DI resident Claire Conway to launch second album
If the titles of her first two albums are any indication, Daniel Island singer and songwriter Claire Conway is going places. She released her first CD – “The Beautiful Side” – in 2014, and now she’s heading to the “Ocean’s Edge” with the launching of her second compilation. The 17 year-old, a senior at Charleston County School of the Arts, has been described as an up-and-coming artist – and judging by her success on the Charleston music scene, the title is well deserved.
The Daniel Island News caught up with Claire recently to get the scoop on her upcoming release party for Ocean’s Edge, her hopes for the album, and where her music might take her next.
Q: Bring us up to speed on all that you have accomplished since the release of your first CD, The Beautiful Side, in 2014.
Claire: I’ve been very busy over these past two years, but definitely with good things! I’ve gotten a lot more involved in various artistic communities throughout Charleston. I am a music instructor at Black Tie Music Academy, a senior in the Creative Writing program at School of the Arts, and have played at local venues ranging from coffee shops to the DI Farmer’s Market to the Music Farm.
Q: What can listeners expect with the new CD?
CC: Ocean’s Edge is an EP of six original songs. I feel like I’ve really grown into my own style since the last release. It’s still acoustically driven, but it has a much fuller sound, and I’ve been heavily influenced by my favorite indie and folk artists, which I think shows in the music. It’s basically a meditation on growing up and the relationships that have shaped me over the past years of my life.
Q: What has been the best part of this musical journey for you so far?
CC: I love the way that music connects people! I have made some really wonderful friends through Charleston’s music community, many of whom have helped guide me along the way. By far the most rewarding part of making music is having the chance to impact others through what I create. Hearing that people connect with my songs on a personal level just gives a new dimension to the whole creative process, and my greatest hope for this project is that it will have a positive, personal impact on listeners.
Q: Is the release event on November 13 open to the public?
CC: Yes! Everyone is welcome. It will be from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Island Club on Sullivan’s Island. Come hang out, have a snack, pick up a CD and listen to the new songs live!
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years in terms of your musical career?
CC: I suppose I’ll have to see where this release takes me! I’ve been writing more and more over the past couple of years and always have a handful of unfinished songs in my pocket. I’ve been thinking that maybe the next step will be to make a full-length album. I’m hoping to study graphic design in college, but music has always been a part of how I process feelings and experience the world, so although I’m not sure yet what role it will play in my life and my career, I will absolutely continue to write and record music and share it with others.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
CC: The new EP will be available on iTunes, Spotify and on CD starting November 13th. Information about the release show, my music and more can be found on my website, claireconwaymusic.com.