Introducing: Liana Condor

We recently came across the music of Sheffield based Liana Condor and liked what we heard. The solo project is primarily built on acoustic sounds, but layers effects and loops over that to create some mesmerising sounds. We spoke to Joe, the person behind the music, to find out about their inspirations, passions, and more.

First of all, tell us a bit about Liana Condor?

Liana Condor is a one-man band musical venture I started back in 2018 to add some colour to my open mic routine and explore how far I could push an RC-30 loop station without breaking my brain. Drawing on the worlds of experimental rock and worldbeat, I use a guitar, the aforementioned loop pedal and a bit of percussion (think maracas and a vibraslap – no it’s not a sex toy) to create a multi-layered and angsty yet groovy acoustic sound whilst exploring faith, paradox, and liminality with occasional references to Twin Peaks. It’s like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins meets Jack Johnson meets Rage Against the Machine.

What inspires you to write?

Liana Condor started because a year into my first full-time job, I was signed off with depression and anxiety. I needed a space to process this and there’s something about singing about your undealt with baggage in front of a room full of strangers that just hits the spot.

Who or what has had the most influence on your sound?

When I was about 7, my brother introduced me to Rage Against the Machine and I fell in love with Tom Morello’s DJ-like guitar playing. His resourcefulness with a guitar was something else. And then later on in life I discovered Battles (who’s song Atlas, I covered and is exclusively available on Bandcamp), Faust and CAN. I was drawn to these multi-layered sounds but didn’t have access to lots of kit to create a big sound so I thought I wonder whether I can sort of recreate this experimental rock sound using an acoustic guitar, and then add a dose of worldly rhythms for good measure.

What has been the biggest challenge in your music career so far?

Besides learning how to do music as a career, I think the biggest challenge has been learning to let go. I’m a massive perfectionist and want to be in control of every aspect of my art. My partner and I started playing music together lately and it’s been a challenge for both of us to allow each other into our creative worlds – but incredibly rewarding. It’s made me want to collaborate a lot more.

What has been the nicest thing ever written about you?

Someone nominated me for Yorkshire Gig Guide’s Outstanding Emerging Artist Award in 2019 and I ended up going to Bradford to the awards night as I made it into the Top 5. It was totally unexpected and a really rewarding experience.

What has been the best and worst gig you’ve ever played?

Best gig was at a pub in Sheffield called The Cremorne put on by local social enterprise RiteTrax. The place was buzzing, the sound engineer was on point, people were dancing, I got involved with a feminist hip hop project off the back of it, and finished the night sitting in a park sharing a bottle of wine with a friend. I honestly haven’t had any really bad gigs as Liana Condor but when I was younger, I once got booed off stage at a church organised Battle of the Bands.

What was the last piece of music to listened to? 

Work Shit Out by Dirty Loops

If you could perform live with anyone, who would it be and why?

I used to be in a band called Cloud 99 as a teenager. Early on we had to make a decision as to whether we would be a funk rock band or a heavy metal band. We went down the funk rock route, but I always wonder what would have been…

What other Sheffield or Yorkshire acts do we need to be checking out right now?

Lou Terry – London/Sheffield based. I played a gig with him once and he had some real Paranoid Android by Radiohead/The Music vibes. The song Pigman is a highlight.

Give us a few hints on what’s in store next for Liana Condor…

I’ve just released my first single, One Flesh (see above), from my upcoming debut album. I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the album and hope to release this late 2021.

You can keep up to date with what’s happening in the world of Liana Condor by checking out their Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram profiles. One Flesh is out now, and you can find more listening options for the track by clicking here.