Walla (born November 2, 1975) is an American musician, producer, and film music composer, best known for being a former guitarist and songwriter for the band Death Cab for Cutie. Walla is a prolific producer in the indie rock community, having earned production credits on dozens of albums, and is also a former DJ for radio station KCWU, 88.1 The 'Burg.
While at Bothell High School in the early 1990s, Walla started a program called Open Microphone with creative writing teacher Laura Drumheller, as a noon-time forum for the arts, which allowed any student to take the stage and perform. Walla regularly performed at these shows, as well as serving as MC. One performance by Chris included a song by PJ Harvey. These early Open Microphone shows proved popular and continued for over twenty years, moving from Bothell High School to Inglemoor High School when teacher Drumheller transferred there. Walla was in a short-lived band called The Wallflowers (not to be confused with The Wallflowers of California). Later, in 2001, he was an early member of the Seattle band The Long Winters.
Walla joined Death Cab for Cutie in 1997, while attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. Eventually releasing seven albums, four EPs and two live EPs with band, he co-wrote many of their hit songs, including "Title and Registration" and "I Will Possess Your Heart".
On August 13, 2014, after 17 years with Death Cab for Cutie, Chris Walla decided to part ways with the band, stating that he plans to "...continue making music, producing records, and erring on the side of benevolence and beauty whenever possible." Walla's last performance with the band occurred on September 13, 2014 at the Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria, British Columbia.