Following on from a flurry of rich and immersive cuts these last few years, Manchester-based artist Jack Conman has returned once again to offer up his captivating new EP 'Utopian Bliss'.
Capturing more of that warm and embracing dream-pop direction he has cultivated for himself of late, this new five-track collection makes for a wonderfully woozy listen. Filled with sweet and tender textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and his own vibrant voice layered throughout, 'Utopian Bliss' cements him as one of the more alluring names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums were my first instrument at the age of 8. They held a Brazilian carnival drumming workshop at my primary school, which was compulsory. I was a really shy and anxious kid so I didn't want to do it at first but I became absolutely obsessed with drums after that. The leader of the workshop, Claudio, reassured me a lot which inspired me to take up drumming. I've never seen him since, but he's the reason I started playing music. I'll have to reach out and thank him.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was really into a lot of singer songwriters like James Vincent Mcmorrow and Lucy Rose. Kind of neo folk sort of thing. I really loved that the lyrics get the spotlight with those sorts of artists. I was always big into lyrics. I also loved a lot of emo music like From First to Last. There's a song by them called Emily which I was completely obsessed with.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was a Blink-182 album or nickelback or something cheesy. Probably something passed down from an older member of my family. I used to have a Walkman CD player which I actually dug out the other day. I'd probably use that when I was like 8 or 9. I'd bring it to school and listen to it in the toilets.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Caroline Polachek - Sunset
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I actually write the vast majority of my music on the jon so that I can't physically move until I've finished the song. Also, nobody is coming in and disturbing you. My friends laugh at me and my flatmate, Hannah HATES it because I take like an hour or two. I've done it for years and it really works for me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the minute I'm obsessed with both Good Morning and Hether. Good Morning in particular have such good lyrics and the songwriting and production are very honest and unfiltered. You can tell that they're not trying to make squeaky clean commercial music. Hether is just so romantic and relaxing, I can listen to them all day.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That would have to be Bree Tranter. I'm not sure if she's still touring or what but I'd time travel for that.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I've actually been re-evaluating this a lot because I tend to forget that the most rewarding part is when you write something that explains exactly how you feel and it feels so personal and fulfilling, but you might never release that song. It's the reason I started writing songs in the first place. I'd say the most rewarding part is it helps you understand yourself and process trauma.
And what is the most frustrating part?
That'd be the industry. I feel like artists are some of the most sensitive and naive people out there. And the people who are involved in the business side of things can be quite the opposite. I feel like I'm happy just putting music out myself and not focusing too much on how much financial return I'm going to get. I'd rather get a part time job and be independent than be on a label that are shaking the tree waiting for the apples to fall.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
"Don't listen to anybody about anything" was pretty good advice from Rick Rubin. Follow your creative intuition and try not to please others in the process.
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Jack Conman's new EP 'Utopian Bliss' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.