A Chat with Chris McConville (19.08.20)
Born and bred in Scotland, but now living in England’s capital London, Chris McConville is a singer-songwriter that can charm anyone with his upbeat sound. McConville took some time to speak with us about his new track ‘Carefree’, important goals and future plans.
OSR: If you had to define your sound in one sentence what would that be?
McConville: It’s an increasingly electronic sound with rock and indie influences.
OSR: Do you think ‘Carefree’ differs to your other releases?
McConville: Yes, ‘Carefree’ is more electronic and has less guitar than most of my previous work. There is some slide guitar featured, but I kept it quite sparse.
OSR: Based on your other musical endeavours you are technically a drummer. Do you find it difficult taking centre stage in this solo project?
McConville: It’s definitely a shift. As a drummer, I enjoy being a team player playing a supporting role and being the rhythmic engine. With singing and having the attention on me in that way, it was really helpful to go to open mic jam nights at such venues as The Spice of Life in Soho, London. I decided to go there every week and perform as a lead singer until I felt at home at the front of the stage and confident leading a band. It was great fun to perform differently than what I was used to and be part of that community.
OSR: If you could change one thing about ‘Carefree’ what would it be?
McConville: I would have made more of the “whoa, oh, oh” vocals at the beginning of the song. To have those repeat and have a longer intro or have it come back towards the end, but I was aware of not making the running time too long.
OSR: Can you tell us a but about ‘Carefree’ like?
McConville: It’s inspired by that feeling of being free from the usual daily obligations. The feeling of bliss on warm summer nights when you’re on your way to meet someone you love. Carefree summer vibes.
OSR: What was the recording and writing process of ‘Carefree’ like?
McConville: I wrote it on the acoustic guitar which started with the theme that’s played on the synths on the recording and then I began singing the “whoa, oh, oh” vocal part. ‘Carefree’ was the first word that came to me one weekend when I was slightly altered. I was strumming the tune and I felt blissful and was looking for a word that described how I felt. The rest of the lyrics are inspired from when I first met my now wife, hanging out together and staying with her at her place.
OSR: What message are you trying to get across with ‘Carefree’?
McConville: It’s a love song really. Hopefully, it conjures up blissful, feel-good summer vibes that others enjoy and can relate to.
OSR: Of all your releases which is your least favourite track?
McConville: ‘We Should Be Closer’. I enjoyed writing the song which has been around for a while, but it could have been captured better in the studio. However, we did the best we could at the time.
OSR: If you were reincarnated as an animal what would it be and why?
McConville: A dog. I find myself walking in front and then looking back these days, and I can do a good in your face sniffy dog impression. Wait, maybe I was a dog in a previous life, so a blue whale. So I can experience the deep blue sea as my natural habitat.
OSR: What do you think is the most important goal every person should have?
McConville: To quote Joseph Campbell, “to follow your bliss”.
OSR: What do you have planned for the future?
McConville: Simon, a.k.a. Teardrop, who remixed ‘Fire’ with his Teardrop Implode Mix is developing a remix of ‘Carefree’ which will be out in a month’s time. It sounds really different which is exciting. As well, I’m almost finished my next single which will be out in October.
Thanks to Chris McConville for chatting with us! You can find more about him on his official website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
Check out our previous reviews of Chris McConville’s tracks ‘Isolation Improv’ and ‘Fire (Teardrop Implode Mix)’
