Monday, November 4, 2024

Tunes in Town: Conor Molloy

Conor Molloy, playing in Manchester, England. (Conor Molloy)

WILLIAMSBURG — Tunes in Town is an occasional series that will catch up with some of the local musical talents that call Hampton Roads home.

Conor Molloy, who recently moved to the United States from Manchester, England, started writing songs as a child and would constantly perform them for his family.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve written songs to express myself. It’s something I would do, even if I didn’t have an audience to play to,” Molloy said.

Molloy says his style is mainly in the folk-pop genre, but he doesn’t like to define himself to any set genre.

“I enjoy the tension between a chirpy tune and a dark theme, and I’m also a fan of wordplay and double-meaning. I write in a lot of genres, but I let the story I want to tell lead the way,” Molloy said.

Molloy released his first EP in 2017. In 2018, he followed up with another EP, South Africa Sessions. He has aimed to put out at least one single each year.

“My latest single, ‘Borderline,’ is coming out July 9, and then I have another track in the pipeline after that. I’ll also be playing live at Arts on Main in Gloucester in October, which I’m looking forward to,” Molloy said.

As a songwriter, Molloy is often inspired by good lyrics and arrangements.

“My inspiration depends on what I’m working on and where I am in my life at the time. Right now, I’m inspired by Brandi Carlisle. She’s a brilliant songwriter, and her arrangements are beautiful and incredibly tight. Other perennial inspirations include Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman, and Bob Dylan,” Molloy said.

In 2018, prior to moving to the States, Molloy had the opportunity to perform at Royal Albert Hall as a support act for a larger band. Now based in America, he hopes to play some iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.

When it comes to his music, Molloy said he enjoys creating pieces that express emotion.

“I love that music helps you to express something that goes beyond conventional forms of expression. I also love it when a lyric and a melody sit together so well that they’re far greater than the sum of their parts. An artist doesn’t necessarily have to sing too well or even play too well, but if you pair the right lyric with the right tune … oh boy, it works,” Molloy said.

Molloy hopes to play around town in the coming months. His music is available on all streaming platforms. To learn more about him or to book him for a gig, visit his Instagram.

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