The MetalTalk Lowdown: Connor Selby – "The Passage Of Time Really Freaks Me Out"

Connor Selby has built his reputation the old-fashioned way with thoughtful songwriting, expressive guitar playing and a voice that carries far more lived-in weight than his years might suggest. A five-time UK Blues Awards winner, the singer-songwriter has continued to broaden his sound beyond traditional blues, drawing in soul, folk and Americana on his latest album, The Truth Comes Out Eventually.

The UK leg of Connor’s headline tour begins at Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham on 4 September. Here, Connor takes on The MetalTalk Lowdown.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
I’ve been quite lucky to not have played that many gigs where bad things have happened. When I was first starting out, I played a lot of pubs, and I got heckled by drunk people a few times, but I suppose that’s something every performer has to go through at some point. Other than that, it’s been pretty smooth sailing so far, which I’m very grateful for.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Easy. Wembley Stadium opening for The Who. Was one of the greatest days of my life, and I still pinch myself that I was given such an opportunity. It was just an incredible day, and being able to stand on that stage playing my music is a memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
I think I would prefer to have a platinum record. The problem with having a legendary live show is that once it’s over, it’s gone forever, and only the people who were there on the day would remember how it went. At least with an album, once I’m dead and gone, it will outlive me, and people will still be able to enjoy it and connect to it. If it’s gone platinum, then it means many people probably will be as well.

What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
One thing I really don’t like about myself is how picky and stubborn I am. I am extremely fussy about everything, and it is exhausting at times, especially to the people around me. Sometimes I wish I could be more flexible and easier-going, but I have a very clear idea of what I like and don’t like, and I don’t have much time for things I’m not interested in or don’t want in my world.

What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Jealousy and vindictiveness. Music is about sharing and collaboration, and I have no time for people who want to put others down for whatever reason. If you don’t like what someone does, then just ignore them and let them get on with it and if they’re having more success doing it, then all power to them.

Describe yourself in three words.
Earnest, obsessive and wistful

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Wasting money on buying stupid stuff that I don’t need

What does a great riff feel like to write?
I don’t really tend to write many riffs, to be honest. My songs aren’t really riff-based. I do love a good riff though. I think a riff should be the musical equivalent of kicking in a door.

What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
No one particular thing stands out, but people have always commented on how shy I am or my looks or the way I dress or this and that. I don’t really pay it any mind, though. People can say what they want within reason. Generally, people have been very nice to me.

What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
I remember reading one review of one of my albums that said something along the lines of “Connor Selby needs to cheer up” and that my music is too depressing and melancholic. I am aware that I have a tendency to lean in that direction, but I’m not sure it’s fair to say that that is how all my music is.

If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Probably writing. Maybe journalism or something. I’ve also always been interested in photography and have been doing it in a more serious way lately, so maybe that. Maybe something that involves drawing as well.

What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Laufey – Bewitched

When did you last cry, and why?
When my cat passed away, I cried for about 2 weeks.

What keeps you awake at night?
Just thinking about the future. Seeing my parents start to grow old and wondering how things will be when I am their age. All the people that will have passed away by then. The passage of time really freaks me out. It’s probably the thing I’m most afraid of.

Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Recognition, I guess. That’s what I’ve always strived for. I want to be remembered for making something that means something to people.

How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who creates music that people can connect with and can find a lot of meaning in. That is the test of all great art, in my opinion. If one of my songs ever gets played at someone’s wedding or someone’s funeral, then I will have achieved what I set out to do.

What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Resilience and being able to adapt. Things can go wrong and most probably will. When you’re the one in charge of booking everything and making sure everything goes smoothly, you have to be able to find a way to deal with difficult situations and keep morale up when things do inevitably go wrong. Also, how to function on lack of sleep.

What happens when the music stops?
I spend a lot of my time just doing admin these days when I’m not actually playing. If I don’t do it, no one else will, and I’m responsible for almost every aspect of the business, so it takes up quite a lot of time. When I’m not working, I normally just chill by watching TV or stuff on YouTube. I obviously listen to music a lot. It’s pretty much always on. If not that, then a podcast or something. I listen to a lot of political podcasts, which probably isn’t great for my mental health, but I do enjoy them. As I mentioned before, I’ve been getting into photography lately, so I’ve been focusing on that a bit as well.