Meet Chris Galis, the mastermind behind the musical project known as Genuine Leather. Hailing from Texas, Galis has been a prominent figure in Austin’s music scene since 2009. Prior to Genuine Leather, he gained recognition with his previous band, Gorgeous Hands, which garnered praise from local press and developed a small following. However, when the band members decided to part ways and pursue other opportunities, Galis knew he couldn’t turn his back on his creative impulses. Driven by a passion for distorted, Beatle-esque seventh chords and the enchanting sounds of 70’s California rock, Galis formed Genuine Leather. He took on the role of producer for their debut single, “The Viper,” which quickly caught the attention of the Austin blogosphere. Local publications such as The Deli Austin and Pop Press International praised the track, leading to an influx of offers for gigs and house shows. Surprised by the demand, Galis realized he needed to assemble a live act to properly bring his recordings to life. Thus, he enlisted five trusted companions to join him under the banner of Genuine Leather, and they embarked on a musical journey together. In a delightful twist, the majority of the band now resides in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood. Since their formation, Genuine Leather has released two EPs, three LPs, and a plethora of B-Sides. Their latest offering, “2011-2019 Demos, Singles, and Live,” is a retrospective collection showcasing the band’s dynamic trajectory. It includes raw and spontaneous recordings from the early days, capturing Galis and his compadres playing hooky from work, as well as more polished and refined material that draws inspiration from the likes of Spoon, Mac DeMarco, and Nick Lowe. Galis’s latest single, “Even If I Could,” exemplifies his aspiration to craft a “big” song. Initially labeled as the “Phil Collins song” in his voice memo, Galis aimed to achieve the kind of soaring vocal and grand payoff found in Collins’ iconic track, “Take Me Home.” Recognizing his vocal limitations compared to Collins, Galis channeled his energy into evocative lyrics that bear the emotional weight of the song. The verses paint vivid vignettes like Annie spotting something special as they push a shark back into the water. In the chorus, Galis skillfully weaves universal themes of regret, longing, change, and the quest to find one’s place in the world. “Even If I Could” serves as the second single from Genuine Leather’s upcoming EP, “Genuine Pleasure,” set for release in the fall. With each release, Genuine Leather continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of influences and their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the golden era of rock while adding their own modern twist. As Genuine Leather cements its place in Austin’s thriving music scene, it’s clear that Chris Galis and his bandmates have found their creative home. With their infectious melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and a live energy that can only be experienced in person, Genuine Leather is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for their upcoming EP and make sure to catch them live—they are sure to leave you longing for more.
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