Christian O’Connor, Solo Artist, Discusses His Upcoming Album and NFTs with New Noise Magazine
Christian O’Connor, a solo artist, is embarking on a new musical journey with his upcoming album Laughing From the Other Side of Fear. This bluesy rock album incorporates elements of alt-rock and even hip-hop. While the digital streaming version of the album is set to release on New Year’s Day 2025, O’Connor is taking a unique approach to its rollout. He is unveiling the album slowly throughout this year by releasing a new single every few weeks. Additionally, he is creating NFTs to coincide with each song off the album, making this release strategy one of the most distinctive in recent times.
We sat down with O’Connor to discuss his new album, NFTs, and his passion for 3-D art.
As you roll out Laughing From the Other Side of Fear this year, can you share more about the album?
O’Connor: This album marks a significant milestone for me as a musician. While I have been involved in music for a long time, this is my first major solo project. I have played in cover bands, other people’s bands, and performed my own material in bars across the US. This Spotify release is a culmination of all that experience, and I am incredibly excited about it.
Well, I did release three albums on Spotify in the past, but I eventually took them down because I felt I had grown as an artist. Particularly, I felt that my voice had matured and improved over time. I wanted to showcase my current skills and sound.
What inspired you to release singles gradually instead of following a traditional promotional cycle?
O’Connor: I started creating a lot of 3-D art around each song, intending to pair visual elements with the music. Each single had its own unique artwork, and I had so much material related to each song that I felt each one deserved its own release day.
Yes, I have created NFTs for each song. However, I want to ensure that each NFT is meticulously crafted and error-free due to their permanent nature on the blockchain.
Can you explain the concept of NFTs for those unfamiliar with it?
O’Connor: NFTs are essentially digital artworks stored on the Ethereum blockchain, certifying their uniqueness and authenticity. They serve as a digital deed to a piece of art, creating a one-of-a-kind ownership experience for the buyer. It’s like owning a digital autograph with a certificate of authenticity.
Why did you decide to integrate crypto and NFTs into your album release?
O’Connor: My background in coding and early exposure to crypto led me to ideologically embrace the concept. I believe that NFTs will revolutionize the art world and offer a new way for fans to connect with artists. It’s not about monetizing the art but rather about demonstrating loyalty and support for a particular artist or band.
Are the 3-D artworks you create for the singles separate from the NFTs?
As of now, they are separate. I indulge in 3-D art using software like Blender to visually represent each song. While the NFTs will feature 3-D artwork, the standalone visual creations are meant to complement the music.
What led you to choose “We’re Stealing the Crown” as the lead single from the album?
O’Connor: “We’re Stealing the Crown” has consistently garnered an enthusiastic response when performed live. It encapsulates the defiance and determination that define my artistic journey, resonating with audiences and showcasing the spirit of the album.
What inspired the title Laughing From the Other Side of Fear?
O’Connor: The album title derives from a line in “We’re Stealing the Crown” and reflects my personal journey through a challenging period of mental health struggles. It conveys the message of pushing through fear and finding laughter and joy on the other side.
What aspect of the album release are you most looking forward to?
O’Connor: I am most excited about performing live and sharing this music with audiences. The thrill of playing in bars and witnessing the instant feedback from listeners is an experience like no other. Reimagining the songs with my band and seeing how they resonate with live audiences is what I anticipate the most.
Do you have any upcoming live shows planned?
O’Connor: While I am still in the process of rehearsing with my band, we do not have any concrete live show dates yet. I am focused on perfecting our live performance and considering what elements to incorporate into the show to enhance the audience experience. Stay tuned for updates on future live performances!
For the latest updates, follow Christian O’Connor on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
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