Chris Demakes

Christopher Douglas DeMakes (born September 27, 1973), known professionally as Chris DeMakes, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. DeMakes is known for his stage presence and gained fame as the lead singer of the ska-punk band Less Than Jake that was formed in 1992 with fellow band member Vinnie Fiorello. The band reached major success while touring on the Vans Warped Tour. DeMakes and the Gainesville-based band is still playing 130 to 150 shows a year.
Besides his long-tenured career as guitarist and lead singer of Less Than Jake, DeMakes has performed as a solo artist since 2014. In December 2019, DeMakes solo work led to his latest musical endeavor, a side project where he composes custom songs and jingles. Since starting the "Let's Go Solo Tour" in 2014, DeMakes has made it widely known that he doesn't play any Less Than Jake songs while performing as a solo artist. DeMakes has found himself touring as a solo artist, something he didn't initially set out to do.
Early life
DeMakes was born Christopher Douglas DeMakes on Thursday, September 27, 1973, to Doug and Sharon DeMakes in the city of Livonia, Michigan, and grew up in Port Charlotte, Florida. He attended Port Charlotte High School. With an interest in baseball from his father who was a professional baseball player in the Detroit Tigers organization, DeMakes was a starting pitcher on the high school varsity baseball team. His interest in music came from his parents, both of whom were musicians and encouraged him to learn music. In 1989, while still attending high school, DeMakes and childhood friend Vinnie Fiorello formed their first band "Needless Guilt" at the age of 16. The duo went on to form a second band 'Good Grief' in 1990 adding friend bassist Shaun Grief. After graduating high school in 1991, Good Grief broke up because DeMakes moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida where he majored in telecommunications. While attending college, he continued to have an interest in music and was joined six months later by high school friend Vinnie Fiorello and shortly thereafter formed Less Than Jake in 1992.
Less Than Jake
DeMakes is the lead singer and guitarist for Less Than Jake and has appeared on all of Less Than Jake's albums.
DeMakes and Vinnie Fiorello formed Less Than Jake in 1992.
Solo career
Chris DeMakes has performed as a solo artist under the moniker 'Let's Go Solo' since 2014. He released his first solo song "Up" on a 7" record called "Ska Goes Solo" with touring partner JT Turret in 2014. DeMakes has collaborated with other notable artists by providing vocals and guitar work on other records including Descendents guitarist, Stephen Egerton's 2010 song “Print On Paper” from the album “Seven Degrees Of Stephen Egerton." In 2015, DeMakes provided vocals for New Found Glory's single “Ready and Willing.” In 2017, DeMakes provided vocals for Rare Breed, a reggae project that was released by music label Paper and Plastick. Also in 2017, he was invited to perform in São Paulo, Brazil with longtime Gainesville punk rock band Hot Water Music.
Charity work
Inspired by the caregivers who cared for his grandmother during her final six months of life, DeMakes wrote and recorded “I’ll Be Your Eyes” a song he dedicated to the loving memory of his grandmother. The song was part of a split 7” solo record with Steve Neurotic. All proceeds from the song are part of DeMakes effort to raise funds for Tidewell Hospice in Southwest Florida. His efforts have raised over $10,000 to date.
Personal life
DeMakes is married and has two children.

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