Chris J. Connolly is a indie/folk singer-songwriter from Bellport, Long Island.

Born and raised in Staffordshire, the heart of England, up until 2010, Chris has been deeply enveloped in music throughout his life. Having played drums in numerous bands as a teenager, progressing to write his own music in the late 90’s, Chris begun to thrive playing live music, both of his own writing, and that of classic and contemporary artists.

Inspired to pick up the guitar by the likes of James Taylor and Neil Young, Chris’s vocal style has been influenced by the great soul artists; Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Sam Cooke, which, as you can imagine, makes for an interesting and captivating musical blend. Add to this a healthy dose of classic rock (Foreigner, Free, Queen), and more modern pop and indie artists (Kings of Leon, Fleet Foxes, Aloe Blacc, Amos Lee), and Chris has created a style as individual as it is pleasingly familiar.

It should be noted that all the tracks on Chris’s ‘EP II CD’ were recorded on his home studio, and Chris’s debut single, Factory (available in iTunes) was mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.

 

Chris agreed to an interview, here's how it went….

 

Last time you used public transport and where did you go?  LIRR to a mets baseball game at Citi Field

Last time you felt proud?  I'm proud of my 11 month old son jack, on a daily basis..

What classic song do you wish you recorded and why?  Fire and Rain, James Taylor. Just a game changing song in folk pop. Totally accessible, but intelligent, thoughtful, and timeless.

Last movie you saw?  Trouble With The Curve

Last book you read?  Cross Country, James Patterson

What did you dream about last night?  I almost never remember my dreams, so, I have no clue.

Last time you cried?  Probably when my son was born, but there could have been a particularly emotional Liverpool match since then.

Biggest musical influence?  James Taylor

Best gig you ever played?  I played an outdoor gig in Burton upon Trent, supporting Riding The Low (Paddy Consadine's band), which was cool. It was set up on a big trailer. 

Best band/artist of 2013?  Amos Lee. He is also a huge influence, and his new album is great.

Last time you had a fight?  I don't fight

Best advice you ever received and who was it from?  Don't cross your eyes when the wind is blowing, or you'll stick like that (my mum).

Largest amount spent in a single purchase? (excluding houses)  New car, probably, I forget the amount

We then unleashed the quick fire 'big guns' on Chris….

 

Regular or decaff?  Regular

Coke or Pepsi?  Neither, no pop for me

Mac or PC?  I have a PC, but use my iPad more

Holidays - Hot or Cold?  Hot

Big Mac or Whopper?  Neither, I prefer Wendy's (another US fast food chain)

CD or Vinyl?  CD, can't fit LPs in my car stereo

Car or Motorbike?  Car

Cat or Dog?  Dog

Acoustic or Electric? (Guitar)  Acoustic

Angelina or Jennifer?  Jennifer

Full English Breakfast (bacon/eggs/mushrooms/toast etc) or Cereal?  Full

Starbucks or Costa?  Starbucks (we don't get Costa over here)

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