Robert O'Connor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the author of the same name see Robert O'Connor (author)
Robert O'Connor (born 22 January 1986) is an Irish singer-songwriter.
| Robert O'Connor | ||
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 Robert O'Connor photographed by Barry McCall in 2005.
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| Background information | ||
| Born | January 22, 1986 | |
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland | |
| Genre(s) | Pop | |
| Years active | 2005–Present | |
| Label(s) | Core Records (2005-2006) Matchbox Recordings UK (2006-) | |
| Website | Robertoconnorofficial.com | |
Contents |
[edit] Musical beginnings
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Robert trained in performing arts as a child at the famous Billie Barry Stage School, performing in musical theatre productions such as a stage version of the Rodgers & Hammerstein film The King & I at The Olympia Theatre.
At the age of eight, Robert started learning to play keyboard. Later aged 20, Robert worked briefly as a keyboard teacher. Robert also worked as a child model for a number of press campaigns.
Following a number of years out of performance, Robert decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music and acting. He attended an acting course at the renowned Gaeity School of Acting during 2004.
His first studio session occurred during this time whilst he was also a student at the Parnell School of Music, where he recorded with the in-house producer at the school.
[edit] Modelling career
[edit] Celtic Talent contract
In summer 2004, Robert signed a modelling contract with Celtic Talent Models, the only Irish agency that is part of IMTA (International Models & Talent Association). Immediately he started work on a portfolio with Italian photographer Andrea Benedetti, known for his work on Italian Vogue.
In August 2004, Robert was offered the chance to attend IMTA 'Hooray For Hollywood' 2005. IMTA is a convention that allows models and actors to showcase their talents to a number of agents, managers and industry professionals from the US, Europe and Asia.
Robert accepted the offer, and began training with Clair Sinnett, an American acting coach, who has worked with actors such as Brad Pitt. In October 2004, Robert worked with Andrea Benedetti for the second time on his portfolio. This was his last shoot for Celtic Talent. Though Robert is still on the Celtic Talent website, he no longer works for the agency.
[edit] IMTA Hooray For Hollywood
Following intensive training in Ireland, Robert flew to Los Angeles on January 2, 2005 to parttake in the IMTA 'Hooray For Hollywood' convention as an actor, model and singer. At the IMTA Awards Robert was nominated and won an award for 'Fashion Print/Runway Male 2005'.
Following this a number of acting and modelling agencies in the US and Japan offered him contracts on what is referred to as 'callbacks day' at the convention. Robert turned down the contract offers, and instead started to work on his music career.
[edit] Recording career
[edit] Core Records (August 2005-February 2006)
In August 2005, Robert made his first professional recording. He decided on re-recording "Ten Years Time", which was originally released in August 2004 as the second single from UK singer Gabrielle's Play To Win album. For Robert's version, the track was re-arranged and produced by Billy Farrell, an Irish producer who worked with The Corrs on their multi-platinum album In Blue. Anthony Drennan, the guitarist on the original version of "Ten Years Time", also played on Robert's version.
In September 2005, Robert was swiftly signed to Core Records, an independent Irish record label and "Ten Years Time" was announced as his debut single in Ireland. Due for release in October 2005, the track was later postponed for release in January 2006 due to "recording commitments". Robert launched "Ten Years Time" at The Sugar Club in Dublin on January 18, 2006. The single, due for release that week, was cancelled, with Core Records citing "manufactuing issues" as the reason.
On February 1, 2006, O'Connor's official website issued a statement saying Robert had exited his deal with Core Records, claiming the split to be "an ammicable one". Later, in July 2006, Robert spoke to Irish newspaper the Evening Herald, revealing that the true reasons for the split were that the label were taking money from him ("recording and expenses", they said), and yet had failed to materialise a release of the single.
[edit] Matchbox Recordings (July 2006-Present)
Five months after his split with Core Records, Robert signed a new deal with independent UK record label Matchbox Recordings UK. A double A-side single, "Spend The Night"/"Ten Years Time" was released on October 30 in the UK and on November 3 in Ireland.
"Spend The Night" was written and recorded by Robert in July 2006 with a new team including producers Steve Hogan and Fionann DeBarra (Moya Brennan), and instrumentalists such as Shane Fitzsimons (bassist, Damien Rice) and Brian Grace (guitars, Juliet Turner). The single entered the Irish charts at #56 on November 10, 2006.
Robert is currently recording further tracks for his debut album with Steve Hogan and Fionann DeBarra. Confirmed tracks to feature on the album include "Wonderful Accident", "Tonight" and "How Many Times (Can We Say Goodbye)".
[edit] Discography
| Single cover | Single information |
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Spend The Night/Ten Years Time
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