Scottish music legend CHRIS CONNELLY presents 'The Lives and Loves of the Serial Homesick, Vol. 1' + video for 'Fini Chagall'

April 6, 2024

"Beautiful timbre and artistic candour... Nobody performs quite like this masterful musical chameleon... impeccable delivery and smoothness" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Chris Connelly has never been an artist of convention... a thematic mirror, Connelly’s songs follow her story – adventurous, controversial, and misunderstood"~ Regen Magazine

"Gently stroking ears with its guitar cast melody... intense beauty. Connelly’s tones as the music are emotion and tension personified, leaving his own mark on the song whilst equally bringing forth an evocative and haunting reverberation" ~ Ringmaster Review

Chicago-based alternative music legend Chris Connelly is back with a new 8-track album. In four decades of making music, since his days with Fini Tribe in Edinburgh, he has consistently pushed the creative envelope, between his involvement in such projects as Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface, his own solo work (with over 20 releases) and the four books he has authored.

This time, he's onto something quite different - something personal that is rooted firmly in his hometown of Edinburgh, which serves as a backdrop to his latest offering 'The Lives and Loves of the Serial Homesick, Vol. 1'. Here, he explores his roots in impressive sonic fashion. Each CD even comes with its own drawing created by Connelly himself. Connelly did earlier visit Edinburgh from a historical perspective on his recent album 'The Birthday Poems' album, featuring Scottish songstress Monica Queen (Belle and Sebastian, Thrum).

"This album serves as an impressionistic view of my life in Edinburgh before I moved to the States, leaving behind what I now realize is unfinished business, unresolved aspirations, like a plant viciously ripped out by the roots and thrown away. Following the death of my mother in 2023, I spent time wandering around the streets on my own, trying to place the melancholy, trying to steal back the essence of joy I felt in my late teens/early 20s, and it inevitably led me to write, which is the way I have always been able to answer my own questions," says Connelly.

"There are 8 songs on this album, each rich with strong feelings of then and now, memories that may or may not be accurate, locations, events, friends and lovers. I want the listener to walk with me quietly through endless days and nights, through the streets of Edinburgh in the early 1980s, over the tenement rooftops, up the hills with cans of Red Stripe and a well stoked hash pipe. Sitting in the Wee Red Bar, Bannermans, The Gilded Balloon, or the Royal Circus. Playing endless nights of music with my beloved Fini Tribe, dancing at the Hoochie Coochie Club."

Chris Connelly has also shared the video for the lead track 'Fini Chagall', which was created by Kimberly Blessing and features original footage of Fini Tribe, taken by Angus Cameron in the 1980s.

"Some of these songs are half submerged in dreams, the locations distorted, the colors heightened, the times fluid. If you knew me back then, and we were pals, you are represented, and thanks for the memories. I no longer live there – life and its commitments have me elsewhere – but I miss it badly and have never felt at home anywhere except Edinburgh, where my soul continues to walk the New Town streets and climb the hills," says Connelly.

"All physical copies of this album come with a unique drawing by myself. They are not copies, they are originals in charcoal and pencil of the memories that surround and thrive at the heart of this album. I sat down over a period of time and just drew, it was visceral, emotional, and a lot of fun.'

In 2022, Connelly released 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico', produced by Chris Bruce (Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, Sheryl Crow). This colossal 20-track collection pays homage to The Velvet Underground's iconic muse and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of modern music.

The album is out now via Shipwrecked Industries, available digitally from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and Bandcamp, where it is also available on CD.

CREDITS
All songs written by Chris Connelly
Chris Connelly - voice, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, sax, percussion, synth, bass, and harmonica
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Recorded at The Rock Noise in September / October 2023
Front cover drawing “Dancing at the Hooch” by Chris Connelly (charcoal and pencil on paper, 2023)
Back cover photograph of the Dean Village by Gillian Whisker
Layout by Kimberly Blessing
Dedicated to the lovers on St. Stephen’s
'Fini Chagall' video by Kimberly Blessing. Fini Tribe footage by Angus Cameron
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon at Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing at Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI

CHRIS CONNELLY presents 'Union Square West' ahead of CD release of 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico'

December 1, 2022

"Connelly, with his beautiful timbre and artistic candour, delivers a haunting and touching rendition of Nico’s music. Nobody performs quite like this masterful musical chameleon and here, he channels her fabulously, honouring her with depth and personability... impeccable delivery and smoothness" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Chris Connelly has never been an artist of convention... a thematic mirror, Connelly’s songs follow her story – adventurous, controversial, and misunderstood"~ Regen Magazine

