Los Angeles, 10/17/2023 — Renowned recording artist, songwriter, and producer Chris Redding has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Jazz Hands for Autism (JHFA) for a compelling entry in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards®. This alliance marks a significant milestone in music history as ‘Visions Of Sounds’ becomes the first-ever album of its kind to be considered for a GRAMMY®.
Earlier this year, Chris introduced his innovative creations into JHFA’s pioneering music library, Jazz Hands Music Place. This exclusive library showcases the talents of neurodivergent musicians, ushering in a new era of inclusive music.
Redding’s visionary journey culminated in the release of his third studio album, ‘Visions of Sounds,’ in late August 2023. This magnum opus is a pioneering fusion of ambient chant and hip-hop, tailored for a neurodiverse audience. With features like vocal echolalia, vocal stimming, and meticulously crafted sounds, ‘Visions of Sounds’ is a testament to Redding’s dedication to providing a musical sanctuary for creators and listeners within the neurodivergent community.
Already making waves in mainstream media, ‘Visions of Sounds’ has garnered attention from some of music’s most prominent media outlets, setting the stage for an exceptional performance.
Chris Redding’s music is a testament to his commitment to expanding creative horizons and challenging established norms in popular culture. His exploration of sound frequencies, tailored for neurodivergent audiences, stems from personal experiences within a neurodiverse family. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 13 and experiencing synesthetic phenomena, Redding intimately understands the trials and misconceptions faced by individuals with neurodivergent traits. His son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis further fuels his determination to foster a world that embraces diverse neurotypes.
Reflecting on his journey, Redding shares, ‘Growing up, I didn’t always feel accepted or understood in certain environments. Now, as a parent of a neurodivergent child, I want to make sure that I always support my son in his differences and continue to advocate for him and the neurodivergent community.’
‘Visions of Sounds’ takes its name from Redding’s synesthetic experiences, offering a captivating fusion of ambient soundscapes, mesmerizing beats, chants, and spiritual motifs. Drawing inspiration from Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D.’s influential album ‘Seeing Sounds,’ Redding transcends the boundaries of conventional hip-hop and ambient chant.
Through this album, Redding champions inclusivity and celebrates the beauty of diversity. ‘By incorporating stimming sounds, vocal echolalia, repetitive patterns, and other identifying behaviors associated with neurodivergence, I want to challenge societal norms and celebrate the beauty of diversity,’ he states.
The infusion of ambient chant in Redding’s hip-hop lyrics creates a profound emotional and spiritual dimension, offering an experience that defies genre conventions. Vibrational tones and lyrical prowess combine to craft a sound that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Redding emphasizes, ‘To me, hip-hop is American chant music, filled with affirmations. It’s time we become more conscious of the spiritual element in hip-hop music.’
As we reflect on hip-hop’s 50th anniversary and peer into its future, artists like Chris Redding illuminate the boundless potential of the genre. Through an embrace of diversity and a celebration of neurodiversity, hip-hop continues to dissolve barriers and connect people worldwide. Chris’ ability to seamlessly blend different elements, alongside his dedication to representing neurodiverse voices, positions him as a trailblazer who will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of hip-hop for years to come.
About Chris Redding:
Chris Redding, mentored by the late Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Webby award-winning icon Allee Willis, has been a force in the music industry. Collaborating on hits like ‘Jungle On My Neck’, ‘I Feel Blessed’ and ‘Child Star,’ Redding’s work continues to resonate with audiences globally.
‘Visions of Sounds’: Redding’s ‘Visions of Sounds’ album brings together a GRAMMY award-winning producer powerhouse, including Karl Rubin, the producer behind Doja Cat’s ‘Paint the Town Red,’ Dr. Jeffrey Redding, University of Central Florida Director of Choral Activities, and Dubba-AA, the producer behind the Historically Black College, TSU, best gospel roots album, ‘Urban Hymnal.’ The album also features producers and artists like Jimmy Nu-Soul, Samtrax, Young Garah, Ms. Meka Nism, violinist Michelle Jones, and trumpeter Jordan Aboderin. ‘Visions of Sounds’ skillfully blends ambient soundscapes with captivating beats, chants, and spiritual undertones, creating a unique fusion that transcends the boundaries of traditional hip-hop and ambient chant.
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For updates, follow Chris Redding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Chris_Redding_
To stream Chris Redding’s music, visit: https://linktr.ee/chrisredding
For press inquiries, please contact: Folarin Ajileye, Director Of Publicity | Jazz Hands For Autism, at Folarin@jazzhandsforautism.org
