Conor Donohue’s upcoming album, Stray Dogs (10/11), is a testament to his evolution as an artist. It blends gritty charm with poetic introspection in a way that defies genre constraints. The album’s sound is as diverse as New Orleans itself, with Donohue noting, “Someone recently called this record genreless, and it’s true. We served each song individually for what they needed, and somehow, the whole record still sounds cohesive.” This approach has resulted in a collection that’s as varied and vibrant as the Crescent city itself.
For Donohue, the creation of Stray Dogs was more than just a musical endeavor—it was a journey of personal growth and healing. Dealing with health issues and chronic pain, he found himself on a path of self-discovery that infused the album with raw honesty and emotional depth. “I started seeing a functional medicine doctor and really focusing on my health/healing my body,” Donohue reveals, a process that clearly influenced his songwriting and performance.
Recorded between Charleston and New Orleans, Stray Dogs features a stellar cast of musicians, including long-time collaborators Tyler Ross as engineer and on lap steel, Ron Wiltrout on drums and George Barraeis on bass. Their contributions provide a solid foundation for Donohue’s sonic explorations, allowing each track to develop its unique character while maintaining a cohesive album feel. Produced by Joel T. Hamilton and Emily Eck, this collection of songs offers a raw, honest exploration of life, love, and healing against the backdrop of New Orleans’ vibrant musical landscape.
“Wasteland,” the album’s opening track, sets the tone for Stray Dogs with its blend of literary inspiration and rock sensibilities. Drawing from Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth” and T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land,” Donohue crafts a powerful commentary on modern existence. The song’s genesis in the summer of 2020, recorded with masks on and a readiness to “rip,” speaks to the album’s creation during a time of global uncertainty.
“Hold on to That Feeling” emerged from a moment of creative urgency, with Donohue nearly tripping in his rush to capture the melody. The song’s message of living in the moment, whether good or bad, resonates throughout the album. Donohue’s vocal performance here marks a new chapter in his artistry, with producer Joel T. Hamilton pushing him “up into a new galaxy” with his vocal range.
“Elephants” holds a special place in Donohue’s repertoire, being the first song he and Hamilton worked on together back in 2011. Its inclusion on Stray Dogs in a reimagined form showcases Donohue’s willingness to revisit and reinvent his work. The song’s evolution from a bedtime composition to a staple of his live shows, and now to this newly recorded version, mirrors Donohue’s artistic journey.
At the heart of Stray Dogs lies “Shape of Your Hand,” Donohue’s attempt at crafting a straightforward love song. “It’s for my sweet, sweet lady. The love of my life,” Donohue reveals. The track celebrates a non-traditional relationship path, perfectly encapsulating the album’s theme of finding beauty in life’s messy realities. Emily Eck’s production shines here, with a backward Wurlitzer track adding depth to the lap steel solo, creating a sonically rich ode to enduring love.
These four tracks epitomize the range and depth of Stray Dogs. From the tenderness of “Shape of Your Hand” to the societal commentary of “Wasteland,” the in-the-moment ethos of “Hold on to That Feeling” to the career-spanning significance of “Elephants,” Donohue demonstrates his growth as a songwriter and his ability to craft songs that resonate on multiple levels.Drawing inspiration from artists like Tom Waits and The Beatles, Donohue has crafted a collection of songs that defy easy categorization. Stray Dogs is an invitation to join him on a journey through the heart of New Orleans – a beautifully messy, genre-defying exploration of life, love, and healing in one of America’s most captivating cities.
PAST PRESS
“It’s a pastoral folksong with a garage-Americana heart.” – Rolling Stone Country
““Feel That Hit” is an upbeat, psych-beach rock song about trying to get yourself out of a funk, in various ways, but nothing works until the doctor “takes out his bag and breaks me off a little sunshine.” – Extra Chill
“Donohue has a way with words that bring to mind the likes of John Prine and Guy Clark.” – Americana UK
“Sometimes, the best way to gauge the talent of an artist is to ask his peers. And in the case of singer-songwriter Conor Donohue, who left Charleston for New Orleans last year, the praise rings impressive.” – Charleston Magazine