Conner Gilbert
Hollidaysburg, PA | Established. Jan 01, 2005
Music
Press
by Jim Price
Recently arriving in the Altoona area, Conner Gilbert introduces a bright, acoustic-geared pop rock sound on his first solo CD, "The View from Within."
Singing and playing guitars, bass and sharing keyboard duties with Christian Harper, Gilbert's sound is rooted in both the pop songcraft tradition of the Beatles and Beach Boys, as well as the '90s pop rock ingenuity of Matthew Sweet and Oasis.
Gilbert shows a strong knack for song hooks throughout the album, and mixes up the flavors over the disc's dozen tracks.
The opener "Since You've Been Away," with its layered choruses and vocal harmonies, recalls "Pet Sounds"-era Beach Boys; while the modern-ish "Nowhere" exudes touches of Beatle-like far-eastern psychedelia. Gilbert taps into more recent influences as well; the acoustic-driven "Susannah" provides a Goo Goo Dolls flavor; while "The Prospect," "Lost In A City In Your Mind" and the disc-closer "There's No Way In The World" are more firmly rooted in Oasis.
All 12 songs are infectious and stand well on their own, yet work well together as a complete set. The overall vibe is pleasant and colorful; with the balance of keys, acoustic and electric guitars, and Gilbert's soaring voice and vocal harmonies providing a fresh listen from start to end. - Altoona Mirror
Singer and songwriter Conner Gilbert recently released the lyric video for his song “The Prospect”. The emotionally-driven performance appeared on his 2009 solo album debut titled 'The View from Within'. If you are looking for an inspiring song with purposeful lyrics, “The Prospect” will certainly deliver. Reminiscent of early acts such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, Conner commands the attention of listeners with epic instrumentals and rock-infused vocals. “The Prospect” is a refreshing production with contemporary appeal. Should you need a diversion from the heavily saturated pop/hip-hop hybrid tracks that are currently soaking up the air ways, “The Prospect” will provide a delightful respite. If you are jonesing for the sounds of Chris Isaak with a contemporary pop-rock flair, you will be pleased to discover the sounds of Conner Gilbert. The young artist's songwriting resonates with the imprint of the distinguished 1960s and 1990s styles. He has, however, uniquely crafted a modernized acoustic style with a distinct vocal performance.
Conner's lyric video release provides a thoughtful visual to accompany the poetic words which emerge slowly from the track. As the video progresses, viewers are introduced to several landmarks and sights that are gently blurred in the background. As the words appear across the screen viewers are quickly enveloped into the resounding message that Conner has decided to share with his audience. In summary, “The Prospect” is dynamic and engaging.
Energetic guitars strum as background vocals harmonize and Conner sings “You'll never really know what you mean to me my friend”. Pianos capture the essence of the composition while carefully crafted layers express retro sounds. As the track builds intensity, Conner hits a long note and lets it linger on as the instrumentals kick out a lighthearted melody. For a fleeting moment, the song winds down, teasing fans with some catchy riffs only to surge forward with a cinematic finish. “The Prospect” is highly-contagious and marvelously uplifting. Conner Gilbert demonstrates effortless sophistication with intricate patterns that seem to flow naturally. The song creates a panoramic journey as interpreted in the lyric video. Conner captures fans, achieving the apex of listening satisfaction with creative insight, strong vocals, and polished instrumentals. - G&S LIFESTYLE, FASHION, MUSIC
by Tiffany Arnold
Artist Reveals 'View From Within'
In explaining how he's matured as an artist, Conner Gilbert said his song writing process used to be no longer than 15 minutes.
"I had it set to a formula," said Gilbert, 22, of Hagerstown. If he couldn't crank it out in 15 minutes, the song sat somewhere and collected dust, Gilbert said.
But that was then. Gilbert, the former guitar player and vocalist of the defunct rock group Basement, is billing himself as a solo act. He's performing an acoustic show Friday at Ava, the downstairs lounge of Duffy's on Potomac in downtown Hagerstown.
Formed in 2003, Basement was the quintessential high school rock band. But the band split up in 2006 after the guys went off to college. Gilbert said there were no hard feelings. Everyone still keeps in touch.
Aside from the upcoming show, Gilbert has a lot going on. His first solo album, "The View from Within," is coming out later this month. He revisited some of the old tunes -- some back from his Basement days -- and has created some new ones for "View."
Instead of using the clock as a creative filter, he's testing the new stuff on audiences.
Gilbert's music will also be featured on a radio show in Liverpool, 7 Waves Community Radio (http://7waves.co.uk), on April 15, a feat he attributes to networking online. He's been gaining traction as a performer in and around his school, St. Vincent College, near Pittsburgh. Gilbert is a senior majoring in communications.
So why is all this happening now? Gilbert chatted about it with The Herald-Mail from his dorm room, a day before he came back home for Easter break.
"I wanted to get something out there primarily to prove to myself that I could do it," Gilbert said, "to put out something for my college friends to remember me by."
Q&A WITH CONNER GILBERT
What was the hardest part about recording an album by yourself?
Probably deciding what to include. I had a lot of stuff that I had written recently and then I had stuff I had written as long as four years ago. I liked all of it. Eventually I narrowed it down to 12. It's a pretty good mix of stuff I've written recently and stuff I brought back around.
What do you think your strengths are as an artist?
I've developed my voice a lot better than it used to be. I used to not really care about how my voice sounded -- I used to consider myself more of a guitarist. I used to not put as much drive behind my singing. Now, I take care of my voice.
What sort of impression do you want to leave audiences with? What do you want people to know about you?
I want people to know that this album is symbolic of me. - Herald-Mail
9) CONNER GILBERT – "Since You’ve Been Away" Newcomer Conner Gilbert crafted one of the better-sounding pieces of rocking ear candy I heard in 2009 with “Since You’ve Been Away,” the lead-off track from his debut CD The View from Within. Leading in with choral effects, the melody kicks in with Conner’s smooth voice set against a piano-accented backdrop, and builds to a soaring, full-bodied chorus that stays in your head. This song nicely sets the stage for the rest of the album, and makes a strong introductory statement about Conner Gilbert and what he has to offer. - Altoona Mirror
Discography
2009: "The View From Within" (debut original solo album)
2011: "Here's To The Days" (original single)
Photos
Bio
Through hard work and a true love of music, Conner Gilbert has made a name for himself as a successful musician. Having played in several bands in the past, he is now focusing on honing his craft as a solo artist.
As a live musician, Conner works tirelessly to perform year-round. Usually appearing as a solo acoustic artist, he reliably plays 50 or more gigs in a calendar year for listeners at a wide array of venues and events. When playing cover songs, Conner enjoys performing music that he listens to himself, including songs from genres like classic rock, alternative, and even hip-hop.
As an original songwriter, Conner has worked to constantly improve and develop his methods to create new, self-written music. Through writing, home demos, and time spent in recording studios, he desires to create enjoyable music that he can share with listeners. Conner's songwriting reflects his biggest influences, which are rooted in the 1960s and 1990s.
Conner's debut solo album, "The View From Within," was released on April 24, 2009. A stand-alone single, "Here's To The Days," was issued on January 11, 2011. He is currently working toward writing and recording a sophomore, as-yet-untitled album.
Band Members
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