Last Updated on 06/12/2023 by てんしょく飯
Eleven years after releasing his UK #1 debut album “Contrast” in 2012, British artist Conor Maynard is one of the most successful artists to have adapted to the rapidly changing social networking age since the 2010s. He is one of the artists who has adapted most successfully to the rapidly changing social networking age.
His breakthrough came from a video he posted on YouTube, which garnered praise from many artists, including his future mentor Ne-Yo, and since becoming an independent artist in 2020, he has continued to be active on social networking sites such as TikTok, where he boasts over 8 million followers. Since becoming an independent artist in 2020, he has continued to win the hearts of his many fans through his masterful use of social networking sites, including boasting over 8 million followers on TikTok.
We were able to interview Conor just in time for the release of his new album, “+11 Hours,” and asked him about the album, his career to date, his tips for mastering TikTok, and his thoughts on Japan, a country he has yet to reach.
Conor Maynard, an independent artist in 2020
Q> It has been 10 years since your debut album “Contrast” debuted at #1 in the UK. I would like to ask you to name three turning points in your career so far, when is the point that comes to mind?
I would like to put two things together as the first turning point, one of which was when a video I was posting on YouTube caught the attention of several labels. The other was that it led to a contract…I started posting on YouTube and that led to a contract…needless to say, that was a big turning point for me. It was a big change.
Also, the fact that my first album reached No. 1 in the UK was also a big deal. No. 1 in the U.K. is a tremendous achievement. It was really cool to be number one.
I think the third turning point was when I became independent. （Leaving the record company (in 2020) and becoming an independent artist and releasing music independently was a big change for me. That was also just like a turning point. I had to deal with some things in a hurry under Corona, which made it extraordinarily difficult, but I was able to enjoy the challenge. That is why I would like to mention those three points.
New album “+11 Hours” was inspired by the breakup of a long-distance relationship
Q> Please tell us about your new album, “+11 Hours,” which will be released on June 9, your first album since becoming independent. I understand that this album was inspired by your breakup with an ex-lover from Sydney, who is 11 hours ahead of you in time.
The album and all the singles from it were born out of a heartbreak I experienced at the end of last year; we were in a long distance relationship for 8 months and it was very difficult. When we broke up it was hard to accept and forget, but music helped me get over it. For me, music served as a kind of therapy to help me get over the situation. I wrote a lot of songs during that time, and the album I am releasing on June 9 is based on the emotions and feelings I felt while I was trying to come to terms with my broken heart. I hope many people can relate to it.
Q> The artwork of you clutching a boarding pass and passport while pouring black ink is very striking.
All of the artwork for the album and the singles from the same album were inspired by things that were beautiful and had the potential to be great, but in a way they were ruined.
The artwork with the plane ticket to Australia and the passport represents the fact that I had plans to go to Australia and then it was ruined. That is why it is somewhat dirty and looks like black ink running from my hand. I was trying to express the fact that I thought it was so beautiful and wonderful in the beginning, and then the breakup ruined it.
Q> Oddly enough, you are in Australia right now on tour. I understand that you are responding to this interview from Australia.
That’s right (laughs). This album is about a girl from Australia, so it feels very strange to be here now. This is my first time coming to Australia, and it feels very strange. We are going to do a show where she is from, and it is going to be interesting (laughs). I just hope I keep my sanity and don’t fall apart on stage (laughs).
Q> Which songs did you work on first? How did you put together the track list for the album?
I worked on this album with a friend of mine, Brendan Buckley, and since this was the first time I had officially worked with him, we needed to get our feet on the ground. We needed to be clear about what direction we wanted to go in. I think the first song we completed was “Dark Side,” and when that song was finished, he said, “I like it. I like it. I think it was “Dark Side” that was the first song we finished, and when that song was finished, I thought, “I like it. We decided what we were going to work on.
However, that didn’t mean that everything was decided. We didn’t want all the songs to sound the same, and we wanted to include a variety of songs, so we wrote all kinds of songs. As for the track list, it was based on the thought process I go through after a heartbreak. I go through all kinds of emotions, and there are days when I think, “I miss her. Some days I miss her,” and other days I think, “I never want to see her again. So this album expresses the back and forth of those feelings.
Q> “Storage” features lyrics about “messages” and “phone calls,” and is one song in particular that evokes long-distance relationships.
