Music notes

For many years before starting college in my late 20s I was a dedicated (self-taught) musician. Though my focus was as a guitarist, I also developed skills with other instruments and as an arranger and songwriter. I drew inspiration, as I do today, from the wide range of music that appeared on pop/rock and R&B radio stations, especially between the mid-1960s through the early ‘70s. When able to return to recording music much later, with a shifting group of other musicians under the banner of Whispering Campaign, I maintained a grounding in this eclectic approach to musical styles.

What has remained central for me are the goals of conveying the song, through whatever instrumental support is called for, and its emotional impact. Although mostly recording vocal music, I am no singer; I’ve had the great good fortune, however, of having the friendship and collaboration of several very talented ones, especially Cathy Nicholson. It was the opportunity to work with her that sparked my return to music, after a long hiatus, and Whispering Campaign has also been enriched by contributions of other fine singers, musicians, and recording engineers. We have completed one CD, Pop Noir, which will soon see a public release, and made substantial progress on a second collection. Here you have access to three tracks—two original—and two videos, "Another Day," and "Wrong Man on Your Mind."

Link to Chris Wellin’s music for Whispering Campaign on ReverbNation

Video for “Wrong Man on Your Mind.” Music by Chris Wellin. Video by Debra Zarne.

This music video showcases the work of Chris Wellin, professor by day and musician/composer by night. Chris formed the band Whispering Campaign, and he wrote the music and lyrics for the song Another Day -- inspired by his experiences living in Milwaukee, where this video was shot. The lovely Elisa Sutherland plays the humble heroine, and Chris makes a cameo appearance. I was happily involved as the filmmaker. Enjoy! -- Debra Zarne

Link to video with complete information on cast on IMDB