That Conner Youngblood’s latest track is called Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge feels telling. Making music that’s as exploratory, plaintive and soft around the edges as that peaceful title image suggests is the forte of this 28-year-old singer-songwriter.
Youngblood is based in Nashville but was born in Dallas. The first instrument he learned to play was the clarinet for his school band when he was 11. He now plays guitar, drums and harp, to name a few. He has been around for a few years, self-releasing EPs, tracks and demos since 2012, all with hand-drawn sketches that convey a down-to-earth, DIY mentality.
Youngblood has since signed to Ninja Tune imprint Counter Records, but his music remains as expansive as ever, often informed by ideas of travel, conjuring up non-existent landscapes with his words. “I tried to write songs about [...] girls and I think it’s just kind of boring,” he explained to Noisey in 2016.
Marrying ambient electronica with the sweet, folky melodies of someone like Elliott Smith, or even the nature-tinged stylings of Nick Drake, Youngblood’s sound spans genres to create something quietly striking. But with UK performances and a slew of forthcoming releases, 2018 looks set to be the year when things aren’t so quiet for Conner Youngblood after all.
• Conner Youngblood plays Field Day, London SE24, on Friday 1 June. His debut album will be released this summer
