The 90/90 is a solo project by new Austin, Texas import Chris 90. A singer and multi-instrumentalist who loves to build complex recordings in the studio, Chris writes almost exclusively on acoustic guitar. This helps him ensure that everything can be played with a full band, or even just by himself with a guitar. “I really like taking the time to paint the full picture in the studio, “ said Chris. “But playing live, especially solo where I can change the song around as much as I want, is more like mental bungee jumping. I’m drawn to those situations where you only get one chance.”

Even with a strong repertoire of original material, the 90/90 include many cover songs in the set to give the audience familiar points of reference along the musical way. With checkpoints at Michael Penn, Barenaked Ladies, Billy Joel, John Mellenamp, and even Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake, there’s always something interesting just over the next hill. “I loved when I heard Nickel Creek doing Toxic by Britney Spears. That inspired me to adapt not only the obvious adult alternative songs to solo acoustic, but also more modern iTunes Top Songs kind of material to the format.” This mixture of old and new, original and cover, with a healthy dose of improvised arrangements and changes, keeps the 90/90 and the audience engaged throughout the whole show.

Heading in to 2009, what’s next for the 90/90? Taking advantage of the incredible music scene in Austin by playing as much as possible and continuing to write for an original record is the plan. But of course, just like the songs, everything is subject to change. “It’s really important for me to keep it interesting. Not just for myself, but for any other musicians I might be playing with, and especially, for the audience. You can hear the artist do the original track, you can go listen to the 90/90 songs on MySpace, but when you come out to a show, you get a one of a kind performance. And that’s what live music is about.”