Interview with Connor Kirk

Connor Kirk is an alternative pop singer/songwriter based in central Pennsylvania, whose latest single 'Party Down' is out now! I caught up with Connor to talk all about his musical journey so far as well as 'Party Down'.

Hi Connor, how are you?

I'm feeling excited about the work I'm doing, thank you for asking.

How would you describe your sound to the readers?

At the moment the best way to describe my sound is "art-funk." I enjoy juxtaposing many artistic influences to articulate ideas in unique ways.

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?

The answer to this question seems to change with the wind, but right now: John Cage, St. Vincent, Sam Cooke, and David Byrne.

How did your musical journey start?

I began to play the acoustic guitar when I was around the age of 12. I remember walking in town one day and seeing an older man playing a beat up guitar for change on the street corner. His long gray hair was a mess, and his boots looked like they had traveled to the edges of the globe and back again. There was a look in his eyes like he was housing secrets, about life, about music, about mysteries of old. And all of this somehow came through in the song that he played. I wanted to be able to communicate like that. Fortunately for me, there was always a cheap old guitar lying around the house. I picked it up that evening and haven't put it down since.

Your latest single ‘Party Down’ is out now, congratulations! What was the process of creating this song for you?

"Party Down" was written over the course of a few weeks. I sat down to write early one morning and came up with the main keyboard riff. The pieces then slowly started falling into place--the melody, the lyrics, and finally the full structure.

Did you have to adapt how you work because of the pandemic at all?

As with most artists, I've been spending more time in the studio than on live performances. I've also had to discover new ways to garner experience and social observations for songwriting. A focus on literature has always been central to the way I work, but the pandemic has certainly led me to focus even more on the literary aspect of my creative process.

What was the main inspiration behind the lyrics for this song?

The dark hilarity of miscommunication in mass media and public discourse.

Do you have a favourite lyric or line from the song?

For some reason the posed question, "Are we synthesized" feels central. I also really enjoy singing the outro chant during live shows.

What’s next for you? Are there any plans for more music soon?

I'm currently in the final mastering stages for a new single that will be released very soon. It builds upon the stage set by "Party Down," and I can't wait for people to hear it.

And lastly, what music have you been listening to recently? Anything you can recommend to us?

I've been loving the music of Autechre. Their soundscapes are so innovative and refreshing to listen to.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for us, it's really appreciated.

Listen to 'Party Down' on Spotify here.

Follow Connor Kirk on Instagram here.

All After Midnight links here.

Music submissions and enquiries to aftermidnightblog1@gmail.com