CHRI$TIAN GATE$ DROPS BOLD, GENRE-BLENDING DEBUT ALBUM ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’
CHRI$TIAN GATE$ DROPS BOLD, GENRE-BLENDING
DEBUT ALBUM ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’
SINGLE “NUMB” NOW RIAA GOLD-CERTIFIED!
After making waves with his RIAA Gold-certified hit “Numb,” Chri$tian Gate$ returns with his debut album NO STRINGS ATTACHED, a genre-blending project that delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection while leaning deeper into his dark alt-pop sound. From hard-hitting anthems to moments of vulnerability, the album explores new musical territories, reflecting the complexity of Christian’s journey and capturing emotions that feel both personal and universal.
“This album really revolves around relationship issues—on both sides,” Christian shares. “Even though I feel like I've grown beyond some of the experiences that inspired these songs, I still resonate with that younger version of myself. What I really appreciate about No Strings Attached is its timelessness. The moments and experiences that inspired these songs have been captured in a way that feels like they’ll always be relatable.”
The album marks a turning point for Christian, who acknowledges the evolution in both his sound and storytelling. NO STRINGS ATTACHED finds him fully embracing a high-energy, genre-fluid vibe. Christian credits the album's cohesive sound to working with long-time collaborator and producer Elation. “After I wrote ‘Freak’, that track really set the direction for the production of the entire album. Elation and I started using similar samples and effects across the project to create a more cohesive sound,” he explains. “The goal was to pull together a collection of songs that, while diverse, still felt like they belonged to the same body of work. That was a tough job, but we made it happen.”
On the inspiration behind the album’s title, Christian reveals, “Funny enough, the title came from a photoshoot for the album art that I did with my friend Moody Darkroom, who’s a photographer. We were actually doing a video shoot for ‘TOXIC’, and he posted a still from it with the caption ‘No Strings Attached.’ It immediately clicked for me. It just felt like the right title for the album because it captured the vibe of the entire project—songs about relationships, freedom, and emotional moments, but also a sense of release.”
In the lead-up to NO STRINGS ATTACHED, Christian released a series of standout singles, including the heart-wrenching “FOOD POISONING,” the aggressive “SHREDS,” the dark and guitar-driven “TOXIC” featuring Dutch Melrose, and the sultry “SECRETS.” Each track offers a glimpse into Christian’s creative headspace, showcasing a range of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with listeners.
The official video for “SECRETS” deepens the track’s impact with its dark, red-hued visuals that explore themes of veiled attraction and psychological tension. “The game of hidden desires and the power that comes from someone denying they’re into you. It’s a power play wrapped in a beat,” Christian explains. The video masterfully conveys this through moody, immersive imagery, with impassioned performance shots spliced between the story narrative. WATCH HERE (out at 10am PST)
With NO STRINGS ATTACHED, Christian Gates has crafted a collection of songs that embody his growth as an artist while pushing the boundaries of genre. As he embraces a more intense and energetic sound, Christian is setting the stage for a promising future that continues to challenge expectations and connect with fans on a deeper level.
LISTEN TO ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’
‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’ Track Listing:
1. TOXIC feat. Dutch Melrose
2. SECRETS
3. FOOD POISONING
4. GIRLS
5. BABYDOLL
6. FREAK
7. SAYING GOODBYE
8. LIAR LIAR
9. SHREDS
ABOUT CHRISTIAN GATES:
Meet Christian Gates - a beacon for the resilient, a testament to music's transformative power, and an audacious talent from Orange County. His journey from poetry to rap, pop, R&B, rock, and now folk reflects a relentless evolution.
Drawing from a diverse range of influences, Gates defies genre norms. His turbulent youth, marked by street racing and run-ins with the law, resonates in his music, making him a voice for the triumphant. Behind the scenes, Gates remains hands-on. He was once his own audio engineer, and now closely collaborates with others.
Gates invites listeners to find their own meaning in his songs, making his music a personal canvas. His rebellious spirit endures, symbolized by his black 2008 Corvette—a tribute to his past. As we see on his upcoming album, Gates continues to be a voice for the voiceless, turning adversity into art.
CHRISTIAN GATES ONLINE:
