Known for his emotive singing and literate narratives, British born singer-songwriter Conor Cassidy has a story to tell and a sound of his own. Raised on a steady diet of Neil Young, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, he began playing guitar and writing songs at the tender age of 9. In late 2008, Conor and his family emigrated to Saskatoon, Canada – once home to Joni Mitchell. It was there that his musical journey would begin. At 13 he was performing in local bars, cafes and restaurants before eventually scoring gigs at prestigious venues in the USA.
By 2014 Conor was introduced to Jeffrey Wood — manager and producer at California’s legendary Fantasy Studios. Recognizing Conor’s talent, Jeffrey offered to record and produce some of his songs. After that, Conor toured the USA where he was billed with artists such as Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols, Paul Young and Zane Carney (John Mayer’s guitarist). In 2017, Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Simon Climie (co-writer to Eric Clapton and Aretha Franklin, to name a few) discovered Conor’s music and invited him to write and record at his studio.
Now 26, Conor is preparing to release material that he has accumulated over the past few years, starting with his single “Radio Silence.”
“Radio Silence was born out of confusion, frustration and a need to communicate,” he writes. “It came to me one night in Atlanta, when I was sitting on the edge of the bed mindlessly strumming my guitar. I began putting pen to paper and the words flooded the page. It is a song about feeling abandoned and lost – which I think we can all relate to. Recorded and self-produced at OCL Studios, the song features luscious synth pads, huge electric guitars and a sweet melody quite literally calling out for an SOS.”
This song hits the sweet spot for me: power-pop hooks and grit a la Petty, huge choral effects a la the best pop rock of the ’90s, and songwriting that hits home like Brian Fallon. Cassidy is poised for big things.
Who are some of your influences?
My Dad was a musician so I’d have to say he was my first real influence. His record collection consisted of artists like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young so those artists were a big influence on me. Right now I’m listening to a lot of The War On Drugs, Sam Fender, Jason Isbell and Brian Fallon.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
I remember it well. It was called “Hide.” A very simple song — I’m not sure what it was about but I remember feeling compelled to just start writing. I heard my Dad yell from downstairs complimenting me. I was nine years old.
What are some of the best venues you’ve played? Why?
There’s a few that come to mind. I played at Third and Lindsley in Nashville a couple of years ago to a sold out crowd of roughly 300 people. It was an incredible show with an incredible audience. I also played at the Hotel Cafe in LA opening for Justin Furstenfeld and that was a great show. It was sold out and his fans were very kind to me.
Have you ever been given something remarkable by a fan?
I have! A fan of mine in Florida got some of my lyrics tattooed on her arm. It still blows me away to think about. It’s so humbling and truly one of the best gifts to receive!
What are 5 albums you’re going to make your kid listen to?
Great question. I’d have to say Exile On Main Street by the Rolling Stones, Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan, The River by Bruce Springsteen, Damn The Torpedoes by Tom Petty and I’ll throw a more current album in… Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender.