Setting the tone with an intricately strummed guitar soundscape, Alfie Connor opens Outside The Water with a majestic timbre, an evocative range and the lyrics, “I like the way you look tonight, your lip gloss and dress, my thoughts of you electrify me, I’m a wonderful mess…”
The opus expands with introspective depth, as Alfie takes us on a personal journey through his lived experience and the inner workings of his mind. We are captivated by his brand of narrative-driven storytelling, and the poetic prowess that he shares.
Alfie Connor‘s authenticity is tangible on Outside The Water, and we connect with the high emotional quotient that he offers. Speaking on his artistry, the Sheffield-born Londoner confesses, “I care about music so much, as freeing as it is and how much meaning it gives my life, is also incredibly challenging. But it is how I exist in the world.”
He continues with reference to his creative process, “I built my own studio in an industrial block in South East London. I graduated from Goldsmiths a few years after James Blake. I sing, play guitar and produce. I have steadfast and close relationships with other artists and musicians in London, one of my biggest supporters and friends being Tom Odell, who has never stopped showing me love and support and cheering me on, even during my toughest times and challenges. It has been very scary and revealing sharing music this time around.”
It is no surprise that Alfie’s art has been championed by Annie Mac and Zane Lowe. He has even toured the UK and Ireland with Tom Odell! We learn that during lockdown Alfie stepped back from the limelight after facing a significant setback with a severe motorbike accident, which necessitated multiple surgeries and an extended hospital stay.
Throughout his recovery, Alfie embarked on the journey of learning to walk again, spurred on by the encouragement of his friend Tom Odell. Despite his restlessness, Alfie found solace in returning to the studio to complete his project. With a raw voice complemented by melancholic guitar melodies, Alfie’s music delves into themes of heartbreak, loss, intimacy, and the search for belonging.
Alfie cites influences including Prince, Lana Del Rey, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, although there is no doubt that Alfie is manifesting a universe of his own. He comments, “My accident made me see how little time I do have on this earth, and if I don’t share my music, I would live to regret it, because tomorrow really isn’t promised.”
We love the philosophical depth and raw authenticity that Alfie creates with, and have added Outside The Water to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Alfie Connor‘s wider discography, including Good Times!