Chris McConville is a fantastic new artist on the scene, creating expansive soundscapes in his music with an introspective vibe. We’ve recently covered one of his songs, Staring At The Sky, and I wanted to find out a little more about this intriguing artist. You can find out more about Chris below!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a song titled Staring At The Sky, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?

It was born out of an accident when I hit 3 keys on my keyboard while working on another track and I really liked the sound. It quickly developed into a 10-minute piece, eventually edited down to just over 7 minutes. It’s a progressive electronic dance track with guitars and an ambient vibe with spoken word performed by American actor, Noelle Adames. At the time in 2021, I had just lost my dad to MND and the profound sense of loss and grief was poured into the music with certain melodic notes encapsulating what I felt. I had also been working on words that explore death and what happens to us when we die: marvelling at the mystery of the universe and looking beyond the physical plane. I wanted to follow up on the previous lockdown track I did with Noelle, Isolation Improv, Vol. 3, where she describes a lockdown dream that she had. I felt Staring At The Sky would suit spoken word, so we recorded her voice over 3 sessions during the summer of 2021 in my studio. The breakdown in the middle, as you describe in your review, is definitely inspired by all the classical music I’ve been listening to over the last couple of years.

How has the reception been so far, and where can Staring At The Sky be purchased?

It’s been great! I am pleased to have received some cracking reviews! All the Spotify playlist additions have made a big difference too. You can purchase it from my Bandcamp page and also iTunes.

Has the pandemic hindered your work much?

No. Although performing live stopped immediately overnight. A positive for me was that it gave me the space and time to focus on my own original music projects, which I really craved, and it became a really prolific time for me. I already had my home studio in my loft and I focused on improving my music production skills during this time. Pre-pandemic, I was involved in loads of projects and the pandemic helped me rebalance where I was putting my energy. Over the last year or so it has been good to get back out there and perform live again.

Do you plan to release any singles in the near future?

I’ve just released Walking Home (Nunny Boy Remix) on Friday September 16th. Nunny Boy is a talented Scottish producer who’s music has aired on BBC Radio 1 and is part of Ayrshire band, Voldo. Soon after that I’ll release a remix of another song of mine, You On The Brain, that I’ve done with my alter ego project, Aerial Garbo. I have loads of new music that I need to finish and release.

Do you have plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?

I’ve had requests to do a whole album of music with spoken word. I’ve probably got 2 albums worth of new ideas flying around. I feel lucky to have a creative space to capture ideas whenever inspiration strikes – Staring At The Sky is a really new track which overtook other songs that I plan to finish soon. I’ve enjoyed releasing new songs, a track at a time, as singles over the last 2 years, but it would be cool to release as an EP or album in the future.

Your music is based within the EDM genre but it’s also quite psychedelic. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

I like combining indie and electronica with elements of rock and dance music. Staring At The Sky is the most EDM track I’ve released to date. Previous single, The Arrow Of Time, is very EDM too, but it’s song based. Apart form the 2 spoken word tracks I’ve released, a lot of my music is song based. I love experimenting with modern music production, technology and effects and I’m inspired to produce cool sounding modern music, influenced by bands and musicians throughout the decades. I love the sound of Ian Brown’s solo albums and the signature sound of LCD Soundsystem. I’ve enjoyed discovering loads of great new music and artists through Twitter communities. I’ve been listening to KIMOCK a lot recently. The band project of American guitarist Steve Kimock – I love their song Satellite City!

You’re from Scotland but are based in London. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?

I really enjoy performing regularly at The Spice Of Life in Soho, in the centre of town. I’ve found a really good, supportive community there. London has been a great place to really learn to feel at home on stage as a lead singer and develop my stage craft. It’s a vibrant scene and you get inspired by each other.

What prompted the move to London? More opportunities?

When I moved to London (quite a few years back now), I felt it was where I needed to be pursue my music career. I formerly played drums in the signed indie band, The Bishops. I met twins Mike and Pete Bishop early on when I first moved to London and also count myself lucky to have been the flatmate of Welsh comedian, Rhod Gilbert, for a number of years at his London pad, who was a supportive and positive influence. The Bishops enjoyed a lot of success in Europe and I got to live the dream with that band. Signing record deals, touring the world and playing big festivals, including supporting Oasis at Benicassim. We released 3 albums. None of that would have happened for me if I hadn’t moved to London. I think the music industry has changed now and is not so London-centric in the UK.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

I had a great gig at the famous London venue, the Hope & Anchor, last month, supporting Australian based, Scottish singer-songwriter Quinny on his mini UK tour. I also had a blast last weekend on drums for indie-folk band Vesu at Edfest, a brilliant small festival just outside Folkestone. I plan to have more solo gigs soon.

Any last words for the fans?

Thanks for all your support! From spreading the word via social media to Bandcamp purchases and for listening on your favourite streaming sites! Look out for more releases soon and check out the new Walking Home (Nunny Boy Remix) out now!