Conner Reeves Talks New Single, His Hometown And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By DWL
‘Skin In The Game’ is the latest release from UK soul talent Conner Reeves following the release of his second album ‘Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration’. We caught up with him to find out more:
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory would be sitting on the carpet as a toddler in the kitchen, eating Weetabix from a plastic bowl and hearing Stevie’s Sir Duke being blasted out of the radio..I obvs had a very deep early connection with Mr Wonder (and Weetabix too)
When did you begin songwriting?
I got my first keyboard at the age of 7 and was always making up little tunes on it..I kept on composing piano pieces until I started a group at school when I began adding melodies and lyrics..but only because no one else wanted to do it!So it was in my early teens that I started writing songs proper.
You have your new single ‘Skin In The Game’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
It is a kind of mission statement; saying I’m gonna be keeping it real, human, sincere with no fake social media followers, etc and not go for cheap tricks to extend my audience reach. I’m saying I want to come from the highest and best part of me as an Artist and hopefully inspire others to do the same in their lives too…it was actually written at a friend’s kitchen table while she was at work and she let me use her kitchen as a studio…the most unlikely setting for inspiration but hey, it helped me cook up something good and funky, so I ain’t complaining..!
Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?
I wrote it on my own like most of the album.
Was it a difficult song to write?
Nah, once I got that bass guitar part in the pocket, I just jammed until it took shape. My manager’s Dad, Jack Lock used to use the phrase ‘I’ve still got skin in the game’ and she suggested it to me as a cool title – she was very right!
Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?
No it isn’t. Not yet at least. But if things keep growing as they now are, we may one day get to make a video for it which would be rather cool.
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
I recorded all the vocals and keyboards in Ibiza and some additional drums and bass in Menorca. And I produced it myself.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Well actually I just smiled my way through the whole process..it was a dream coming true at last right before my eyes. Working with Patti Ballinas, drummer extraordinaire and the solid bass of Elon Bivens meant everything just flowed. I felt like a real record producer/star; jetting in to grab the drums and bass for 4 or 5 tracks for my new album..as I say, it was a real dream experience for me..
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
No not really…I’m not much of a tech head so couldn’t really relay the details of what I used. Just what I had in my wee studio set-up – nothing flash or expensive! And I just followed my creative instincts, I guess.
Which of your new tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a)Twice As Happy
b)Waste Of Fire
c)Chrysalis
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?
Maybe a collab or two..in particular a duet with a rather well-known female soul singer – stay tuned!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Well, having only just stepped back up to the mic and on to the stage, I can’t really contemplate when I’ll be stepping back off of it for good yet!But my wish is to have made a bit of a positive difference in the world. Even if it’s minimal, as Touch One from the album expresses..’if I touch one, then I’m done..’
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Nope..no idea I hope someone else can sort that shizzle for me – haha
How do you look after your voice?
I don’t have any routine or anything – I stopped smoking a few years back which I am vey happy about but that’s it, really and I try not to speak too much before or after a long/big gig.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
The God of Small Things by Arundati Roy. I read it while I was on tour years ago and it was so beautifully written I ended up reading it all over again – incredible writing and no wonder it won the Booker prize in 1997.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Peckham. Pie And Mash And Liquor ()
Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?
So far October 3rd at the Sound Lounge, Sutton and October 5th at KOKO, London and it would be amazing to get some kind of tour happening in 2026..
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Obviously the soul greats like Stevie, Marvin and Donny Hathaway. The Beatles for their astonishing catalogue. Paul Simon, Prince, Neil Diamond, Chopin, Sting, Michael Jackson, Rachmaninov, Mozart. I could go on and on cos there are so many who have influenced me!
I like great songwriting and I like great voices…recently I discovered Olivia Dean who has a cool old-school soul vibe with some great tunes out there, Sam Fender I really respect cos he takes on subjects outside of the usual relationship stuff (which is also what I try to do on this album)
I love Alex Isley’s neo soul sound (the daughter of one of THE legendary Isley Brothers)Recently I discovered Chappell Roan’s Kaleidoscope which is stunning. And Gravity by Sara Bareilles is equally amazing to me…there is just so much great music around.
What makes Conner Reeves happy and what makes you unhappy?
Hope and Freedom make me happy and their opposites make me unhappy
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By DWL
Conner Reeves’ latest single ‘Skin In The Game’ is out now.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connerreevesmusic/?hl=en
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNBes_1IxWOZGk88FbgvcKw
Official Website: connerreeves.com
