Meet Connor Reed | Singer/Songwriter, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Connor Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Connor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is necessary, especially as an artist. But honestly, risk and I have a love/hate relationship. My mind becomes flooded with doubt, wondering if we’ll even work out in the end, and my hands get clammy like I’m waiting for it to blow up in my face. It’s a stressful experience with risk. That’s why people like to play it safe, in whichever endeavor they pursue, to avoid failure and embarrassment. The thing is, most people don’t spend their time thinking about you (sorry). They won’t notice the things that you obsess over or feel embarrassed about (a reminder I tell myself often). But they will remember the amazing things you do, which is only possible if you take the chance. Without risk, how do you improve? How do you leave your mark? How do you discover anything new and exciting? Look at some of the great people of the past who failed over and over before they succeeded. I’m sure you can think of a few.

As a musician, if I always played it safe, I wouldn’t have pursued music at all. I would have said, “I’ll never get to that level” or “There are much better artists out there” or “Who would listen to me anyway?” But there is a place for everyone’s ideas, creations, and skills out there in the world, you just have to find your place.

I was ten years old when my father passed away. Maybe that gives me an edge. A safety net of sorts. A reason to be my best and push myself. And luckily, I’ve always had a solid network of family and friends to support and encourage me, keeping me moving in the right direction. Life is short when you look back at it. Live with no regerts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well… I’m a singer from Atlanta, Georgia. After college I moved up north to create my first album with Michelangelo Sosnowitz of Lemon Shark Productions in NYC. It’s called “Looking For,” which is reminiscent of the big band crooner era, as my voice lends itself well to that genre. I continued writing and recording with my good friend Corwyn when I returned home to Atlanta a couple of years later, and eventually began teaching myself how to mix/master/produce my own songs.

I enjoy experimenting with different styles, from Jazz to Pop to R&B to Country.

Any artist will tell you it’s not easy. By day, I work in film. By night, I create music. There’s so much that goes into creating music that people might not realize at first. Outside of singing and writing, I’ve had to learn how to design a website, record/mix/master, market and promote my music, design album covers, etc. These challenges were met with a lot of research, hard work and persistence.

If you’re reading this, please consider connecting online @connorreedmusic. I’m one of many artists looking to connect, entertain, and share their passion with you. Thank you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, let’s say you’re my best friend visiting from out of town for the week. I’d pick you up at the airport holding an obnoxiously large sign with your name written in sharpie, which I’ve intentionally misspelled. Then I’d pretend like I don’t know you just because I’m annoying like that. Over the course of the next few days, I’d drive you around town singing way too loud in the car until you inevitably tell me to chill. But I’d know you don’t really mean it, so I’d keep going because I know a bluff when I see one. And when you finally decide to sing along with me, I’d mute the song on the high note so it’s just you who’s singing. Then I’d take you for sushi at “Eight” or “O-Ku” because they have amazing sushi with lovely ambiance. One night I’d bring to you Putt Shack for some wacky mini golf and drinks. It’s a great time! And it doesn’t require much skill (thank goodness). On the most beautiful, sunny day we would walk the Atlanta Beltline, where tons of people walk, run, bike and scooter. Usually there are a bunch of electric scooters lying around for people to use, but most of them are out of battery, so obviously I’d take the one that works and meet you at one of the many great bars for some fun drinks. Don’t worry, I’d have one waiting for you. And a cold water after your run of course. We can also eat there if you can stomach it. The issue would be fitting in the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Braves games, and the Illuminarium! There are so many fun things to do. So, if that doesn’t convince you to visit me, I don’t know what will.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I’d like to thank for the path I’m on today. My father, who passed away when I was young, is one of my greatest inspirations. He raised me to want to be better every day. My mother and stepfather have both encouraged and supported me more than you can imagine, and I can’t thank them enough for always being there for me. My grandmother believed in me like you wouldn’t believe, which meant the world to me. I also would not be on this path if not for my incredible music and acting teachers who inspired me to participate in my first middle school musical, sparking a passion that continued through college. They really changed my life. You all know who your are, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Website: www.connorreedmusic.com

Instagram: @connorreedmusic

Facebook: Connor Reed Music

Youtube: Connor Reed Music

Other: TikTok: @connorreedmusic