Artist description A natural performer, with an unforgettable voice and a knack for creating powerful and emotional state-of-the-art pop/rock music.

Music Style Pop/Rock

Musical Influences Boyz II Men, George Michael, Aerosmith, LL Cool J.

Similar Artists Matchbox 20, Train, The Gufs, Savage Garden, Sugar Ray, Duncan Sheik, Evan and Jaron, Vertical Horizon, The Calling, Robbie Williams, Goo Goo Dolls

Artist History Connor O'Brien's music is catchy, clever and memorable. In fact, Ohio's largest newsweekly, Scene Magazine, may have described it best when it called Connor's music "a near-perfect blend of buoyant pop and acrobatic rock." A violinist since age 5, Connor seemed set for a future in the orchestra until he learned that he could sing... and sing like no one else. "It really kind of came as a surprise to me that not everyone else in the world could do what I did," Connor says. Connor's rare voice led him to be accepted into all 11 music conservatories he auditioned for after high school, but he chose to attend the prestigious Eastman School of Music, with it's world-renowned opera department. After touring the country in a nationally ranked a capella group and playing some of the nation's major venues, Connor set his mind to launching his solo career. Connor's eponymously titled first CD featured the Internet hit song "Inside Out," a self-penned tune that received radio airplay all over the U.S. and even hit #1 in France. The success of the song, combined with Connor's classic good looks and his powerful voice, led to "Making The Band," the ABC television series that created the platinum-selling pop group O-Town. Connor appeared on the first episode but refused to sign a contract with pop powerhouse Lou Pearlman because he didn't want to be locked into an agreement that would not allow him to sing his own music. Raised on the lush and precise vocal harmonies of '50s doo-wop and the Beach Boys, Connor's love of music evolved as he turned on to a variety of influential musicians. Listening to everyone from Michael Jackson to crooner Matt Munroe, Aerosmith to REM, Connor started to create original music built on his foundation of classic rock, R&B and pop. The result is a mix of raw emotion, stirring harmony and irresistable rhythm. Everyone who hears Connor's music wants to hear more. And audiences are responding in a big way as Connor tours Midwest cities and colleges. He has opened for such national acts as Mariah Carey, Sixpence None The Richer, 10,000 Maniacs, Huey Lewis & The News, The Bacon Brothers and The Verve Pipe, winning over every audience. He has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers and has received praise from countless major music industry people including label executives, entertainment attorneys and radio station program directors. The current focus is on Connor's recently released second album "Soliloquy," a tight eleven-song package which one Cleveland-area newspaper simply called "a masterpiece." Recorded in studios all over the country, "Soliloquy" brings Connor's musical vision to life combining creative and original guitar work with his unique vocals. "The trick is not to just keep up with everyone, but to move ahead of the pack," Connor says. "I think my new album does that."

Group Members Connor O'Brien

Instruments Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar, Violin

Press Reviews "There's a lot of pop-type acts, but Connor just seems to have a little bit of everything that you need in order to make it happen. He's got the voice, he's got the charisma, he's a songwriter, and he's a good-looking guy." Brent Kidwell, Music supervisor for MTV's Road Rules and The Real World... "His slick new album, the self-released Soliloquy, sees O'Brien delving into melodic pop rock à la The Calling and the Goo Goo Dolls... O'Brien writes and produces the majority of his material, a rarity for pop artists. He's a perfectionist... Because of his background, his looks, and his way with a hook, O'Brien will likely win over the pop crowd." Jason Bracelin, Scene Magazine... "He applies his lightly soulful and malleable tenor to self-written catchy pop/rock songs full of jingly-jangly guitar that would be right at home wedged between John Mayer and the Josh Joplin Group." Malcolm X Abram, The Akron Beacon Journal... "Impressive . . . deep, meaningful lyrics and great music to back them up." Marly Kosinski, Record-Courier... "A great singer, and I don't say that lightly. You'll be hearing a lot from Connor." Jud J. Friedman, Composer and Grammy Nominee for "I Wanna Run to you" by Whitney Houston... "Great sound, great material, this guy has everything it takes to be one of the first big singing successes of the 21st century." Dusty Rhodes, DJ at WGRR in Cincinnati... "There is so much to say about this hot, new American singer/songwriter that it's hard to know where to start! Suffice to say though this is one guy not to be missed... Connor should serve as an example to us all, of what we can achieve when we put our heart and soul into something." Lauren John, TalentSTAR (England)... "His music is so wonderful – I've listened to some of his songs over, and over again... I'm very proud to have Connor's music in our show!" Elena Moscatt, Producer "Jamie's Way"... "What can you say about Connor's voice? He is truly gifted. It's beyond me why he isn't signed to a record label already." Jo, Discovery Unsigned Bands... "Connor O'Brien kicks ass!" Geraldine Chung, RARB

Location Cleveland, OH - USA

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