Zrangorn, the solo project of Ballina's Conor Hickey, releases his new single, Black Berlin, this Friday. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Influenced by the likes of Slint, The Cure and Deerhoof, Conor has spent the last 15 years recording and touring with the likes of Shithatt, Only Fumes and Corpsees, Gummidge, Section 4, Nippons and Riastradh.
Black Berlin was recorded over lockdown and speaking about going solo, Conor says, "An advantage of doing things solo is there is no expectations. With bands you are usually put into one genre and have to stay there.
"I feel with this project I don't have those limitations. In fact, the next couple of songs are much more straight forward punk. But at the same time, I do like other limitations.
"On this song I decided there could be no regular guitar, bass or drums. I think having played in bands with those instruments for so many years it's important to change things up."
Black Berlin will be released this Friday on YouTube and Bandcamp.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I'm 39. From Ballina. I was once a viral sensation when I ate a burrito that was sent from Dublin to Mayo.
How would you describe your music?
My music mixes elements of noise rock and post-punk. And more recently features a lot of synths.
Who are your musical inspirations?
To keep making music that excites me.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
George Harrison - Cloud 9.
What's your favourite song right now?
Girl VII - Saint Etienne.
Favourite lyric of all time?
History Lesson Part 2 - The Minutemen.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Something off The Soft Bulletin by Flaming Lips.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My music is on Bandcamp only (I don't believe in Spotify).
