After spending the last few years on hiatus, Bay Area-based singer and songwriter Conner Eko has made his long-awaited return with the uplifting festive offering 'Christmas Morning Goodbye'.
Channelling a wonderfully warm and euphoric aesthetic from start to finish, 'Christmas Morning Goodbye' makes for a beautifully rich and vibrant comeback. With his powerful voice layered over a soaring piano-led bed, he is certainly looking to make his return as triumphant as possible.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
It was probably Led Zeppelin, and specifically Robert Plant's vocals. Early on, I really loved his singing and primal sounding voice. I actually met him once. His hair was really greasy and I was really nervous. LOL.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Yes. The first "band" I played in, I played drums and two close friends of mine played guitar and bass. We just jammed and we were horrible. I don't think we knew how to finish a song, but my dad used to walk down the basement stairs to where we jammed playing "Low Rider" or "25 or 6 to 4" on his trumpet and that was always pretty funny. Later in life, I was in other bands, such as Wonderlion, and my last full band, Falling Andes.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
It varies. A lot of times I am just moved by whatever emotions I'm feeling at the moment. Many times when I write a song that I'm proud of, the song just comes out of me and I don't really think about it. My most recent single, "Christmas Morning Goodbye", which releases(ed) on December 3, came to life one morning when I woke up early and went straight to the piano from waking and the song basically wrote itself. I'm not a "Christmas music" type of person and never thought I'd write a holiday song so I think that is kind of interesting. Other times, I am inspired by specific things, such as my struggles with depression, relationships, or thinking more philosophically about humanity and our place on Earth and in the universe.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel! Gabriel's album, So, is one of my favorite albums. I even have it on vinyl. Everytime I hear "Sledgehammer" I get tingles and I say to myself "oh my god this song is so good"! One day soon I will write my own "Sledgehammer". Maybe I can get Peter Gabriel to sing on it with me!
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I don't think that pinnacle moment that I would love to relive has happened yet in my musical career, but it will soon - this I am determined and believe it will happen. Ask me in two years, okay?
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Tears for Fears, Sting, Freddy Mercury, or David Bowie.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Tears for Fears, Sting, U2, or David Bowie. LOL. However, to be a bit more current, I'd say The Killers, Grizfolk, Bastille, H.E.R., or Mark Ronson.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Touring the world, making more music, and also doing some science outreach.
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Conner Eko's new single 'Christmas Morning Goodbye' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it below.
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