Conor Molloy is a composer and performer of smart, chirpy tunes with dark lyrics.

His influences include Bob Dylan, The Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines. Conor’s already played some impressive gigs and has just released his new single, ‘Hiding A Storm’. Kelly Munro grabbed an interview.

How long have you been making music?

“I’ve been writing songs since the age of nine (so my mother tells me). I’ve been singing them with my guitar since about age twelve (sometimes raucously!). I’ve been performing in front of whomever will listen since about the age of eighteen and pursuing music in a more professional capacity since late 2016.” 

What’s been some of your highlights so far on your musical journey?

“Supporting Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott on tour around the UK in November 2018. I played my songs, accompanied by talented band members, to crowds of 2500+ at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool and Sheffield City Hall. The final gig was at a sold-out Royal Albert Hall (capacity 5000+). Other highlights have been making it onto the Spotify ‘Hot New Bands’ Playlist in 2019 and recording an EP with a very talented producer in South Africa.”

Your single is called ‘Hiding A Storm’. If you were caught in a storm which three things would you try to save?

Hmmm, good question… I’d probably try and save my guitar (cliché, I know), my family and partner (hmm… they should have come before the guitar…) and my sanity. 

Tell us more about the single. Is there a meaning behind the song or a story attached to it?

“The song is about a stranger recognising the signs in someone that they have been going through a difficult period (hiding a storm) and reassuring them that they will make it out the other side. The stranger recognises these signs, even though they are not noticeable to everyone, because they have been through something similar themselves.”

What albums do you never get tired of listening to?Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks, Blonde on Blonde, Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman, Kirsty Maccoll – Kite, Badly Drawn Boy- The Hour of Bewilderbeast 

What can we expect from you this year? More new music, some live gigs (when appropriate) and some self-production… watch this space. 

Words: Kelly Munro