"Gently stroking ears with its guitar cast melody, the song simultaneously looms up in tension and anxiety... a moment of intense beauty. Connelly’s tones as the music are emotion and tension personified, leaving his own mark on the song whilst equally bringing forth an evocative and haunting reverberation of its original creators" ~ Ringmaster Review

Alternative music legend Chris Connelly presents 'Union Square West', a welcome teaser of his new album 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico', a colossal offering released by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA and Easy Action in the UK. This 20-track collection pays tribute to Nico - iconic muse of The Velvet Underground and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music.

This video was made by Chris himself, recreating Lou Reed’s screen test by Andy Warhol. Connelly notes, "Warhol's FACTORY was located at UNION SQUARE WEST between 67 and 68. This song celebrates the arrival of NICO at the factory and her profound effect on the artists and characters therein".

Connelly also recently shared the video for 'Femme Fatale' created by Iain W. Mutch / Walkerandwilliam in Scotland. Earlier singles include 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance, and 'Ripcord, Ripcord', which Connelly penned about Nico's rape by a military officer and the trauma of being in the rubble of post-war Berlin, both casting a shadow over the rest of her volatile life, creating the haunted spirit of Nico.

'Eulogy to Christa' is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers. Now based in Chicago, this album from the Scottish counter-culture icon sees Connelly purposefully adopt the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

In four decades of making music, since his days with Fini Tribe in Edinburgh, Chris Connelly has over 20 solo releases and frequently collaborates with other musicians, including notable projects like Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface. He has also published four books (poetry, autobiographical and fictional narrative).

Initially planned as an album of 10 Nico covers, Connelly ended up writing additional compositions spanning her life, from her first Jimmy Page-composed single, The Velvet Underground years and her intense and unique solo recordings until her death. Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

On this album, Connelly worked with producer and long-time collaborator Chris Bruce, who is a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello and also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

The album was, in part, inspired by the book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone' by Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to album liner notes, noting “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

The 'Eulogy to Christa' LP is out now digitally, available via Bandcamp, as well as Apple Music and Amazon. The CD version will be released on December 5.

CREDITS
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Chris Bruce: Additional instruments and guitar solo on 'Ripcord'
Sleeve design by Greg Rolfes. Layout by Kimberly Blessing
Nico cover photo by Alastair MacKay (Edinburgh Nite Club, August 1981)
Inside photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt (Tuts, Chicago 1982)
Tray photo of harmonium by Jonah Rubash

Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s

Check Out DERISION CULT CHRIS with CONNELLY (MINISTRY) and REEVES GABRELS (THE CURE) on "Deaf Blood"!!

November 12, 2022

Mercenary Notes Pt 1 EP, Featuring Chris Connelly(Ministry, Pigface), Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, The Cure) and Justin Broadrick (Godflesh), Out December 2, 2022 via GLITCH MODE RECORDINGS!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 9, 2022 - West Chicago Metal Industrial project, led by multi-instrumentalist DAVE MCANALLY, DERISION CULT, has joined forces with MINISTRY'S CHRIS CONNELLY and THE CURE'S REEVES GABRELS on their newest single, "Deaf Blood." Imagined and written by the band, the animated video for "Deaf Blood" was created by ZYGOSLUKSAS at EMPIRE ANIMATION of Vancouver, "Deaf Blood" is the second single off of their upcoming album, which was produced by SEAN PAYNE.

"Chris's lyrics inspired us to create an animated world for the track. The video tells a story of a corrupt corporate mogul who creates a narrative to sell more products through media manipulation and government coercion. It was made by Empire Animation out of Vancouver" - DERISION CULT

Derision Cult is a project by Chicago solo artist Dave McAnally. Dave is an Iowa native and a multi-instrumentalist involved in a number of projects across a range of genres. He’s been featured on releases by Metropolis Records as well as his own imprint South Street Dungeon.

CHRIS CONNELLY presents colossal album 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico'

November 11, 2022

Alternative music legend Chris Connelly presents his new album 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico', a colossal 24-track offering released by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA and Easy Action in the UK, paying tribute to Nico - iconic muse of The Velvet Underground and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music.

Along with this, Connelly presents a new video for 'Femme Fatale' created by Iain W. Mutch / Walkerandwilliam in Scotland. Originally performed to perfection by Nico with The Velvet Underground, this iconic song was penned by Lou Reed.

