Chris Ballew, Artist Profile by Shady Pines Media
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- We just finished our new mini-doc about Chris Ballew, former frontman of Seattle rock band The Presidents Of The United States Of America, who now makes kids music under the name caspar babypants. Take a gander into the life and mind of a guy who started out making weird tape recordings on a 4-track and collaborating with the likes of Beck and Mark Sandman of Morphine (band), and ended up creating an internationally celebrated rock band! A little voice in his head told him his journey didn't end there..
I remember the Presidents acting sort of like a pressure release valve in the mid 90s. Mainstream rock was so angsty and emotionally heavy at the time and when I heard lump it was like a weight lifted from my shoulders, been a fan of Chris ever since.
His music is so refreshingly light-heartened.
@@gen-zboomer Chris' music does tend to come across that way. It seems only natural that he ended up making kid's music as "Caspar Babypants" later on.
Actually no. Aside from a handful of grunge bands, most music in the 90s was upbeat, unique, and positive. It was the best decade in music because of that in fact. We'll never see those days again.
@@PunkRockZombie205 auch...the 90s Great Music? Really? Well...to each their own,i guess. I admit the 80s were the absolute worst...but 90s music? 🙄🥱🥴🤢🤮🤮🥵😮💨
So agree with this! PRV, nice
Of course he's making music for kids now lol, perfect.
I've been following the President's since their first album and now I get to play Casper for my daughter.
damn, just hearing about this, amazing!
Same! Ive had Presidents on my favorites playlist for longer than I can remember. Now me and my three year old son rock out to Casper all the time.
I think Babypants songs are rejected Presidents songs. I love them both and my grand daughter is being exposed to real music for kids.
This guy is such an inspiration
Dude is doing what he was meant to do!
What a creative guy, I like the simplistic approach and his Casper Baby pants music is pretty trippy! Great story too!
First PUSA album is so great, so fresh still today
But so annoying at the same time. Can't wait for the good PUSA compilation release.
Caspar music is so awesome!
The second album grooved too!
I discovered "Peaches" by accident on spotify, ever since i love your music! Really unique!
Greetings from Germany
These guys have a special place in my heart, and music collection.
I had a listen to the caspar and it's damn good song writing. It sounds like pusa but without the sexual innuendos. It's really lovely. I know a lot of former fans may knock him for it, but goddamn if it isn't fun. This guy oozes fun music and even if it's not for me, good on him for doing what fits him.
They hate him cause they ain't him
This is the most perfect fit for a rockstar’s sunset career I’ve ever seen.
Thank you for keeping the rock going. My newborn and my teenager will now have something to talk about as they get older. What a gift!
When I was thirteen, my older cousin gave me your first album and said "me and my friends used to get stoned and laugh our asses off listening to this". I didn't end up smoking much pot, but almost two decades later PUSA is still one of my favorite bands and albums.
In a sea of outstanding musicians of the 90s, you all still managed to sound completely unique and original without any gimmicks. That raw, honest sound is what always brings me back. Even though I don't plan to have kids, I am super stoked to find out about Caspar Babypants, so that I can show my nephew, and friend's kids.
Chris, thank you (and your band mates) for everything
So happy to have seen them live. The set was so solid.
Such a cool dude. Was rockin at one of their gigs in Amsterdam (NYE 06/07) ..and dropped my camera on the floor in the crowd. Jumped up on stage as they were just starting a song and told Chris who announced "This dudes dropped his camera down there" ..someone held it aloft and I got it back! And they absolutely rocked the roof off that night!
Whoa! We were both there at the Beck show that he talks about; the one when Beck's tape of Loser broke. We of course had no idea who the Presidents were at the time, but we were totally impressed by the freaky and cheerful two-string bass playing dude - which was the only way we could identify him at the time. I believe the venue was called the Velvet Elvis, but I may be wrong about that. If memory serves correctly, when Beck's Loser tape broke, people were pretty disappointed, but Beck was really chilled out about it and got Chris to basically beatbox into a mic while he sang/rapped Loser. We were both really excited to see such a funky impromptu performance of the song. (It's quite a trip to hear Chris talk about the experience from his perspective some 20 years later, or however long it's been.) This documentary was a great watch! It's sweet to know that Chris is still making his super-fun music, perhaps even more now than ever. :)
Graphics on Televisions you’re cool, I like you
That's amazing, thanks for sharing that!
