OUT OF Armagh with a swingin noir take on songwriting which seems to combine late-night whisky tumbler tunesmithery with, in the case of the single he’s dropping today, a little of that effortless glide you found in the Bunnymen – ladies and gentlemen, introducing Conchúr White.
Scroll down to the bottom there and you’ll find the graphic visualiser for “Vocation Vacation”, which leads out for his new EP, Dreamers.
He’s also announcing a string of dates for late summer – keep everything crossed, guys, there will be live music – some supporting none other than John Grant and Margaret Glaspy in Ireland the UK.
“Vocation Vacation” is Conchúr’s first release of the year, following his debut EP from last year, Bikini Crops.
On “Vocation Vacation”, those modern-day dilemmas – Instagram, DJ sets, making sure one’s life polishes up just so for online consumption – are set lyrically amid organ warmth, a besuited late-night blues.
“‘Vocation Vacation’ is many thoughts and feelings thrown together,” says Conchúr.
“It’s part commentary of influencer culture and the disingenuous image we present; I’m guilty as anyone. It’s also about getting older and feeling insecure about who you are and what you have to offer.
“There’s a degree of nihilism in the title – ‘Vocation Vacation’ – like life can be summed up into two things – being in work and not being in work. I just hope people can laugh and relate to some of the observations.”
Hailing from County Armagh, Conchúr’s previous band, Silences, made waves across Ireland. In terms of lyrical influences he cites the diverse quartet of Father John Misty, Lana Del Rey, Alex Turner, and Charles Bukowski.
Of the forthcoming EP, Conchúr says: “I didn’t write the EP with a theme in mind; but I’ve found there to be one.
“It’s about the importance of pushing yourself out the door but also giving yourself a break and understanding that everyone’s circumstances are different.”
Those tour dates are as follows – firstly, supporting John Grant:
June 30th and July 1st, Cork, Live At St Lukes;
July 3rd, Kilkenny, St Canice’s Cathedral, and
July 4th, Letterkenny, An Grianan Theatre.
He’s then taking in a couple of festival dates, appearing at Deershed in Yorkshire on July 30th, and Neverworld at Hever, Kent, on July 31st, before heading out on the road again with Margaret Glaspy, those dates being as follows:
September 7th, Birmingham, Hare & Hounds;
September 8th, Manchester, Deaf Institute;
September 9th, Dublin, Whelans;
September 11th, Glasgow, Mono;
September 12th, Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall;
September 14th, Bristol, Thekla;
September 15th, London King’s Cross, Lafayette, and
September 16th, Brighton, Hope & Ruin.
Conchúr White’s “Vocation Vacation” is out today on all digital streaming platforms; you can follow him on Spotify.
For more news, connect with Conchúr on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
