Kerry's Conor Byrne has just released his new single, Growing Pains. We ask him the BIG questions...
Tell us three things about yourself?
I'm from Tralee. My dad taught me how to play guitar. I studied Music and Technology in Cork School of Music.
How would you describe your music?
The music I'm putting out at the moment, I would say at its core is contemporary pop that balances organic and electronic elements. Lyric-wise, it's the most honest music I've put out to date.
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Who are your musical inspirations?
Damien Rice was a massive reason I started playing guitar and songwriting, some of my favourite songs came from him. Amy Whinehouse and her Back to Black album broadened my taste musically and happened at the early stage of me getting into music too. There are so many artists I draw from - James Bay, Coldplay and Lana Del Rey are examples of some other artists I love.
How did you occupy yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
I was living over in London until Covid hit then moved back home to Kerry and spent the year just writing music over Zoom with some incredible people all over the world I probably wouldn't have got the chance to work with otherwise. Other than music, I ended up walking a lot. When you get stuck in the house for that long you really see how important getting out for a walk is just to clear the mind.
What's your favourite song right now?
At the moment, my favourite song is probably If Ever However Whenever Forever off Picture This's newest album. The boys really smashed it on that record.
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Favourite lyric of all time?
"Take me to church
I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
Offer me that deathless death
Good God, let me give you my life
Take me to church" - Hozier, Take Me to Church - that chorus is so powerful.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Life on Mars - David Bowie
Where can people find your music/more information?
Follow me on Spotify - all my music past and future will be there. Instagram @conorbyrne to keep up to date with everything else.
