Meet Ross Christopher

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ross Christopher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ross, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

As a songwriter and composer, it’s vital that I surround myself with wonder. I think I’ve always leaned into curiosity, learning, and discovery. I can tend to get bored doing things religiously or rote. I think it’s healthy to explore the unknown and to not feel the need to always have an answer. So I try to read things from diverse authors and thinkers. This year I’ve listened to at least 1 new album, everyday. I watch a lot of foreign films and tv series. I also love to travel – immersing myself (even if for a short stint) in different cultures, foods, art, faith, and incredible people.

All of these practices take intentionality and a willingness to grow. Combine these with my personal journaling, jotting down ideas for lyrics and poetry, singing new melodies into Voice Memos, capturing field recordings, etc., I feel like I have this trove of creative information that inspires and moves me. But creative ideas remain ideas unless you’re also committed to action. I have learned to say “yes” to most things. The posture of yes is one of openness, and it’s incredible the new people you’ll meet and the life changing experiences you’ll experience, when you just start saying “yes.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hey there, my name is Ross Christopher. I’m a songwriter and composer from St. Louis, MO. I live there with my wife and 2 daughters. I started playing violin when I was 3 years old and have been playing ever since. I started writing music, producing, and touring during college and have been fortunate to work with some incredible artists and projects over the years. I’ve released over 20 albums to date.

Since 2019, I’ve focused on writing and composing mostly instrumental/cinematic music. I love the challenge to write a vivid story without any words. Every instrument, melody, and countermelody can become a character or plot point to creating an emotional response. This past January I released an album called ‘Passports, Vol. 1,’ which explores cities and experiences I’ve been fortunate to travel to over the past few years.

Another perk of being a songwriter is collaborating with other artists. Most recently (April 2025), I released a collaborative album called, ‘Neue,’ with Canadian pianist, Eddy Ruyter (keys for Shawn Mendes). We’d worked together a handful of times over the past few years, and decided it was time to release a full-length record together. When you fly solo so much, it’s always a treat to work with new and diverse creatives. Last year I had the opportunity to compose and record the soundtrack to a short film with the Madley Brothers (UK). It was such a fun process and I can’t wait for people to see it once it wraps up the film festival circuit.

I’m currently releasing a few singles ahead of an upcoming full-length solo album, called ‘Edge of the Universe.’ ‘Edge of the Universe’ drops on September 5th on all streaming platforms. It’s an exploration of the universe – tying together the vastness and close proximity of all things. It’s about interconnectivity and beauty and wonder.

And I’m always eager to welcome and encourage new collaborations. So if you or any of the readers are interested in working together (whether it’s recording string arrangements for an upcoming project, composing a film score &/or commercial work, or anything else), please feel free to reach out to me via my website or socials! My music can also be licensed for film, tv, docs, etc exclusively through MusicBed.com

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First, I think I’ve always had a strong sense of wonder. I like a good adventure – new experiences, new foods, new people and places. I think it’s helped make me more open and actively seek change. It’s a reminder that my way isn’t necessarily THE way. It’s a healthy nudge to explore and dream.

The next thing that comes to mind is the ability to play by ear. I think because my parents started me out on the violin at such a young age, I can’t really remember a time in my life when I haven’t played. So this instrument and music of all genres and styles have been ingrained and developed my ear training. As long as I can remember, I could always turn the radio to any random station and play along. It’s certainly opened up a lot of doors for composing and songwriting, to be able to immediately play what I heard in my head.

And lastly, I’d have to say it’s maybe the stubbornness to chase an idea or opportunity or experience. The music industry can be all over the place at best and pretty brutal at worst. But persistence and the fight to tell a story or create an emotion or create change has to win out.

If you’re new to the music industry or a creative field, surround yourself with people that are better than you and learn as much as you can, be open to finding your part, and really get to know people – non-transactional, just be a good friend.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! If you’re working on an upcoming film, documentary, or series, I’d love to work with you. The story boarding process that leads to composing/recording is incredibly rewarding. If you’re an artist or a band that’s looking for string arrangements for your upcoming project(s) I’ve got a lot of experience recording what the song needs and turning it around quickly. I’m especially eager to collaborate with artists and creatives that are working to create lasting systemic change in the world. I’m interested in tackling tough issues, fighting for beauty, and telling the stories that connect rather than separate.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jeremy Cowart
Brandon Schultz

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