Chris Strei (“stray”) is a Brantford, Ontario born singer/songwriter/producer with 20 years of experience in audio and performance. Chris took the leap of faith to make music a full-time career in January 2022. His style has been compared with artists like Chris Stapleton and Tom Petty. Chris draws on his own life experiences for inspiration in his music with compositions influenced by country, blues, and folk. Chris’s lyrics tell relatable stories from a reflective point of view towards various experiences and adversities. It would be fair to say that he isn’t the only one who experiences these challenges.

Following an opportunity to open for The Trews, at The Rope Factory in December 2017, Chris has been blessed with opportunities to perform venues from Ontario to Alberta, and Nashville. Including Lethridge’s Canada Day Celebration, an opportunity to play alongside Juno-nominated folk singer-songwriter Dayna Manning, placing in the Top 25 of The Shot: Canada’s Premiere Singing Competition, and most recently, a slot opening for Chris Kattan’s appearance at The Rope Factory in Brantford. Chris now organizes his own events with the branding of ChevyCat Music, at Brantford’s premier event hall, The Rope Factory.

In July 2019, Chris released his full-length album, “The Moonshine'‘ to a capacity audience at Riffs Music Lounge in Woodstock, Ontario. The Moonshine is a collection of 10 dynamic songs that touch on various topics and styles, from the sweet commitment of "Love You Anyhow,” to the date-night glow of a dashboard light on the album’s title track “Moonshine”, the bittersweet goodbye of “Timbercreek”, and the gritty, fan-favourite “Prison Bound Man”.

In March 2020, Chris’s family welcomed and said goodbye to a baby girl by the name of Annabella. While taking time to reflect with his family, Chris started putting together his studio, ChevyCat Music, and started writing new music. Chris’s latest singles (Annabella’s song and “Sunshine”) from an upcoming 2023 EP, share his personal perspective on their story. Along with works and lyric videos for other artists produced at ChevyCat Music, you can listen to Chris Strei’s releases on all streaming platforms and ChrisStrei.com. Follow @imchrisstrei to stay up to date with upcoming releases, shows and content.
Press:
• “Brantford musician reflects on his journey through life and music” – Aug. 2023 – Brant Beacon
• “New single a tribute to Chris Strei’s late daughter” – Feb. 2022 – Brantford Expositor Article
• Winding Way Records Signing – July 2020 Winding Way Records Article
• BuzzMusic – “Love You Anyhow” Review – Nov. 2019 Buzz Music Article
• BScene Artist Spotlight – May 2019 BScene Article