'Eulogy to Christa' is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers. Now based in Chicago, this album from the Scottish counter-culture icon sees Connelly purposefully adopt the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

Chris Connelly has been creating for circa 40 years. Since his days with Fini Tribein Edinburgh, Chris Connelly has over 20 solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, including notable projects like Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface, while contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. He has also published four books (poetry, autobiographical and fictional narrative).

Initially planned as an album of 10 Nico covers, Connelly ultimately decided to write some additional compositions, spanning her life. The Nico material spans from her first Jimmy Page-composed single and her time with The Velvet Underground to her intense and unique solo recordings up until her death. In song, Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

This follows 'Ripcord, Ripcord', which Connelly wrote surrounding a little known detail about Nico's life - her rape by a military officer while she was a teenager holding an administrative position for the US Army. This incident and the trauma of being in the rubble of post-war Berlin would inform the rest of her volatile life and create the haunted spirit of Nico.

The album's lead track 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance, appeared on Nico's 1967 album 'Chelsea Girl'. Penned by the tragic Tim Hardin about the equally tragic Lenny Bruce but with slightly altered lyrics, Nico's sorrowful delivery is laced with anger at Bruce's death.

On this album, Connelly worked with producer and long-time collaborator Chris Bruce, who is a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello and also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

The album was, in part, inspired by the book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone' by Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to album liner notes, noting “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

As of November 11, this 'Eulogy to Christa' album will be available via Bandcamp, as well as Apple Music and Amazon, coinciding with Connelly's birthday. The CD version will be released on December 4.

CREDITS
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Chris Bruce: Additional instruments and guitar solo on 'Ripcord'
Sleeve design by Greg Rolfes. Layout by Kimberly Blessing
Nico cover photo by Alastair MacKay (Edinburgh Nite Club, August 1981)
Inside photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt (Tuts, Chicago 1982)
Tray photo of harmonium by Jonah Rubash
Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 23 by Chris Connelly
Tracks 9, 11,13, 18, 21, 22, 24 written by Nico (Christa Päffgen)
Track 3 'The Last Mile' written by Oldham / Page
Track 19 'Vegas' written by Nico / Quilichini
Track 6 'Femme Fatale' written by Lou Reed
Track 7 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' written by Tim Hardin

Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s

CHRIS CONNELLY releases 'Ripcord, Ripcord' single on the traumatic turning point in NICO's war-torn life

October 12, 2022

Now based in Chicago, the Scottish counter-culture icon had initially planned to release 10 Nico covers, but Connelly ultimately decided to write a string of additional compositions, spanning her life. This 24-track offering will be released in late autumn by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA and Easy Action in the UK, paying tribute to the iconic The Velvet Underground muse and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music.

Chris Connelly has been creating for circa 40 years. Since his days with Fini Tribein Edinburgh, Connelly has over 20 solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, including notable projects like Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface, while contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. He has also published four books (poetry, autobiographical and fictional narrative).

About 'Ripcord, Ripcord', Connelly comments, "When Nico was in her mid-teens, she worked in a U.S. army office in Berlin. She was raped by an American soldier and the soldier was executed. Some have said this may not have happened. Some have gone so far as to call her a liar. This event and the trauma of being in the rubble of post-war Berlin clearly, in my opinion, helped create the haunted spirit of Nico".

Earlier, Connelly released the lead track 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance. Appearing on Nico's 1967 album 'Chelsea Girl', this song was penned by the tragic Tim Hardin about the equally tragic Lenny Bruce but with slightly altered lyrics. Nico's sorrowful delivery is laced with anger at Bruce's death.

On this album, Connelly worked with producer and long-time collaborator Chris Bruce, who is a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello and also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

'Eulogy to Christa' is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers. This album sees Connelly purposefully adopt the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

The album was also inspired by the book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone'by Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to album liner notes, noting “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

The Nico material spans from her first Jimmy Page-composed single and her time with The Velvet Underground to her intense and unique solo recordings up until her death. In song, Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

As of October 12, 'Ripcord, Ripcord' will be available via Bandcamp. 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' can also be found there, as well as Apple Music and Amazon. The full 'Eulogy to Christa' LP will be released digitally on November 11, coinciding with Connelly's birthday, and is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp. The CD version will be released on December 4.

