Biography
Chris Batten is an accomplished musician known for his work as a bassist and songwriter. He was born and raised in the vibrant music scene of the UK, where his passion for music was evident from a young age. Chris began his career in the early 1990s, honing his skills in various local bands before finding his footing in the professional world. His relentless dedication to his craft led him to explore diverse musical genres, eventually shaping his unique sound. He soon caught the attention of industry insiders and quickly garnered a reputation for his technical proficiency and creativity on the bass guitar. In the mid-'90s, Chris became a prominent member of the band 'Enter Shikari', which propelled him to international fame. The band's innovative blend of post-hardcore and electronic music, along with their energetic live performances, resonated with a growing fanbase. They released several influential albums, including 'Take to the Skies' and 'The Spark', both of which earned critical acclaim and commercial success, featuring hit tracks like 'Sorry, You're Not a Winner' and 'The Last Garrison'. These achievements solidified Chris's role as a key player in the modern rock scene, and he frequently collaborated with other artists, contributing his bass talents to various projects. Musically, Chris Batten is recognized for his distinctive style that merges technical bass lines with melodic sensibilities. He often experiments with effects and incorporates electronic elements into his playing, making use of a range of gear that enhances his sound. His signature gear includes the 'Ibanez SR Series' bass guitars, known for their versatility and slim necks, paired with 'Markbass CMD 102P' amps that deliver powerful, clean tones. Additionally, Chris utilizes a selection of pedals like the 'MXR Bass Octave Deluxe' and 'Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive' to create expansive soundscapes. His innovative use of these tools has not only defined his sound but has also influenced a new generation of bass players. Today, Chris Batten continues to tour and record with Enter Shikari while also exploring solo projects and collaborations. His impact on the music industry is undeniable, as he continues to inspire aspiring musicians and contribute to the evolution of modern rock music. With a career spanning over three decades, Chris has left a lasting legacy, both as a bassist and as a forward-thinking artist. As he forges ahead in the ever-changing music landscape, fans eagerly anticipate what he will create next and how he will continue to shape the genre he loves.
Roles
Bassist, Songwriter
Band History
Local Bands, Enter Shikari
Signature Gear
Guitars: Ibanez SR506, Ibanez SR300E
Amps: Markbass CMD 102P
Pedals: MXR Bass Octave Deluxe, Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive
Basses: Ibanez SRFF805, Ibanez SRX700
Strings: D'Addario EXL165 45-100
Picks: Dunlop Tortex .73mm
Bandmates & Collaborators
Jordan Fish, Chris Kael, Mike Cosgrove, roughton-rou-reynolds, Nathan Cochran, John McNally, Jakob Samuel, Ryan O'Keeffe