Philoso-chops #4 [physical aspects of performance]
As a gigging drummer and budding pianist in my early 40’s I’ve become more acutely aware of the fragile physical aspects of music creation. Practicing on two instruments that both require sitting for long hours, manual dexterity including repetitive motions can put strain on…
Philoso-chops #3 [reflecting on Beatles creative process]
Like many music fans and songwriters alike I took the plunge and blocked off 8hrs over the holidays to take in “Get Back” the new Beatles doc on Disney+ which reveals for the first time this iconic band’s creative process as they begin to…
Philoso-chops #2 [thoughts on practise, discipline, music]
As a pro-drummer turned pianist/songwriter I’ve had to make some serious mental adjustments in terms of the parameters of my performance standards and have often asked myself the question: When is this thing I’ve been working on for months going to be performance ready?…
Philoso-chops [thoughts on practise, discipline, music]
This post is all about the challenges of practising technique while staying “in the moment”
Praise for “Burning Man” by former CHART writer
“[Burning Man] is a jaunty, joyous romp through the sun-scorched desert. Loved the lush layers of instrumentation, and it’s a cool arrangement starting with the chorus. You don’t often see that, and it perfectly sets up the tune. The vocals are unique–or maybe I’m…
New Release Feb 19, 2020 : BURNING MAN
All he had was an old wool blanketShe was lost in the sand and the skyCould it be the only chance worth takingWe may never know the real reason why
Toronto creative songwriters playlist…
I put this together to share some great local talent with the world. Many of these artists are friends and we’ve shared stages, ideas and laughs. Please share it and let me know what you think!
Positive – single
I sang in children’s choirs as a child and this song may have come partly out of that experience. Having said that it was probably the toughest song to write and perform. Co-producer Christian Anderson suggested using multiple vocals in unison to create a…
My Simple Life
Here’s a pre-release for your enjoyment, available now for download on Bandcamp. This was one of the first songs I wrote close to a decade ago, originally with Braintoy in mind. Pink Floyd was a major influence. My Simple Life was a game I…
RILEY to release 8 singles in 2021
My journey as a songwriter began over a decade ago. It was a transitional time in life where my original band was calling it quits. On one hand I wanted to give pro drumming 100% committment. On the other hand I wanted to say…
Riley O'Connor Music 