12 May 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Liverpool artist John-Paul Connor to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Huyton and I started messing round with a guitar when I was about 13. I started listening to music properly about a year or two later.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Growing up The La’s and some 60’s artists. Bob Dylan, The Doors, Rolling Stones and Velvet Underground, stuff like that. As I got older I got into delta blues and Johnny Cash. Roots music mainly but I’ll take influence from anywhere.
How would you describe your sound?
The music I’m releasing now I would call customised blues and western if there is such a thing.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is called I’ve Got The Blues and it came about after me and a musician friend of mine went to see a local delta blues player called Merseysippi Ste to jam a while and I wrote it not long after. Inspiration came from them sessions and also from bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alabama 3 and The Stooges.
What’s your local music scene like?
Locally I’m a big fan of The La’s and The Beatles. Delta Maid’s 2nd album Katie is a big hit in our house and Howie Payne’s first 2 albums are brilliant aswell. Recently I’ve been listening to Bobby West & The Outsiders. There’s not many people who make music like that. The Tosin Trio are phenomenal live too.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
A single and a 2nd album to be released sometime this year and I’m off to Spain to record tracks for the next 2 albums in June. Looking on starting rehearsals with a band sometime in summer.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Oh loads. I’m planning on making an album with guest artists on every song. Just trying to work that out. It’s looking promising tho.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
My first solo gig was opening for Jamie Webster on his Moments tour in front of 2000 people in Manchester. Before that nothing, not even an open mic I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Still don’t when I think about it. Great night tho.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m a lot happier than my music and face would suggest. Inside I’m smiling 🤣🤣🤣
You can find out more about John-Paul via Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify or YouTube.
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