Conor Maynard
Conor Paul Maynard (born 21 November 1992) is an English singer-songwriter from Brighton & Hove who is signed to EMI subsidiary, Parlophone. Maynard rose to success in 2012 when he was nominated for, and subsequently won, MTV’s Brand New for 2012 award.[2] His debut single, «Can’t Say No», was released in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2012.
Biography
1992–2011: Early life and career[edit]
Maynard was born in Brighton, England to an office worker mother, Helen and a builder father, Gary. Also he has a younger brother Jack and a younger sister Anna. Anna has appeared in some of Conor’s covers on YouTube, including «Run» and «If I were a girl».[4][5]
On 19 May 2006, Maynard signed up to online video-sharing website YouTube and uploaded his very first video of him singing «Breathe» by fellow British musician Lee Carr.[6] Throughout 2009–present, Maynard uploaded cover versions of songs with rapper and close friend, Anthony «Anth» Melo who resides in Virginia. Together they have covered a variety of songs, including: Chris Brown («Crawl»), Taio Cruz («Dynamite»), Rihanna («Only Girl (In the World)»). Maynard was brought to label attention when American singer/songwriter Ne-Yo watched a cover version of his track «Beautiful Monster» – who contacted the musician soon afterwards, and Ne-Yo became Maynard’s mentor.[7] He signed to EMI/Parlophone and Turn First management.[8] Turn First were responsible for developing the artist.[8] CEO Sarah Stennett told HitQuarters that rather than telling him what songs to sing, they guided him through the songwriting process, finding what music he was listening to and what was inspiring him, and then matched him up with producers The Invisible Men and songwriter Sophie Stern.[8] These sessions eventually resulted in first single «Can’t Say No».[8] Stennett described the song as: «a tastemaker track. It sounded like something he was listening to, which was urban radio.»[8]
In November 2011, Maynard received a nomination for MTV’s Brand New for 2012 award, competing alongside Delilah, Michael Kiwanuka, Lana Del Rey and Lianne La Havas.[9] It was announced on 31 January 2012 that Maynard had been crowned winner of the award, having received approximately 48% of the public vote.[2] February 2012 saw the reveal that Maynard had been signed to label EMI subsidiary, Parlophone in late 2011 and that work would begin in the coming months on his debut studio album, Contrast.[1] Maynard released the music video for his debut single «Can’t Say No» on 1 March 2012,[10] which by September 2012 had already surpassed fourteen million views. The single was met with positive reviews, with Lewis Corner (of Digital Spy) describing it as «playful, fun and immediately leaves you wanting another go»,[11] whilst others compared Maynard to Canadian singer Justin Bieber; both vocally and career-wise. However Conor disputes this claim, saying «I’m not like Justin Bieber.» but recognises that they both gained popularity from being young and from being found through YouTube.
2012–2013: Contrast[edit]
Maynard’s debut single, «Can’t Say No», was released in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2012 – debuting at number two on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending 28 April with 74,792 copies sold.[13] The track also saw chart success in Ireland, where it peaked at number thirteen.[14][15] On 1 May, Maynard released the album track «Drowning» as a free download for any fans who pre-ordered the upcoming studio album, Contrast.[16] On 5 May, he performed «Can’t Say No» at the 7th annual edition of the TRL Awards in Italy.[17] On 9 June 2012, Maynard performed «Can’t Say No» at the Capital Summertime Ball[18] in front of a 80,000 strong crowd.
Maynard released his second single, «Vegas Girl», on 21 July 2012 in the UK – it debuted and peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. On 30 July, he released Contrast, which debuted at number 1 on the UK Album Chart on 11 August 2012. The album sold only 17,000 copies in its debut week.
Maynard then released the third single from the album «Turn Around» which featured Ne-Yo, it peaked at number 8 on the UK singles chart.
2013: Take Off and new album[edit]
It was revealed in June 2013 that Maynard would release a book offering fans an insight into his rise to fame titled Take Off. It will be released in October 2013.[19] Maynard is currently preparing for the release of his second studio album. He has promised a new sound for the album[20] and has confirmed that he has worked with Labrinth and Travie McCoy on the album.[21] On 23 August, Maynard confirmed that his new single would be called «R U Crazy», which was produced by Labrinth.[22] The song premiered on radio on 27 August, as well as the music video appearing later that day.[23]
