Chris Stark
Chris Stark
Connector, Builder, Lover of Life
I’m Chris Stark and my pink hair comes from my previous Twitch career, where I honed my skills as an audio engineer, musician, and actor. It’s even on my driver’s license! I love using this experience to help others bring their ideas to life, whether on a stream, in a song, or with a band.
My biggest priority will always be to make your week better, via laugh or smile. We can talk music equipment for your epic gig or vibrant recording studio, system designs for your podcast or Twitch stream, or if all else fails, I'll tell you a story from when I used to work in Hollywood representing actors.
My Sweetwater journey started after I took a year off to re-evaluate what was most important to me. Music and helping people are at the very top. Sweetwater empowers me do both and I can’t see myself wanting to do anything else.
Along with 13 weeks in intense training in Sweetwater University, researching everything from lighting to microphones, I have also learned from my 30 years of trial and error in audio and in life. I made my mistakes so you don’t have to! With decades of experience of writing, performing, and recording as a professional in the arts, I know I can take those lessons and give back to you!
Nothing in the world can take the place of heart and persistence. :)
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 3164
E-mail Chris-
What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
Twitch Streamer / Podcast Consultant / Hollywood Talent Manager
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
Los Angeles caught on fire the same time my Sales Engineer emailed me about some gear in January. His last line was, "Let me know if I can help!" I responded with, "How about a job?"
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Instruments you play:
Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, MIDI Drums, Most VST Instruments, Microphones, and Basketball.
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Family info:
Mom worked in the mortgage industry as an underwriter and auditor, keeping her employment through the entire financial crisis of 2008. Dad taught US History for 37 years.
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What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
Making video games. I built my first computer at 12 years old (AMD K6-2 350mhz, 3dfx Voodoo2). I started recording at 14 years old by trying out different mics, then a mixer, then an interface with outboard gear, then midi drums, etc.
At the end of the day, I always wanted to help the most people I could. -
What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
Sold out Warped Tour Boston 2009, it was either 20,000 or 25,000.
A few hours in, it started POURING rain, so having badges, we high-tailed it to the nearest Target and then started selling socks out of our merch tent. -
Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
- Chris Newman, 3x Oscar Winner for Best Sound (8x Nominated)
- Damien Leone - "Terrifier" (2011) - Nominated for Best Original Score
- Phil Jaurigui - Swing House Studios, The Den
- Bill Chott - Wizards of Waverly Place, The Ringer, Dana Carvey Show, SNL
- Stephen Bowman - Sleepwave
- No Standards - Tri-State Cover / Wedding Band -
Who were some of your favorite bands throughout the years?
I started with NOFX. As I grew older, I found Thrice, AFI, Death By Stereo, Underoath, Poison The Well, Thursday, Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, and Born of Osiris. In 2025, I'm listening to a lot of Silent Planet, Boundaries, and Sabrina Carpenter.
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Sports fan?
Basketball is my favorite. I've been a Celtics fan since 2008 and because Sweetwater brought me to Indiana, I'm slowly becoming a Pacers fan. I grew up playing Soccer as a goalkeeper and I love my bright blue Los Angeles Dodgers hat.
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What are some places you've always wanted to visit?
My best friend and music writing partner lives in Bangkok, Thailand, so that's first. I love big cities, so Shanghai and Beijing. Warwick factory in Germany and the Dingwall factory in Canada. Taniguchi Gakki in Japan, the music store with the most lefty instruments. Seoul, Paris, and London.
Interview with Chris...
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Chris is fabulous to work with. As if his excellent customer service wasn't enough, talking to him just feels natural. As a fan of humor, it feels amazing to have someone on the other end of the line who proficiently banters to keep any communication feel stress free and relaxed. He makes excellent product recommendations that feel tailored to me versus generic "recommendations" that aren't taking my needs into consideration. If salesmen are geese, he lays golden eggs!
Margaret from Latrobe, PA
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While Chris was unable to give me the lefty guitar I was looking for, it wasn’t due to lack of effort. He communicated with me throughout the process and made me feel more like a friend trying to get a guitar than a seller musical equipment. after exhausting every avenue he could, he helped me find what I was looking for somewhere else. That’s integrity over profit. That impresses me. I will be using Sweetwater again because of him.
Joel from Lafayette, LA
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Chris is the man. Seriously. Already a friend. Super helpful, attentive, knowledgable, and almost always reachable.
Cody from Shreveport, LA
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Chris was extremely happy and friendly.
Peter from Ambler, PA
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Dealing with Chris was a great experience. From the moment I answered his call I honestly felt like I was talking to someone I had known for years. He is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.
Kevin from Golden, MS
