This summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Danish pop sensation, Christopher over coffee in the downtown area of Copenhagen. Watch the full interview and read more about Christopher below.
About Christopher
With a sweet, high tenor voice, a winning way with falsetto, flawless English, and no trace of an accent, Danish pop sensation Christopher could almost have been manufactured for international success. He appeared seemingly out of nowhere in August 2011, already signed to EMI, which released a YouTube video where he performed an acoustic cover of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend.” The video instantly garnered thousands of hits, paving the way for his debut single and album.
Born Christopher Nissen on January 31, 1992 and brought up in the Copenhagen suburb of Kastrup, on the island of Amager, he was interested in music from a very early age and began singing at the age of three. Dreaming of stardom, he took up the guitar at 12 and began writing songs, and, while still in high school, turned up unannounced one day at EMI’s Copenhagen offices with his guitar and performed a number of his songs for the execs, who rewarded his chutzpah by signing him on the spot. His debut single “Against the Odds,” a funky pure pop ballad, was released in September 2011 and reached a respectable number 23 on the Danish singles chart. The follow-up, “Nothing in Common,” released the following January, fared much better, reaching number five. His debut album, Colours, dropped a couple of months later and hit number four on the albums chart.
It was not until 2014, however, that Christopher tasted major and international success. He had built a huge following on social media, and excitement was rife for his second album, Told You So. The album had more of an R&B feel than his debut, and showcased Christopher’s maturation and progression as both singer and songwriter. Upon its release, it peaked at number two in the Danish albums chart, but it was on streaming services that it really made its mark, topping Denmark’s Spotify chart for a staggering seven weeks. It was also released in China, where it accrued enough interest for Christopher to undertake a promotional tour. The non-album single “CPH Girls” was also a hit there, reaching number two in the QQ Charts for Western music. An ode to the beauties of his home city, “CPH Girls” featured American R&B singer Brandon Beal, who later returned the favor by featuring Christopher on his own single “Twerk It Like Miley.” Both singles went to number one Denmark. Christopher’s reputation was secured when he won several awards at the 2014 Danish Music Awards, including Pop Album of the Year. He also won Best Danish Act at the 2014 MTV EMAs. His third album, Closer was released in Denmark in April 2016, with four singles released worldwide; Tulips, Limousine, I Won’t Let You Down and Heartbeat.
By Alexandra Cole, Erik Hertel, and Josephine Kyllebæk
Great artist! I am Danish in America.
Great interview. Loved the narrative about where Christopher grew up, and things like him walking into the record company without an appointment and they signed him on the spot, etc. Loved those personal stories because it tells his fans more about him as a person. Wish she had asked him more about having an interest in acting, touring in America, his family life,pastimes, marriage, children. Did his parents, siblings, friends, a mentor, any teachers encourage or discourage him to seek his dreams at such an early age vs going to University or like a Julliard in Europe and still getting into music as a career later? I know he probably bypassed all of those opinions because he got a company to sign him at an early age, which says a lot for his natural talent and drive.😄 Also, will there be anymore episodes to A BEAUTIFUL Life? We hope so!🙏 The interview showed him to be very upbeat, humble and kind. Liked his thoughts of treating people similar whether they are rich or middle class or poor ( he stated that he tries to treat the “cleaner” with the same respect as a CEO, which he mentioned is “part of a Danish upbringing “ or like our Golden Rule?). Would love for him to do more touring in the US. I had no idea that his name was pronounced Chris to’ pher instead of the American/British way of Chris ‘ to pher. Glad that was cleared up. I love John Mayer, too. Wish they could do a few songs together. Christopher has such a
soft sweet singing voice in many songs that I love, but then he can really belt songs out like on A Beautiful Life ( which I’ve watched 5-6 times and told others about it ) such as “I’m so High….lost my way…” ! Will there be more episodes to A BEAUTIFUL Life? Hope so 🥰👍🙏❣️ Combining his talents of acting and music -does Elliott and Lily marry? Balance family and music? How did he get his role as Elliott? He’s a natural at both acting & music. Thanks for the interview… both of you🎵❣️