LA-Native Mara Connor Releases Debut Single NO FUN
By: Tori Hartshorn Oct. 17, 2018
Today, Los Angeles native Mara Connor releases her debut single "No Fun", along with a comically droll companion music video. The track premiered by way of Buzzbands yesterday.
The new single was recorded to tape at the Bomb Shelter in Nashville, produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Margo Price) and mixed by Noah Georgeson (The Strokes, Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom). "No Fun" serves as Connor's introduction to the industry as an artist, though as an LA local, she's already deeply engrossed in the music scene with an experienced network of friends and collaborators. "No Fun" seamlessly blends folk and rock for a sound that simultaneously has elements of southern charm mixed with SoCal breeze. While writing "No Fun" she was listening to George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass," influenced by the poetic lyrics of singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell and retro production styles of "Wall of Sound" '60s girl groups and British Invasion bands.
Expanding further on the track, Connor shares "the song came to me the night before I flew to Nashville to record...I threw a piece of paper with some scribbled lyrics in my suitcase and finished writing the song in the studio as we started recording. There's an added level of excitement and urgency to it because it was so new."
The music video was directed by Similar But Different (The Chainsmokers), shot by Christopher Ripley (Kendrick Lamar, Phoebe Bridgers, Mac Demarco), edited by Ross Kolton (The Avett Brothers) and styled by Aza Ziegler (whose LA-based fashion line Calle Del Mar is featured on the skater girls in the video).
"The video for 'No Fun' was (ironically) a lot of fun to make," shares Connor. "I filmed it with friends from childhood and college. It was inspired by 1970s film and fashion and explores themes of social anxiety, female empowerment and finding happiness from within."
"No Fun" will be the first single off Connor's forthcoming debut album, which will also include duets with Langhorne Slim and Joseph Arthur. To celebrate the release, Connor will perform this Saturday, October 20, at Highland Park Bowl accompanied by her 'No Fun Band', with music selections by William Reed and appearances from special guests Pete Molinari, Desure, Albert Hickman, Paige Calico, Kat Myers, Austin Manuel, and Sam Morrow. Admission is free, doors at 8pm, ages 21+.
For more information and concert tickets, visit maraconnor.com.
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