Get to Know: Chris Malinchak
Fresh off the release of his new single, ‘The Wah Wah Song’, we caught up with producer, DJ, and pianist, Chris Malinchak. Known as ‘The Grandfather of Chill’, the New York artist has established himself in the electronic music scene over the last decade through his unique blend of jazz and R&B in his work. With the release of his new single, Malinchak gives us a taste of what is to come with his upcoming album, Night Work, which is set to release this June via Ultra Music.
Check out what Chris had to say below!
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music yet?
Chris Malinchak: Maybe the feelings others have shared can do this question justice. Of being lifted and filled with hope. And of joy and peace and love and sunny and rainy days. And Happiness. Although happiness is a deceptively tricky word…and thing. When I feel happiest, it is sometimes mixed with sadness. It’s like there’s a combination of the two that is just right. I have always felt happy and sad when I listen to “So Good To Me” I was struck by a story somebody once shared about hearing “So Good To Me” for the first time. It stopped her in her tracks. She said if felt like a prayer. I think that whatever it is I do just makes you feel.
BTS: Your music brings a delicacy that isn’t often found in dance and electronic music, how did you land on making this style of work?
Malinchak: It isn’t by design. If you create something…anything at all… and it comes from the heart and from your soul, it will bear your uniqueness. it will share that spark that makes you you.
BTS: With over 10 years in the industry, what has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as an artist or person?
Malinchak: Trust your instincts. And that goes for the creation and business of music as it does for every single other thing in this place.
BTS: You have made the most of lockdown with the launch of your live performance series, titled ‘Friday Night Live’, has that helped to fill the void left by a year of cancelled shows?
Malinchak: Well, certainly touring is a commitment. Fun to be sure, but you’re away every week. Sharing in the “Friday Night Live” way is something I’ve wanted to do for a bit now, and this open space seemed to provide a unique opportunity. Just play the piano and hang 🙂 So cozy and real. it’s something I’ve done since I was a baby. There’s a magic to the whole thing. There’s a joy it brings me and the people I’m sharing with. Something just happens. The strangest thing is that I’ve never felt as though I’m actually doing it as I do it. There aren’t words really.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcNb5nUylXo&ab_channel=ChrisMalinchak
BTS: What can we expect from your forthcoming album, Night Work?
Malinchak: 12 tunes I feel real good about. There was no particular design or grand purpose. I just thought it would be fun to put out an album and I like how these songs sound together.
BTS: Any artists/songs that you’ve been digging lately?
Malinchak: I just did this week’s “Malinchak Show”…a weekly show I do with Sirius/XM here in the states and with other friends around the world and I’ll tell you what, I played a new Louie Vega/ Martinez Brothers tune I’m feeling called “Let It Go”. I actually just texted Louie and was like dude great tune! haha
I also started flexing when I played “Funked Up” by The Sponges. So wicked. Also got into “Rain” by Kerri Chandler. Awesome tune always.
Aside from the new album, any big plans for 2021?
Malinchak: No plan whatsoever! That’s the fun of it 🙂
Stay up to date with Chris!
- Exclusive Interview with Pete Rock: ‘Music Is Medicine, It’s a Gift from God’ - October 5, 2025
- Diasporic Dopeness: Music at the Intersection 2025 Recap - September 26, 2025
- SHOW REVIEW: Inhaler – New York City, NY – 10/18/2024 - November 25, 2024
Yayyyyyyyy. More music to buy! I can’t wait for the new album….WAH, WAH. D