Singer, performer, and musician Christiaan Padavan has recently released a new record, “Songs For My Grandparents,” a compilation of jazz classics from the likes of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole. Padavan talks to James Lane Post about his background as a musician, the new record, and where to find him this summer.
Could you tell us about your background as a singer & musician?
My background as a singer, performer, and musician goes all the way back to before I could even speak! I’m told I would hum in the booster seat of my parent’s car, and that was how they knew I was doing alright back there. I was blessed to begin performing early, starting in elementary school, with a solo in the school Christmas show. From the initial crowd reaction I received, I’ve been hooked on live performances ever since.
I continued to perform throughout middle school and high school, doing theater at venues such as Vail-Leavitt Music Hall and Bay Street Theater, and even winning an East End Arts “Teeny Award” for my role as Gomez Adams in “The Addams Family” in my senior year. I also ended up winning Southampton Youth Bureau’s “Battle of the Bands” with my high school band Roadtrip — made up of Jacob Nitti, Nick Corredor, Andre Bianchi, and Josh Pasca. A close friend of mine from my high school show choir, Jack Cooper, who started making music around then, was interning at the time for Cove City Sound Studios, owned by saxophonist Ritchie Cannata. Jack was the first to get me into a professional recording room, and I will never forget that.
From that point, I went to college to pursue my BFA. But after two semesters as a theater major, I began to pursue a love for creating music. Long story short, a couple of college friends, named Joe DiStefano and Jon Matos, and myself would always link up during our common hour to play songs together. We all went on to win a jingle contest through iHeartMediaNYC and Dunkin’. We were blessed enough to win time to record some original music of ours at the Cabin Studio in Manhattan and became a bit of a “house band” for Dunkin’ corporate gigs across the Tri-State area, playing for an event featuring Saquon Barkley of the NY Giants, and more.
Right around that time, I was also blessed enough to have a golden-ticket-winning performance on ABC Network’s “American Idol,” where I had the chance to audition for judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Since then, I’ve continued to perform across the Long Island and New York area and have become a full-time radio production director for Long Island Radio Broadcasting, all while continuing to pursue a professional career in the music industry as a professional singer.
Who has inspired you the most as a musician?
I’ve been most inspired by the people I’ve surrounded myself with musically. I always want to be around someone who can do something that I can’t do. It always brings about inspiration, seeing what my personal strengths can do mixed with someone else’s. That’s what it’s all about!
Tell us about your latest record, “Songs For My Grandparents,” and what inspired you to create it.
My latest record came about after the recent passing of my grandfather, Louis Padavan. Up until last summer, I was blessed to have both sets of grandparents around while growing up. I had always meant to get a jazz record of classics from Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, etc., out in the world, especially for my grandparents to hear. Each track off the record has a special meaning to the relationships I have with each of them. I am thankful to have worked with New York City-based musical director, pianist, and arranger Tedd Firth on the record that was recorded live at Cove City Sound Studios by engineer and studio manager John Arbuckle.
Where can we see you perform on the East End this summer?
I am performing out and about at many East End establishments this summer, such as Oakland’s Restaurant, 1 North Steakhouse, Sunday’s On The Bay, Waypoint Restaurant, Montauk Distilling Co, Palmer Vineyards, The Ocean Resort at Bath & Tennis, Jamesport Vineyards, The Wine Room at The Cottage, and more! I’ll also be singing cocktail hour on Saturday, August 3, at the Southampton Hospital Foundation’s 66th Annual Summer Party, as well as the national anthem at the Hampton Classic on Wednesday, August 28.
