Joshy Connor’s latest album, ‘Love Unknown,’ is a beautiful evolution of poetic musings and musical exploration. What began as poems during milestone moments, a pandemic, and an entrepreneurial journey, has transformed into a rich and diverse collection of songs. Released on May 22, Connor’s comeback album melds folk, pop, and neo-soul, creating an intricate and heartfelt soundscape.
Hailing from South-East London, Joshy Connor has been a notable figure in the music scene for over a decade. His debut album ‘Running,’ released in 2011, established him as a promising talent in the singer-songwriter domain. Since then, he has delivered a steady stream of singles, two EPs, and his previous album, ‘Chronicles.’ With performances across the UK and recognition from the BBC, Connor has consistently pushed the boundaries of his genre-defying sound.
Despite a recent hiatus, Connor’s creativity never waned. The songs on ‘Love Unknown’ initially began as poems, serving as a creative outlet during his busy life as a small business owner and father. “I found myself unexpectedly writing and recording an album,” Connor shares. “Amidst the busyness of life—managing a small business, fatherhood, and all that entails—I have struggled to find time for songwriting over the past few years but started to read a lot, and try to write, poetry instead, which I could do in any moments that I had spare.”
‘Love Unknown’ is a testament to Joshy Connor’s signature sound, characterized by elegant guitar lines and soulful vocals. The album draws on a wide array of influences, including folk, jazz, electronic, and neo-soul. Each track offers a unique blend of these genres, centered around memorable tunes and intricate guitar parts. “My motivation for making music remains rooted in my deep love for it. I am happiest when playing, recording, or writing music,” says Connor. “This album draws on a diverse range of influences. Each track, I hope, brings something different whilst being centered around memorable tunes and intricate guitar parts.”
Connor collaborated with Brazilian producer and multi-instrumentalist Murillo Sguillaro and Seb Kellig, adding depth and flair to several tracks. The focus on simplicity, harmony, and melody is evident throughout the album. “I enjoyed the challenge of writing poems and, in the latter half of 2023, began setting some of these poems to music, resulting in the creation of my album. During the writing process, I aimed for simplicity, clarity, and minimal production, which presented its own enjoyable challenges.”
The album opens with ‘Wild’ and ‘Truth,’ showcasing complex percussion and electronic elements intertwined with folk-infused guitar riffs. ‘Lighthouse,’ an unreleased track, introduces a neo-soul atmosphere with soulful synths and sleek guitar lines. Tracks like ‘North’ and ‘What To Do’ highlight the softer side of Connor’s artistry, featuring emotive lyrics and beautiful melodies that seamlessly blend with his guitar work. Each of the eleven tracks offers a different facet of Connor’s sound, making ‘Love Unknown’ a captivating and multifaceted listening experience.
Joshy Connor’s ‘Love Unknown’ is a masterful blend of poetry and music, capturing the essence of his journey and showcasing his ability to fuse various genres into a cohesive and enchanting album. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Listen to LOVE UNKNOWN on SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Check out Joshy Connor on Instagram HERE