Children's music is actually a perfect evolution for Chris. Good for him! The first two PUSA albums were great! Thanks for the memories
Chris is an amazing artist I've seen Potusa 3 times in my life and they rocked every time! Fantastic performances I still listen regularly.
*PUSA
LUMP! LUMP! LUMP!
Dude, your my hero, always upbeat, always making me happy, can't imagine my life without your music.
I got the Presidents self titled stuck in my car's CD slot 2 (6 disc system) and I couldn't be happier.
Jam it all the time after work.
Great profile of an awesome artist! I was a POTUSA fan in the 90s and now my kids and I listen to Caspar Babypants together and love it.
*PUSA
Always loved all the animal songs pusa put out froggy, little dune buggy, monkey river etc. Love a song with a story and scenery.
Brilliant documentary thanks! Big fan of Chris
Really cool. I've been around since the beginning and it made me happy to see what time has wrought. thanks.
Just checking back on old favorites. The Casper Baby Pants is amazing. Don't have kids so didn't realise this existed. Really dig it myself.
One of my favorite gigs was seeing The Presidents in a venue called The Music Factory in Dublin Ireland. They've sold the venue and new owner had "improvements" done. Anyway excellent gig. They had the whole crowd in their palms. Easily 1000 people at the gig and they got everyone on the floor to lie down!
Wow great doc thank you!!!
Hello Chris; Jeff Anderson here. I used to correspond with you back in the day of when I was doing four track and the Presidents were losing their contract, I've followed you ever since. Love Casper Baby Pants. Wish you well. Thanks for the inspiration... Five White Ducks has always been one of my favorite songs ever!!! Love you (heart)
Love The Presidents Of The United States Of America. I had all of their CD’s, saw them at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC. Awesome band!
This is inspirational. Seriously.
Love his song writing, esp. with POTUS.
So glad he’s listening to his inner guidance
Great dude
Chris, you are pretty bloody impressive mate, from Australia.
Fascinating insight.
Muh heart mah soul- this is too wholesome
I miss these guys. Freaked Out And Small is by far my favorite of their albums
I was so saddened when PUSA announced they were finished, but now I'm really glad I got to see them for my first time on what would be their final tour in 2014. They really know how to put on a show
Lol chris is so kind and stayed a child, I love it...singing daddy man..hehe.. humor in music is so pure ,peaches and lump were my favi's! I'm 47 and never changed too in that matter being young in everything I say and do. my responsibility lies in my kids and learn the serious parts of life but i always a t like i did 30 years ago
Love the bit of Got the groove and got minimalism!
I knew it! I thought... this Caspar babypants is sooo amazing...who's behind?? ohhh The Presidents!!
My Spanish students love it, and me too!! Greetings from Spain
My 18 month old grandson loves Caspar Babypants and so does the rest of the family. It's so great to have an alternative to "The Wheels on the Bus" type songs that you can actually enjoy. Much love to Chris!
This was great! As someone who loves PUSA and is in the video production industry in Philly metro area.....BRAVO!
Robbie T Thanks! It was a blast meeting Chris and a really fun project to work on!
@@ShadyPinesMedia I'll bet, interesting guy! I got to meet Chris, Jason, and Andrew back in April 2013 when they came to The Union Transfer in Philly for a PUSA concert. I bought the VIP tickets for my wife and I for the meet and greet. All very nice. Most of my video clients are Big Pharma and do a lot of documentary style 'patient profile' type of work. I see you're all in Oregon. We produced and shot a patient story out there in June 2019 in Corvallis, OR. Stayed in Portland one night, ate breakfast at Kingsland Kitchen and bought some vinyl at 2nd Ave records! Beautiful part of the country! Cheers!
Awesome to watch him and sandman made the statement less is more a true statement.
Here I am, catching up with the Presidents' albums, discovering their music beyond the radio hits, and now I find out their former front-man is doing music that my 3 year old can listen to. Pretty awesome if you ask me.
My first album to purchase and my top 5 favorite band. The POTUSA influenced my music and writing in the most subtle and dynamic ways. Just makes me happy
I fukin love this guy
Someone needs to upload dead end lies or other 90s Caspar to youtube
Chris put a lot of that older material online (including the Caspar tapes) shortly after the release of this video: chrisballew.org/caspar-tapes
pure awesomness
kindova his own daniel johnston!! no wonder an old friend so latched onto this band... be a creative!! ;0 ssoo wonderful! ;)
All his songs mention each other and are amazing, better than the Beatles
Chris is my hero
was that a little snip of Don Hertzfeldt at the end there?!? Both in good company if so! Thanks for all the fun, man
I really like this guy.
