MAYO

201x - 2016

OVERVIEW Conor Walsh was a piano and electro composer from Swinford in Co. Mayo. In his early years he was more in to grunge bands like Nirvana. However, upon hearing the Aphex Twin's album 'Selected Ambient Works 85 -92', Conor's musical compass was reset forever. Earlier in his life, he had taken piano lessons but became disillusioned with the rigidity of the teaching methods. Now he had new motivation to master the instrument. He ended up teaching himself how to play keys on an 80 year piano in the lobby of the hotel his family ran in Mayo. This relationship with the piano evolved into a love affair which continued for the remainder of his life. Conor took a lot of inspiration from nature and the beauty that surrounded him  He had been a well-known character on the scene for several years. His compositions ended up being used in a number of radio and TV productions. He had played live regularly - almost being an ever-present at the likes of the annual Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin. However, it wasn't until the end of October 2015 that he actually released his debut EP, 'The Front'. The collection was warmly received and again drew comparisons to the likes of Philip Glass and Aphex Twin. Even up to the eve of his death, Conor was busy producing new music. He had just announced that he had provided the music for the short film 'Bungalow Bliss' by Feargal Ward. Conor died, unexpectedly, the following day. He had been cooking dinner in his family home. It is reported that he suffered a heart attack, collapsed and died in his mother's arms. A talent lost far too early. 2010 - Conor performs as part of the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin [08 October] 2011 - Conor perfroms as part of the Hard Working Class Heroes Festifal in Dublin [06 October] 2013 - Conor performs as part of the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin [03 - 05 October] 2014 - Conor performs as part of the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin [] 2015 - Release of 'The Front' EP [30 October] 2016 - Conor dies suddently [11 March]