Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
David Saunders chats with the North Shields singer-songwriter about his musical journey
From classic dad rock to late-night Classic FM, Conor Michael’s musical journey was a mixed one. “As a kid, I was always surrounded by music,” he reflects. “My dad was an influence with the ‘classic dad rock’ such as Def Leppard and White Snake, but also the newer alt. music, like Avril Lavigne and Busted!”
With pop influences from his mum, Conor’s early tastes quickly broadened and his songwriting later took shape when he began listening to the likes of Ed Sheeran and Damien Rice. “Ed Sheeran’s Divide album was the album I taught myself guitar to; Damien Rice helped me grow in how open and raw a song can be.”
That rawness ripples through his work. “I’ve always stayed true to the lyrics,” Conor shares. “I rarely sing about fiction, so I would say my sound is relatable.”
Conor’s live shows see him layering up his sound to evoke all kinds of feels. “With the loop pedal, I can bring the emotion from within straight to the stage. Songs I take into the studio are just guitar chords and lyrics… once a song is produced and ready to go, I then figure out how to play it with the loop pedal. I realise it’s the long way around, but it’s worked so far!”
This process of songwriting mirrors what Conor hears and shares on Off The Stage, his grassroots podcast co-hosted with fellow musician James Berry. Whether hearing stories about studio experimentation or touring highs and lows, that dialogue becomes fuel. “Having the podcast is great for being able to have an input to the music community… just taking in what others have tried is always great for inspiration for the next project.”
His upcoming album Chase The Day comes out on 29th August and the starting point for the songs on the album was Conor’s mood. He goes on to explain: “I’ll write a block of songs about challenges and failure, and then realise what kind of headspace I’m in.” That emotional intuition led to some of the album’s most vulnerable moments. “About half the songs are about my fiancée so they were quite easy to write, ‘cos that’s an emotion that is always quite vocal. But the likes of Bitin’ Bullets and Demons… I’ve played them live and they can be quite difficult.”Thematically, the album explores personal growth, connection and resilience across standout tracks like the title opener Chase The Day, with its galloping pace, soaring chorus and raw alt. folk energy reminiscent of Del Amitri or The Levellers; Dark Of The Night, carried by atmospheric tones and lightly husky lead vocals over a soothing bed of “oo”s; Demons, with its Snow Patrol-esque tenderness and impassioned builds; and The Empty Bookshelf, a nod to Damien Rice (with perhaps a glint of early James Blunt) complete with gorgeous strings and swaying harmonies.
The album’s play with shade and tone, paired with Conor’s impassioned Bono/Sam T. Herring-tinged vocals, makes for a listen that’s both endearing and engaging.
