Johnny Connolly on SoundBetter

Hi, I'm Johnny Connolly: An Irish composer who is London-based with 35 years' experience in music and TV. Credits include high-profile Irish TV series and a Globally syndictaed childrens TV show. A skilled guitarist, blending diverse melodies into captivating narratives. Soulful, innovative, music transcending borders.

Having taken a break from performing and composing to raise a family in London and concentrate on my broadcast career in the UK, I feel that now is the right time to return to my roots in music and share that experiece and passion again.

I have a diverse experience that promises reliability, creativity, and a unique musical flair for any project.

I bring a wealth of experience in key music and TV roles. As a sound supervisor, my dedication to achieving audio excellence sets the standard. In 2017 winning a production Bafta.

As a composer, along side my friend, Philip O'Reilly, we have crafted melodies for high-profile shows, working collaboritvely with clients to deliver their vision for a project, both on budget and on-time.

I have composed various Title Themes and Incidental music for TV in Ireland for the main broadcasters, RTE TV and BBC along with independent production companies, TV3, TG4, Mint Productions, Agtel, Setanta Sports.

My performances as a guitarist across many genres highlight my versatility and skill.

I have a keen sense of humour in what I do and enjoy working with like minded individuals. Indeed, in the early 90's I was the lead guitarist in a comedy homage to legends U2 called The Joshua Trio. Which was supported by U2 themselves on the label, Mother Records.

Reach out to me, I'll be happy to chat.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

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Interview with Johnny Connolly

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Im currently updating my library and revisting some previous compositions
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: A bit of both. Im old school but like the ease at which new technology enables me to work and compose efficiently.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: A happy client!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Whats the deadline? Whats your budget? Whats the syle? Whats the project?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Try to be as clear as possible about the style you are looking for. Give me examples of songs and sounds you like.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My PC, my Apollo, my NI keyboard, speakers and Telecaster.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a recording engineer, then a professional musician. Then I accidentally found myself in the broadcast industry, which through word of mouth I got to write the music for a number of TV shows I was working on. Ive been in the industry for over 35 years now.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I dont have a particular style but do have a love for the likes of Queen, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Pink Floyd etc. I can write and perform for whatever genre is required. From heavy metal to country!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Keep it simple and dont over produce. Less is more!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: My main focus has been on TV music and writing for current affairs and documentary type programs. I have also written music for a syndicated TV series aimed at teen television audiences.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Ive been playing guitar since I was 6 years old and listen to a vast array of different music genres. I can take various themes from different genres and put my own spin on them.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually start with a riff on guitar or drumbeat or I may stumble across an interesting sound. From there I develop quite quickly and usually try to complete the piece. I then come back to it the next day to relisten to the piece with fresh ears and decide whether to develop it further.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Cubase Pro 13, UA Apollo Twin, Softube Console, Native Instruments Keyboard, Maschine Micro, Neumann TLM103, Shure 57 and 58, Fender Twin, Fender Strat, Fender Tele, Fender P Bass, Custom PRS, Taylor Acoustic, Les Paul, Large selection of plugins and softsynths.Genelec 8030's
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Michael Kamen, Johhny Greenwood, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Nigel Godrich
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Most common activity was to compose title music for specific shows.