So, this is either going to go really well or really badly…
I wrote “Shine” in early 2017 about the societal unrest that I was witnessing. Hate, brutality, corruption, discrimination, oppression. We say we are an advanced society, but in many ways we are not. Worst of all, I did not like seeing the fear in my friends’ eyes. It was my first year in college, and it certainly gave an interesting perspective of things. Thinking back 3 1/2 years ago, I don’t think I could have imagined all that has happened within the world.
This video was a spur of the moment thing to do, but once I committed to it, I was all in. Everything in this video is here for a reason. There is a purpose to almost every little detail. This is one of those videos you’ll need to watch several times to grasp everything. And I hope it sparks conversations. Legitimate conversations and dialogue. I set out to point out issues I’ve noticed throughout the years, and tried to present them through the use of symbolism and imagery.
We are all included in the global scheme of things. Our actions have consequences. Our absence has consequences. Our words have meaning. Our silence has meaning. For those of us in the United States right now, go out and vote. That is how a democracy should work- it should be the voice of the people. If you want to see change, the change starts with you. Do your duty as a citizen.
Lastly, I would like to point out that many cultures believe something similar:
“Treat others as you would yourself be treated.” — Hinduism
“What you yourself hate do to no man.” — Judaism
“Hurt not others with that which pains you.” — Buddhism
“Do unto all men as you would wish to have done.” — Islam
“Live in harmony, for we are all related.” — Lakota Proverb
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” — Christianity
Our experiences are unique, but emotions and our humanity are shared amongst all of us. Let your inner light shine through. This song, along with much more, will be available on “Away From Home,” releasing November 27th, 2020. Preorder will start October 23rd.
"Conor was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, where attended St. Peter's Catholic School in Hyde Park for K-8th, and continued his schooling at FD Roosevelt Public High School. Throughout his childhood, Conor was always occupied with sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball and lacrosse, along with being involved in school theatre, and taking guitar lessons with 2014's International Finger-style Champion and singer-songwriter Helen Avakian. Helen was Conor's first major outlet into pursuing music, as she taught him skills in playing guitar, singing, and songwriting. Conor is now
pursuing a degree in Music Industry at the College of Saint Rose in
Albany, New York, where he studies many aspects of the business such as live sound, studio production, publishing, management, and more.
JWill from the JWill Jamboree on KISS 96.1FM once described Conor as a “mix between Shawn Mendes and Michael Buble." Conor takes many of his influences from 90s and 2000s bands such as Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse, and Daughtry; along with classic rock artists like Journey, Foreigner, Bob Seeger; and country acts such as George Strait, Restless Heart, and Zac Brown Band. Conor also finds much inspiration from the storytelling, and soothing aspects of artists such as John Denver, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, and most recently Amos Lee.
Conor released his first self-recorded/produced album, “Spend Some
Time,” back in the November of 2017, and released an EP called “By Your
Side” back in May of 2018. Conor’s last release was the single, We Can
Dance, which he dropped in September 2018. Conor is currently
promoting his next EP, “Show Them What You Got,” which will be released
September 27th, 2019, but will be releasing the single for “Yes” early on August 9th. One can find Conor's music on most music
distribution and streaming sites, such as Spotify, iTunes, Google
Play, Pandora, Amazon Music, YouTube, and more.
His song “Spend Some Time” received notoriety as it was featured in
and was a finalist for The Taste of Country Hometown Risers Contest
back in December of 2017. Spend Some Time later helped pave the way
for Conor to win PBS’s televised talent series Celebration of Music
(Troy Division) in October of 2018. Conor will be featured in a
nationally televised concert series put on by PBS, which starts
filming in October of 2019.
Conor is an avid believer that music is the universal language because it expresses emotions better than any other form of communication he can think of. There is a long, rich history of writing and performing music, and Conor feels lucky and honored to embrace a life in which he can be a part of that tradition."
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