Having recently popped onto the music scene with his debut single 'Dive', Chris Conroy released his second single entitled 'Sink or Swim'. Featuring bold, rich vocals with a refined electro-acoustic sound, 'Sink or Swim' is full of emotion and a raw, unique style which cements Chris as a musical force to be reckoned with.
He took a moment to speak to us as part of our Get To Know series.
Introduce yourself and tell us a little about you!
"Hi, My name is Chris Conroy. I’m a 26 year old songwriter. I have released two singles so far but I have been writing songs for years."
Where are you from and what’s your favourite thing about that place?
"I’m from a small town in Ireland called Portlaoise. It’s very hard to narrow it down but I think my favourite thing about my hometown is the humour of the locals. Its unique! It’s very sarcastic and I’m sure that must annoy some people but I think it’s hilarious."
When did you start your musical journey?
"Growing up I had glimpses of music interest but overall my time was spent playing soccer and other sports. I took guitar lessons for a few weeks here and there but always ended up quitting. Then I turned 16 and something changed and I began learning how to play the guitar from YouTube and then soon after singing and writing songs. It sort of took over from my obsession for soccer and 10 years down the line here I am."
How would you describe your sound in a sentence?
"If I was joking around I’d say ‘someone who loves hip hop but writes love songs instead’ lol! But the actual real answer would be ‘Pop music with hip hop influences."
Who are your 3 biggest inspirations?
"It’s hard to narrow it down to 3 musically let alone inspirations in general.
Around the time I began writing music I saw Ed Sheeran ‘The A Team’ on a TV music station called Channel Aka. Ed was unknown at this time. I think he had a couple thousand views when i looked on YouTube but my cousin and I thought he was so good. So I’d say Ed definitely shaped my early years of songwriting, as he did the whole music scene in years to come, so he’s definitely an inspiration to me. He also had connections to my hometown Portlaoise which I found intriguing.
As I got older then I really started to like Damien rice and Bon Iver who are also huge inspirations to me along with numerous Hip Hop artists like J Cole and Drake."
Do you have a favourite lyric that you’ve penned?
"I do but my favourite lyrics are from songs yet to be released so I have to keep them hush hush for the moment haha.
From my current releases I’d say my favourite lyric is from my new single Sink Or Swim,"
“Trying to broaden my horizons just to see how far I climb, wanting more is not a crime”
You’ve just released your new track ‘Sink or Swim’ which is your second single following your debut. How has the reaction been so far?
"The reaction has been fantastic. Obviously I’d love to gig and see a live reaction but that is impossible in the current climate. Even so, I am truly grateful for every person who has shared the track and supported me. Its an amazing feeling to see how music that has impacted me can then in turn impact others."
Tell us a little about it!
"I recorded ‘Sink Or Swim’ in Bryestar Studios in Co. Carlow with producers Brian Sheil and Alex lood. I had recorded previously with Brian and felt we had a good connection. I saw him as a friend as well as a producer so that made everything very comfortable.
The theme and writing process was the same as always. I write about moments in my life. Moments that have impacted me in a way where I have to get everything out of me somehow, and I guess music is that outlet."
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
"I hope my listeners see my music as authentic to me. I won’t write or sing something I don’t mean, that isn’t or wasn’t real to me at some stage of my life. I like to think although I sing pop music there’s some depth to it, which I hope people will see in time and with songs to come. Over all that though, I just want people to enjoy the music."
Finally, can you tell us what’s coming next?
"My plan is to release another single before the end of this year. And then another single at the start of next year with a slight change in sound. I’d like to show my diversity and start showing more of my hip hop influenced side!
I’d like to take this moment to thank everyone for showing me support and to those who are listening and sharing.
Also a big shout out to the boys and my good friends in my band Eric, Aran and Jeff. They have done so much work behind the scenes and without them all of this wouldn’t be possible."
'Sink or Swim' is out now.
Listen HERE Instagram: @chrisconroyofficial
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