You can download my brand new single “Blinding Light” for free here:
Simply right-click on the link above and select “Save link as…”
You were an inspiration. You always will be.
I can’t believe you’re gone.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Nate Mona of Pure M has written some very kind words about me as part of a feature about the upcoming Pure M Awards.
Here’s some of what he has written:
“Who says they don’t make ‘em like they used to?
Anyone who grew up with early-to-mid 90s UK alt rock will never get to say that wonderful, terrible sentence ever again, because Conor Furlong is the resurrection. No, Conor Furlong is not four mates from the north of England, destined to bicker and squabble and drug until the music becomes an afterthought… no, in a crowd of folksy folks and pop without a pop, he stands out as someone writing some great, substantial songs.
But it wouldn’t be fair to pigeonhole dear Conor by saying it’s by the numbers alt rock. Funnily enough, he’s not rock at all… not even in the slightest. This is pop with the depth of sensibilities of that kind of song writing. On the face of it, In Paradise could be a Coldplay or a Keane song with just a little bit extra lurking behind the veneer. In fact, you could dismantle his entire Adventure album and pick and choose any or all of the tracks as standout singles for any number of established artists. That is when you know Conor Furlong is someone who can hold his own, who really deserves the Best Male nomination, if not the Best Male award. If nothing else, you have to acknowledge that performing, producing, and arranging the whole album all by his onesies is a feat, particularly considering the quality of track.
You also have to remember, that in recording the whole thing himself – or as Pure M’s own Dave ‘the machine’ Simpson referred to it, “the passion project of but a single individual” – you’re essentially listening to live recordings with no frills, expensive post-production, or extensive external input. It further cements that Conor Furlong is an immense talent, the likes of which you seldom have the joy of seeing.
At the end of the day, it’s about the songs. On paper, in your ear, in your head, and Conor Furlong has them. For my money, he is the Best Male act of 2015.”
You can read the full feature here.
I am delighted to hear that I have been selected as one of the five finalists for Best Male at the Pure M Awards 2015.
Very exciting!
Here is a review of my new single, In Paradise, in Pure M magazine:
“You may remember Conor Furlong as the musician who single-handedly wrote, arranged, produced and performed last year’s superlative pop/rock odyssey, Adventure. Considering how impressive the talent and skills exhibited throughout that album were, the Dublin based singer/songwriter could easily be forgiven if any follow-up material didn’t live up to the tremendous standard he set for himself with his inaugural endeavour.
Fortunately though, for both the man himself and listeners alike, Furlong has returned to demonstrate that he does indeed have the ability to match his previous accomplishments, if not outdo them altogether. “In Paradise” is the latest offering he has unleashed upon the world and it’s every bit as exciting as that which has come before.
Kicking off with a light and airy introduction, it sets an affecting, almost dream-like ambience ahead of a happy, laid-back harmony as the first verse begins. A merry beat skips nonchalantly through the background, while playful guitars hop in and out to maintain a strong sense of optimism and hopefulness. Stirring synths build alongside resonant vocals on approach to the chorus, which explodes into a maelstrom of mesmerising music and melodies. There’s a very transcendent trait to the whole thing as it invades the ears and hangs heavy in the air.
Rousing piano keys bridge the gap to the second stanza, generating an epic atmosphere that really draws you in. Quirky instrumentation continues to manifest itself and keeps things lively before the next ethereal eruption. A reserved and relaxing breakdown of keys and electronics takes over from here to build anticipation on the approach to the final volley of vocals. It eventually all fades pleasantly out and lingers long afterwards.
This is yet another absorbing and accessible undertaking by Furlong that’s guaranteed to have wide reaching appeal. If you liked what you heard on Adventure, then you’re going to love this and if you’re unfamiliar with the artist’s material, then here’s your perfect jumping on point. “In Paradise” hits on June 17th.”
*****
(Dave Simpson, Pure M)
On Wednesday 17 June, my brand new single “In Paradise” will be released.
It will be available as a free download from this website.
Looking forward to sharing it with you!
Conor
Delighted to hear that my album, Adventure, has been nominated for Best Album in this year’s Pure M Awards.
You can download the album for free here.
It’s not often that I consider myself proud to be Irish but this weekend, I do.
A truly great moment in our history.
Next Friday, 22 May, we in Ireland are being asked if we want to extend the right to marry to same sex couples.
I am voting ‘yes’ because everyone should be treated equally under the law. It is, quite frankly, offensive that we even have to vote on this issue. It is like being asked to vote on whether black people should have the same civil rights as white people.
I always considered myself an open person, aware of the discrimination many gay people suffer, but it was only when I saw Panti’s Noble Call speech that it really hit home. This issue inspired the video for my song, “In My Arms”.
Equality is for everyone.
Yes.