Welcome to Chris Ingham Music!
About this Site
Welcome to the home of American Rock Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter Chris Ingham! Dive into his world where music, art, and sound collide in unexpected and delightful ways. Listen to Chris's Music, spanning 20 years of musical growth and honing of songwriting, read some of his Poetry, or check out the Visual Media sections to see what's happened over the years.
Are you a guitar player or musician? The rest of the site is for you! Explore the Rambler Effects corner to discover Chris’s hand-built guitar pedals. If your rig needs some magic, this is the place to order your very own custom pedal. Chris’ Customs talks modifications and repairs to keep your gear sounding and looking fantastic - if you are a Nashville local and your electric guitar or bass needs a hand, this is the place for you!
All are Welcome to enjoy freely - listen, think, experiment, and be inspired!
Bio
About Chris Ingham
Songwriter, Guitarist, Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Poet
Chris Ingham is an independent American songwriter, singer, and guitarist whose roots run deep in the rich soil of rock & roll, blues, folk, soul, americana, and funk — really, any genre that can carry the story he’s compelled to tell. His music is a lively mix of real feelings and honest stories, with each song written from the heart.
Most recently captivating audiences with his solo acoustic shows throughout Nashville, TN, Chris thrives in the simplicity of solo performance. Yet, he shines brightest in the collaborative fire of a band setting. Over the years, he has formed and fronted several dynamic bands, most notably the powerhouse quartet Simply Subtle and the electrifying Chris Ingham & the Instigators, both of which showcase his flair for blending soulful songwriting with irresistible grooves and rock energy.
Driven by an all-consuming passion for music and a profound respect for art as a reflection of the artist’s soul, Chris writes songs that go beyond mere melodies—they are conversations, emotions, and stories wrapped in musical form. This devotion to fostering creative community led him in 2008 to establish a Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic night at the legendary Madam’s Organ Blues Bar in Washington DC. This weekly gathering became a vibrant outlet for up-and-coming independent artists in the DC metro area, nurturing talent and camaraderie in equal measure. It was during this time that he recorded his first album, Samsara.
In 2010, Chris packed his bags and headed west to Los Angeles, enrolling at the Musicians Institute to sharpen his craft and soak in the eclectic energy of the West Coast music scene. While in LA, he underwent a rigorous practice regimen and began writing songs at a much increased pace, sometimes writing two or three in a week. Returning to DC in 2012, he promptly formed Simply Subtle, a band that would enjoy a lively and evolving run through 2016, with its shifting lineups serving as a testament to Chris’s adaptive and collaborative spirit.
The year 2016 marked a new chapter as Chris relocated to Nashville, TN—a city pulsing with musical tradition. There, he connected with fellow musicians Jeff Hyman and Steve Hauenstein (a fellow Simply Subtle alum), and together with guitarist Tobin Dale, a longtime friend from his LA days, they crafted a series of recordings. This collaboration produced Chris’s second solo album, Pretty Face (2018), followed by two invigorating rock albums Don’t Fire (until you see the whites of their eyes) (2021) and Postcard (2023) under the banner of Chris Ingham & the Instigators.
The latest from this formidable lineup, Postcard, released in August 2023, is a testament to Chris’ relentless drive to incite thought, question the norm and express those ideas. Available everywhere, this album continues to amplify his soulful voice and adventurous spirit, cementing his place as a restless musical storyteller with a quirky charm that’s entirely his own.