Storage” was the most difficult song to write. I think it is the most elaborate song in terms of lyrics. We were very conscious of what kind of song we wanted it to be and what we wanted to convey. I wanted it to have an appropriate message and include personal details about our relationship, so I am very happy with the finished song. In terms of lyrics, this is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. They accurately and faithfully convey what I want to convey through the song.
Popular TikTok creator with over 8 million followers
Q> You are also very popular on TikTok, with over 8 million followers. As a musician, how do you see these video platforms as a tool to promote your music?
I think both are very useful platforms. Right now, TikTok is used by a lot of people and has become a particularly powerful platform. It is always a daunting and difficult task to figure out how to use each platform and how to create content for each. Each one is different and has a different user base.
@conormaynard Here it is #foryou ♬ original sound – Conor Maynard
So creating the right content for each platform is a very difficult task. For example, let’s say you have a song you want to promote. Then you need to create something to post on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, all of which have to be different. It’s a really difficult task to come up with ideas for each of them, but we try to be creative and create content. It’s not easy, and it’s tricky, but we have to do it in order to get our music heard by as many people as possible.
Q> Do you have your own tips for getting buzz on TikTok?
I think it has to be something that makes people want to react immediately. It has to entertain the viewer immediately. Otherwise, people will scroll right away on TikTok. It’s important to capture interest in the first two or three seconds. Personally, I try to put a personal element in my content, and I like to laugh, so I also try to make it funny. Also, since I make music, I try to include music in my content, and I also try to include some kind of surprise. In any case, I try to make it interesting. That is my own trick.
@conormaynard Her reaction.. 😳 #foryou ♬ Storage
Q> “Way Back Home (feat. Conor Maynard) [Sam Feldt Edit],” a collaboration with SHAUN from Korea, became a hit here in Japan, especially on TikTok. How did you yourself feel about this hit?
I actually found out about it a few weeks ago! I was really happy because I didn’t know it was that much of a buzz in Japan. I thought it was really cool to know that people in Japan were listening to “Way Back Home”. I am very happy. I’m so happy that people are listening to it, and that they might even like it. After all, it’s been a long time since it was released in 2018. It’s funny that people are liking it now, but I appreciate the support from my Japanese fans and I hope it continues.
Q> You recently collaborated with SHAUN for a performance at the Seoul Jazz Festival in Korea.
It was great! It was the first time for me to meet him, so we were really looking forward to seeing each other and to being on stage together. However, I was a little nervous because it was my first time. I am the type of person who performs energetically, moving left and right, but I didn’t know what style he would be performing, so I wondered if he would be more of a bouncing around type. Is he more that way?” I was a little worried.
When I opened the door, he turned out to be a very fun, bouncy type of guy. I was happy. The performance turned out to be cool, and the fans were great. It was really fun.
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Q> You have been touring Australia & Asia since late May, how do you feel about Asia?
It’s great. The experiences and culture are different and I am experiencing a lot of great things. I’m already looking forward to coming back, and I’m playing a festival in Indonesia in July, which should be fun for sure. Also, it would be ideal if we could come to Japan next. I hope to be able to visit on my next tour.
My goal in my 30s is to visit Japan.
Q> You turned 30 last year. What do you hope to accomplish in your 30s?
Needless to say, I want to perform in Japan! I also want to release as much music as I can in my 30s. I also want to try my hand at acting, since I actually enjoy it. There are many things I would like to do. I also love fashion, so I hope to start my own line.
Q> Have you ever been to Japan? What is your impression of Japan?
I have never been. Japan is the country I would most like to visit before I die, and I am not saying this because it is a Japanese interview. I have been to many countries, but Japan is at the top of the list. I sincerely hope that I can go there in the near future. I am sure it will be a wonderful country. My friends and artist acquaintances who have been to Japan say it is wonderful, and I can’t wait to go there myself.
Q> Finally, do you have a message for your Japanese fans?
I can’t wait to go to Japan. I hope to do a show soon for everyone. Thank you for all the support you have given me! I also appreciate you listening to “Way Back Home”. I hope we can continue to release more and more and have everyone enjoy them. First of all, I hope you enjoy the new album!
<Release information
Conor Maynard
New Album “+11 Hours
Available now!
Click here for streaming and download.
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