Norwalk native nominated for Best Electronica Artist

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NORWALK -- When Norwalk native Christopher Schreiner picked up his first guitar at age 9, it wasn't exactly love at first sight, but in what he called an amazing and circuitous journey, Schreiner has recently been nominated for Best Electronica Artist for his debut single "Amped," by the Los Angeles-based Artists In Music Awards.

"I got my first guitar in 1992 when I was nine," Schreiner, 30, said. "I didn't like it at all right away. It was difficult and fine arts came much more easily to me. When my father said I was a better fine artist than I was a guitarist, I took that as a challenge."

Schreiner persisted with his guitar playing, began writing music and in 2005 graduated from the Berklee College of Music.

"At the time I was playing guitar-centric rock, and rock-jazz blends," Schreiner said.

Schreiner, a finalist for Guitar Player Magazine's 2008 Superstar Competition, took a stylistic departure from his jazz/rock roots, which were showcased on his debut album, Only Human ('08), with his solo project drop.kick.pop, due to be released on Feb. 16, 2014.

Taking his music in a different direction from jazz and rock was partially inspired by advice from his music teacher Jim Hall.

"Jim Hall, who passed away yesterday by the way, always told me that you're an artist first and a musician second," Schreiner said. "The guitar is usually approached in a particular way, but I found myself deep in electronica and challenging the generally accepted rules of the guitar."

Schreiner has focused on exploring the range, dynamics and esthetics of the guitar to create sounds not ordinarily heard from the instrument.

"I'm creating sounds so that you wouldn't know it's a guitar until you see me play," Schreiner said. "I'm trying to change the perception of what's possible and cultivating my musical voice."

The Artists In Music Awards is a privately held organization established for music artists. On Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, 30 out of 150 nominees will be awarded the 2014 Artists in Music Awards trophy.

"I had submitted my single and a panel of judges and fans voted so I'm one of five finalists," he said.

The mission statement of the Artists in Music Awards is: "Our mission is to entertain and give recognition to the finest emerging music artists from around the world. We are committed to providing an engaging and rewarding environment through live entertainment events through Award Shows, Showcases, Red Carpet, and Press Events...Together these useful services provide a much needed exposure outlet for our award participants, resulting in a much needed entertainment platform to build and grow the artists fan base. Our award program is designed to achieve customer loyalty and satisfaction not only with the Artists In Music Awards brand, but more importantly to our award participants for years to come."

"I teach workshops and also privately and what I tell my students is that sometimes is when you depart from a clearly defined direction, you may surprise yourself," Schreiner said.

Schreiner will be hosting a clinic at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12 at Guitar Center, 50 Boston Post Road, Orange. Fans may vote until Jan. 1, at http://www.aimusicawards.com