Conil.
London singer-songwriter Conil – already dubbed “one of this country’s finest voices” – releases his debut album after much praise from industry and musicians.
His raw and stirring voice showcases an exceptional writing talent backdropped by unusual ethnic instruments. Strange Part Of The Country is an atmospheric road trip inspired by late-night street wanderings through the mysterious underbelly of the city.
Recorded at night in his isolated home-studio in South London, Conil would sometimes not leave the house for days until interrupted by one of his collaborators. Famous double bass player Danny Thompson (John Martyn, Tim Buckley) played on the record and mixing was done by multi Grammy winner Tchad Blake – the man behind a number of Tom Waits and Pearl Jam records.
After 12 months of production and experimentation with instruments like the dilruba and sarangi, Conil took the tunes to Tchad Blake’s country studio where he spent his days working on the farm (the Los Angeles native even taught him how to lasso horses). At night they would work in the studio drinking Tchad’s single malts and raiding the wine cellar.
The result is a gumbo of cerebral and otherworldly music by a man with a unique voice.
An earlier incarnation of the album garnered critical acclaim with 4 star reviews by Q Magazine and support from BBC Radio 2, 6 Music and XFM. Single ‘Years Between’ was released in the US and reached Number 3 in the Mediaguide Alternative Radio Chart and Blues Matters magazine featured Conil as the main front cover story. He supported US singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur on his UK tour and was subsequently invited to perform at SXSW and NXNE.
Released on his own Great Hare record label (which he now runs with his brother) the Strange Part Of The Country album will be supported by a street session tour where each location is marked by a ‘Strange Part Of The Country’ plaque. Conil Was Here…
