Conrad just stopped by TWIST's offices! We got the inside scoop on his EP Takeoff, his musical influences and what he's up to next! Check out our exclusive convo below!
XOXO,
TWIST
TWIST: Can you tell us about your EP Takeoff?
CONRAD: Takeoff is my first EP, I've had two singles off of it so far, but it was kind of my first experience in the music industry.
TWIST: Is there a story behind the title?
C: Well, I'm from like a really small town in California, so it was my whole experience of moving from my hometown to the big city to get into the music business. Everyone thinks you're totally crazy for going to try that. So it's just my life -- transitioning and becoming something other than a small town kid.
TWIST: Can you tell us more about your single "Romeo" and the story behind it?
C: "Romeo" is my second single now. I got to go and shoot the video in my hometown! The song is about a relationship that you're not really supposed to be having, so that's the back-story.
TWIST: Were you in one of those relationships?
C: Of course! I mean, the music's about my life!
TWIST: What would you say is your favorite track off of the EP?
C: They're all fun, but I think "Safe Here Now." It's a ballad that I wrote for my friend Andrea, who lost her father to cancer when we were growing up. It's a song that people can listen to and get inspiration from.
TWIST: Which songs would TWIST readers love the best?
C: They'd definitely love "Drop Dead Gorgeous," they'd love "Romeo" and they'd probably like "Takeoff!"
TWIST: Why would they love them?
C: They're just fun, upbeat songs you can jam to!
TWIST: You created your own record label. Can you tell us more about how you got your start in music?
C: I moved to LA because I was working with an indie label but things weren't really going anywhere. I wanted to make music but I just didn't know how to get there. I like to live by the idea that if you can't get an opportunity, you make it. So I worked a bunch and saved up the money, got the songs done, put the record label together, released Takeoff, and then I found a manager.
TWIST: Where did you work during that time?
C: I worked in an ice cream store and we also did fairs. We'd run around and we'd serve ice cream, but then sometimes I'd do shows at the fairs. I'd literally do the Hannah Montana thing where I'd change my clothes really quickly, run over to the stage, do a show and run back and look totally different!
TWIST: Who are your musical influences?
C: I grew up on like 'NSync and Backstreet Boys, so that would have to be an influence. There's also a band called The Afters -- they're amazing and they're one of my influences.
TWIST: What's up next for you?
C: I have a new single coming out soon and I'm going to shoot a new music video for it! I'm also working on a new album that includes a couple new versions of the songs off the last EP.
TWIST: When will the album come out?
C: We are finishing up the record now, so it will probably be in the early spring.
TWIST: Thanks for chatting with us!
C: Thanks!
Photo: Courtesy Rachel Torgerson