No higher accomplishment in life than having Weird Al play you in a music video.
So so rad
Respect.
A true artist
It makes 100% sense now why this guy is pals with Weird Al amd vice versa. Chris and Al need to do a limited series vlog/podcast.
really cool guy
Chris. I love you buddy.
Love this!
Does anyone know where I can find a cheap 4 track recorder that changes speed like that??
Wholesome 1000
Does anyone know what interface and preamps he uses on his desk?
Who else recognizes that outro music from the toy Casio keyboard from the 80s/90s?? I believe it was labeled as "Classical" on the keyboard
True rock genius
I feel oddly inspired...
Is there any way of hearing early presidents tapes/live concerts? I also heard there is an alternative studio version of “Feather Pluckn” that had the “I’ve Got a Feeling” verse from the live shows in it
Griffin M there's s pretty good show of them at mt Rushmore, but it's not incredibly early. It was st the height of their popularity.
swampdonkey491 I know of the rushmore concert, and I’ve seen clips of their “goodbye” concert from 98, but diehard president fans are seriously deprived of audio/visual live concerts
Griffin M I'm sure they are. Me, I was a "diehard fan" in high school. I wish I still had my audio cassette recording of them on the Modern Rock Live radio show. I'd upload it for ya. Had some great live performances of songs which would eventually appear on the II album. I guess it's hard to find their old stuff because they became popular before everyone and their grandmother had the internet and affordable camcorders. If you ever find anything, let me know.
swampdonkey491 Sounds good man, will do
can anyone find a link to their supergroup album. I cant find it anywhere xD
I would kill for someone to make a Caspar Babypants tv show. Which tv station do you think would pick that up?
Nickelodeon
Support would be from Johnny Karate
Was that Don Hurtzfeldt at the end there?
I think Kurt Cobain would have loved this guys approach to songwriting... Simple yet very catchy.
Krist appeared as a guest artist on a Babypants album.
Tony Bennet should’ve joined The Presidents of the United States of America
I had the Presidents at Rushmore on a VHS tape. I had it for several years, til my ex-wife accidentally taped something over it.
Good reason for a divorce.
I wondered what happened to you I was always amazed with your instrument! You're a lot smarter and deeper then I ever thought.
PUSA is one of my favorite bands.
He's a real life Freddy Spaghetti!
TPofUS were simply awesome.
Banana Bread song. Chris... i swear. Shakespeare can't hold a candle to you :D
Ayo we have the same last name "Ballew" sweet
PotUSA freakin' RULES.
Their debut was the first album I ever owned.
This band is the reason I always took a lighthearted approach to making music. I mostly enjoy playing metal or hardcore but always keep it in check with the I need a smile part. Not emo blah blah just playful fun in otherwise serious music. Maximum respect for him and the other presidents. Ughh, honestly imo better than Beck.
Ok, s'il a rencontré Mark Sandman, c'est un malade mais dans le bon sens
what is the song in 3:30
8:40❤️
Guys how much do I need to bribe this man to play a liveshow?
I like the banana bread song at the end
Jesus Christ you're literally Charlie Waffles!!!
When you kid turns 2, give them Caspar. When they turn 12, give them Presidents.
🐝👯♀️🙌🏿💲👍
Ха ха, невероятный чувак!
This guy turned into Charlie Harper. Not a bad gig.
Here Come The ABCs ????
My affinity for this guy is irrational. It's like he has the cheatcode for my brain.
former?
They've retired the Presidents band.
@@101Volts And that's a damn travesty. They are the band I have seen live more than any other... and I'm mostly a metalhead. Absolutely love those guys. They are always entertaining and put on a great show. Kinda got spoiled living in Portland and seeing them every President's Day weekend for about seven years straight. But i guess it's better that they are done than trying to force something just to sell some records. That said, Kudos to You was still quality stuff.
You guys like every comment? Ha, great video though. Love T Pot Usa
No..we can NOT be bananabread!! Normally we could be yeah...sure! But how about taco's?
The only thing wrong with this video is the word 'former'
Poor guy. He just lost his inspiration to write good songs. Sh't happens. Nevermind, he's written lots of them )