Chris Mitchell started his career on the streets, playing for tips and the joy of strangers on the go. Today, Mitchell is the star of Houston’s saxophone music, with over 3 million fans worldwide. The saxophonist tours with his Begging For Sax Tour, which takes him to large markets including Houston, Dallas, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
In fact, Chris’s success was not the result of luck or fate but rather the result of careful planning. Having started playing at age 12, the musician grew up surrounded by music through the church choirs he participated in and his family’s practice sessions.
Moreover, Mitchell learned the meaning of combining professionalism and creativity as a carpenter and a pastor. However, only the streets helped the musician master the craft of professional performance.
While collecting money on the streets was part of his job, Chris realized it was a great way to expand his fan base if he could collect emails and build connections with his admirers.
The saxophonist took several marketing courses and even interned at Atlantic Records to learn more about building an artist’s brand and touring business.
“What I love most about performing is seeing someone connect with the music the way I do,” says Chris. “Even on the streets, when someone drops a dollar in my case and smiles, I know I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.”
Mitchell’s stage performances include elements of jazz and R&B, combined with audience interaction, which the saxophonist calls “a huge jam session”.
At the same time, Chris Mitchell has admitted to experiencing significant problems in his private and family life, and overcoming them strengthened his musical performances.
“Every performance I give is a reminder of how far I’ve come and the people who believed in me when no one else did,” the musician added.
Working independently throughout his career, Chris Mitchell refused to sign with a record label, preferring to build the infrastructure of a star. In particular, it includes tours, merchandise, and social media.
The formula for Chris’s success is consistently combining skill and strategy.
