Today we’d like to introduce you to Conan Karpinski.
Hi Conan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m an award-winning film composer, songwriter, and music producer from South Africa. These days, I split my time between Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Toronto, and I’m known for my exceptional skills as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and record producer.
Growing up, I was always drawn to music, but it wasn’t until I watched the movie “School of Rock” that I was truly inspired to pick up an instrument and start playing myself. Seeing Jack Black’s character turn a group of kids into a rock band lit a fire in me that I couldn’t ignore. From there, I threw myself into the world of music. I joined every band I could in high school, from rock to punk to synthesizer-based bands – it was so experimental I wouldn’t even know what to call it. I spent hours in the garage with my friends, honing our skills and dreaming of one day making it big.
Even after all these years, I still feel that same rush of excitement every time I pick up my guitar or sit down at the drums. For me, music is more than just a hobby or a way to pass the time – it’s a passion that has shaped my entire life.
I started composing and recording music at a young age, and over the years, I’ve developed a diverse catalog through collaboration and exploration. I’ve taken on an array of creative personas throughout my career, including the lead songwriter and frontman of Canadian rock band “Soul Push” (signed to Riptide Music Group, LA), acoustic folk artist “Conan Jurek,” and record producer for multiple hip-hop acts in the Western Canadian scene.
My creativity knows no bounds, and while living in London, I even started my own recording studio, where I helped develop artists from across the UK and Ireland. The studio still runs to this day, and it’s located in Vancouver, Canada.
I believe that music & Art is not about finding your identity, it’s about exploring many different ones, and I’ve certainly explored many different musical styles throughout my career. I’m able to seamlessly transition from classical film score to experimental pop-rock and hip-hop, all while pushing the boundaries of music and sound.
As of 2023, I’m a resident in the highly coveted CFC Slaight Music Residency program, which is helping me to push my career further in the film market. I’ve also been accepted into the Screen Composer Academy, where I’ll be working in Greece with a 34-piece orchestra. I’m one of only 11 people selected from around the globe for this program, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
My most recent achievement is composing original music for the award-winning feature film “Portraits from a Fire,” directed by Trevor Mack.
Throughout my career, I’ve written songs that have landed in syncs on shows like Netflix’s “The Order,” Crave TV’s “Portraits From A Fire,” MTV, Much Music, Disney +, and Apple TV. I was even approached by Instrumental UK to write, produce, and record a 5-song acoustic EP of cover songs by Billie Eilish, Arlo Parks, Middle East, Yoke Lore, and Conan Gray. These songs were released under the project “Conan Jurek,” and they gathered over 184,000 Spotify streams with a high of 20,000 monthly listeners.
As a composer, I won the 2022 Leo award for composing the original score for “Portraits From A Fire,” harmonizing synthetic and sci-fi elements with the traditionalism of indigenous culture. I’ve coordinated with a large team of producers, directors, editors, sound designers, and hired musicians in order to deliver the final product seamlessly, and I outsource and collaborate with a strong network of musicians to deliver the best performance and most appropriate cultural representation.
As a music producer and engineer, I’ve worked closely with numerous artists, facilitating the entire songwriting process from initial concept to final delivery of a professional recording ready for distribution. Some of the notable artists I’ve worked with include Jocelyn Alice, Transit 22, James Colt (Chloe), and Drew Tanner and Vanessa Morgan from Riverdale. I focus on running a boutique studio and working primarily with newer artists while mentoring them through the many adversities that come with growing an indie artist’s brand, catalog, and career.
Finally, I am currently releasing solo music under the name “CON THE ARTIST” and just had my first single come out. This is my main artistic identity in the pop & rock world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey toward pursuing music has been far from smooth. I vividly remember my early days in London, where I worked odd jobs at a pub and an escape room, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing my passion for music. I would often have nights where I ate nothing but pea soup, which lacked essential food groups, just to survive. Although I am grateful for that experience, as it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, it was undoubtedly a challenging time.
After years of hard work and dedication, I was finally able to establish my own studio, recording other artists while honing my craft. However, as an independent artist, it’s never an easy path to navigate, and uncertainties always loom. Running my own studio had its fair share of struggles too, with the constant uncertainty of when the next client would come in.
Despite these challenges, I have been fortunate enough to have the support of my friends and family, who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. However, being an independent artist is a constant struggle, and things never get easier. As I level up and climb new mountains, new obstacles always present themselves, making the journey an ever-evolving one. Nonetheless, I am committed to continuing down this path, as my passion for music remains steadfast, and I know that the reward is worth the struggle. Lately, I’ve been forming an awesome team that supports me and helps elevate me, so I am truly grateful for that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a multi-talented South African composer, songwriter, and music producer, I have built an impressive career in both the film and music industries. I have a wide range of skills that allow me to transition seamlessly from classical film scores to experimental pop-rock and hip-hop. My ability to create music that is both unique and memorable has set me apart from others in the industry.
I am proud of my diverse catalog of work, which I have developed over the years through collaboration and exploration. I am a multi-instrumentalist and have created music under various personas, including the lead songwriter and frontman of the Canadian rock band “Soul Push,” acoustic folk artist “Conan Jurek,” and record producer for multiple hip-hop acts in the Western Canadian scene. My main project is “CON THE ARTIST” which is what I go by in the pop world.
My recent accomplishment includes composing original music for the award-winning feature film “Portraits from a Fire,” for which I won the 2022 Leo award for composing the original score. My songwriting work can also be found on various platforms, including Netflix, Crave, Apple TV, and MTV, in various series and feature films.
I am particularly excited to have been accepted into the highly coveted CFC Slaight Music Residency in Toronto for 2023, as well as being selected as one of eleven people from around the globe to participate in the 2023 Screen Composers Academy in Athens, Greece, where I will work with a 34-piece orchestra.
Apart from my impressive music career, I also run a boutique recording studio that I started while living in London. The studio has helped develop artists from across the UK and Ireland and still runs today in Vancouver, Canada. I am passionate about music and art, and I believe in exploring different identities rather than finding a single one.
Overall, my career has been marked by creativity, collaboration, and a deep love for music. I have worked with numerous artists, mentored up-and-coming musicians, and produced exceptional music for film and television. My diverse range of skills and experiences make me a highly sought-after composer, songwriter, and music producer.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to take risks and put yourself out there. One of my greatest success stories came from taking a chance when I was 18 years old. I snuck into a Bombay Bicycle Club show, introduced myself to the frontman Jack Steadman, and became friends with him. This friendship blossomed into a wonderful mentorship too, where I learned from him and grew as an artist by him questioning my musical motives with each project and sharing insight into his creative process.
Overall, my advice for finding a mentor or networking is to take risks, put yourself out there, and build authentic relationships with others in the industry. You never know what opportunities may arise from a chance encounter or a genuine connection. Be that crazy fan, go knocking on doors, you are never too cool or too good for the hustle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contheartist.com / www.conankarpinski.com
- Instagram: @contheartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itscontheartist
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/con_theartist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contheartist
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/con-the-artist
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LVgykYWodtSi56b9cf9nz?si=0hWY54CsQ3yui94BQnhqsA
Image Credits
My mum
