Conchúr talks music ahead of Omagh gig

Popular singer-songwriter, Conchúr White is set to play an intimate show at Boneyard Records in Omagh during his Irish tour of record stores.

The Armagh-based musician released his debut album, ‘Swirling Violets’, at the beginning of January, and his work has been compared to Villagers, Father John Misty and Fleet Foxes.

The album, distributed by Bella Union Records, has been described as a ‘touching’ and ‘lively’ album.

Ahead of his exclusive Omagh show, I caught up with Conchúr for a quick chat about his musical journey and upcoming run of shows which will see the Armagh man connecting more intimately with his audience.

Having started playing music at the age of 15, Conchúr moved to Leeds to attend university. During his studies, he entered a song-writing contest where he was awarded second place.

Reminiscing upon his memories of those days, Conchúr explained, “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s son was in attendance and told me I should pursue music, so that was quite an inspiring moment.”

Following this, Conchúr left university and started a band called ‘Silences’.

He explains, “We played together for five years which gave me great insight into the music industry.

“After the band broke up, I recorded a few songs on my own and then got signed to Bella Union Records and began recording the album in a church in Belfast with Danny Morgan Ball and Chris Platt from the band More Than Conquerors.”

As his first major solo release, Conchúr discussed the contrast between releasing an album with a band and doing it on your own.

“It’s definitely more daunting releasing your own material compared to being in a band.

“In a band you can share the success and failures, but on your own, it’s a whole different story.

“But I have been working on this album for quite a while and some of these songs are a few years old, so it’s nice to finally get them out.”

With a string of exciting and intimate record store shows on the horizon all over the UK, Conchúr concludes by modestly explaining, “I definitely enjoy playing smaller venues when I’m on my own, with no band.

“I struggle with the idea of being propped up on a stage when playing smaller shows.

“A more intimate setting definitely offers an artist the opportunity to connect with their audience on a more personal level.”

You can catch Conchúr White live at Boneyard Records in Omagh on Saturday, January 20.