Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Conan Karpinski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Conan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

It’s funny, that word “regular”… It sort of implies that as artists, what we do is special, and that other non-artistic professions out there are, well, not. They’re just “regular,” as you put it. I’m not singling you out; it’s a term we hear a lot in the industry: ‘Friends quit music to get regular jobs,’ or ‘When are you going to stop and get a regular job?’ or my favorite, ‘Do you have a regular job that supports your art?’ But I wouldn’t define what I do as irregular or even suggest that other professions are regular. I think both are necessary. I need help from bank tellers, grocery store clerks, Uber drivers, Yoga Instructors, and many other people with talents I don’t possess, and in exchange, they need music, art, and other things to pass the time from people like me. It’s a sort of societal exchange; we all play our part in some form to help one another. My part is that of an artist, and I’ve never considered myself as anything else. I’ve never thought about doing anything else because I simply don’t know how to do anything else. If I were to lose the ability to sing or play an instrument, then I’d be screwed.
Regarding whether I’m happy doing it, the answer is yes.

Conan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been grinding hard on my music career, putting in work as a film composer, hip hop producer, and touring musician. But now, I’m taking things to the next level and crafting my own sound as CON THE ARTIST. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of having my original music placed on Netflix, HBO, MTV, and Apple TV in various shows and feature films.

My music is all about upbeat and catchy melodies with powerful and emotive lyrics that tell my stories. Right now, I’m working on a bunch of new singles and EPs, and I’ve even been accepted into the CFC Music Residency and the Screen Composer Academy. Oh, and did I mention I’ll be working with a 34-piece orchestra in Greece this summer? Yeah, it’s gonna be epic.

I got into this line of work because Jack Black made it look so cool in the movie “School of Rock”. I’m not even kidding, I kinda wish I was. I started drum lessons the day after I watched School of Rock when I was younger and it’s led me to a life of touring, hip hop producing, pop song writing, and now film composing,… I couldn’t tell you which of those I like better because it’s all embedded into my DNA.
When I was a kid my mum would drive and we would listen to Original soundtracks in the car from films like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, & Finding Nemo. I think those car rides helped shaped me in many ways and places a huge part in me pursuing a career in film composing. I’m really enjoying the composing and maybe I’ll find a way to blend it with the pop world some day.

I also recently released my first single called “All My Friends”. It’s a song that I wrote from personal experience about loss and nostalgia. It’s disguised as a catchy pop anthem, but the meaning behind the lyrics runs much deeper. The song touches on the feeling of seeing your friends living their lives without you, often through social media, and the bittersweet realization that the friendships you once cherished have slipped away for various reasons.
Lines like “I miss the stupid late night conversations, or hanging out at birthday celebrations,” paintsa vivid picture of the memories shared and the goodbyes left unsaid. I believe this song will resonate with anyone who’s ever experienced the pain of losing a childhood friend.
Through this song, I come to a realization that I never really got to give my friends a proper goodbye, and I take responsibility for my part in that. It’s a difficult truth to face, but the process of writing and sharing this song has been cathartic for me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It sounds SO simple, but when someone goes out of their way to text you and say “your song is stuck in my head” or tells you that a song helped them get through a hard time, it means the world. Music helps tell stories and becomes a part of people’s lives, and that’s the most special feeling. My old band, Soul Push, and I wrote a song called “Like Vineyards,” which has been the first dance at countless weddings. Being a part of people’s lives like that is special, and I don’t take it for granted.

Being an artist can be isolating – you’re always either trapped in your own head or trapped in a studio. But when you finally share your music, and someone resonates with it, that’s a win. The same goes for film music. You’re not building the soundtrack to someone’s real life, but you’re part of a team that’s creating a world, a way for everyone to escape. I love film music so much I could talk about it for days. To know that you’re part of something greater and connecting with people – that’s what makes it all worth it

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Oh yes, being an artist is a gift, but it’s also a constant struggle. You’re on a continuous journey of self-discovery, and that alone requires you to be adaptable and flexible with your life and art. I’ve had to move countries three times, form and break bands, start side hustles in music like beat-making, open and run studios, be a touring musician, direct music videos, write jingles, and produce for other artists… each one of those was a pivot from something else. I think it’s important to remember that we’re all out here just trying to see what works for us, and we will continue pivoting until we find something that feels authentic. I feel like I’ve finally found it. Or getting close at least.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.contheartist.com & https://www.conanjurek.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contheartist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itscontheartist
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/con_theartist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@contheartist

Image Credits
I do have the rights