Connelly's album release show takes place on Thursday, November 10 at Chicago's Gman Tavern. He will be accompanied by Matt Walker, Carolyn Engelmann and other members of Sons of the Silent Age. Tickets can be obtained at http://bit.ly/ChrisConnelly_1110.

SINGLE CREDITS
Written by Chris Connelly
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Chris Bruce: Additional instruments and guitar solo
Sleeve design by Kimberly Blessing
Cover photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s
Video by Kimberly Blessing

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon

CHRIS CONNELLY to release new album dedicated to NICO. Preview first 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce'

September 23, 2022

"Connelly, with his beautiful timbre and artistic candour, delivers a haunting and touching rendition of Nico’s music. Nobody performs quite like this masterful musical chameleon and here, he channels her fabulously, honouring her with depth and personability... impeccable delivery and smoothness" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Chris Connelly has never been an artist of convention... a thematic mirror, Connelly’s songs follow her story – adventurous, controversial, and misunderstood"~ Regen Magazine

Alternative music legend Chris Connelly has released his new single 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', revealing an accompanying video by Emma Kathan. This is the first offering from a new record paying tribute to the iconic Nico, The Velvet Underground muse and one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music.

Now based in Chicago, the Scottish counter-culture icon had initially planned to release 10 tracks, presenting his own versions of her songs, but Connelly then decided to write a string of additional compositions, spanning Nico's life. The result is the 24-track 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico', to be released in late autumn by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA and Easy Action in the UK.

Heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance, 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' appeared on Nico's 1967 album 'Chelsea Girl'. Penned by the tragic Tim Hardin about the equally tragic Lenny Bruce but with slightly altered lyrics, Nico's sorrowful delivery is laced with anger at Bruce's death.

On this album, Connelly worked with producer and long-time collaborator Chris Bruce, who is a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello and also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

'Eulogy to Christa' is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers. This album sees Connelly purposefully adopt the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

“I was not a stranger to her music, I had been playing The Velvet Underground & Nico to death for about a year, but knew nothing of her solo work until Cosey Fanni Tutti played me 'Desertshore' whilst I was visiting her in London in the summer of 1980," says Chris Connelly.

"Nico’s output was spartan. At that age, I didn’t know why, but I was drawn in deep to the myth, as well as the myth of Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground and the concentric rings of influence in their wake, like so many musicians.”

The album was also inspired by the book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone'by Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to album liner notes, noting “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

The Nico material spans from her first Jimmy Page-composed single and her time with The Velvet Underground to her intense and unique solo recordings up until her death. In song, Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

Even the photos of Nico featured in the album artwork have particular significance: the cover shot was taken by author Alastair MacKay from the audience at the Nite Club in Edinburgh in 1981, where a 15-year-old Connelly was also in attendance. The inside photo of Nico was taken in 1982 by Chicago photography legend Howard Goldblatt.

Chris Connelly has been creating for circa 40 years. Since his days with Fini Tribein Edinburgh, Connelly has over 20 solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, including notable projects like Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface, while contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. He has published four books (poetry, autobiographical and fictional narrative).

'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' is now available via Apple Music, Amazon and Bandcamp. The full 'Eulogy to Christa' album will be released digitally on November 11, which also happens to be Connelly's birthday. The album is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp. The CD version of the album will be released on December 4.

Connelly's album release show takes place on Thursday, November 10 at Chicago's Gman Tavern. He will be accompanied by Matt Walker, Carolyn Engelmann and other members of Sons of the Silent Age.
Tickets can be obtained at http://bit.ly/ChrisConnelly_1110.

CREDITS
'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' written by Tim Hardin
'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' published by Spirit Music, copyright Spirit One Music o/b/o Allen Stanton Productions
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Sleeve design by Greg Rolfes
Layout by Kimberly Blessing
Cover photo of Nico by Alastair MacKay
Inside photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s
Video by Emma Kathan

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon

CHRIS CONNELLY to release new album dedicated to NICO. Preview first 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce'

September 12, 2022

**Chris Connelly photos by Shayna Connelly. Nico photos as specified**

Alternative music legend Chris Connelly has announced he will be releasing a long-player paying tribute to the iconic Nico. Originally planned as 10 tracks featuring Connelly’s versions of her songs, once recorded, he decided to write a parallel album of his own compositions, spanning the life of one of the most unique, tragic and misunderstood female artists in the history of music. The result is the 24-track 'Eulogy to Christa: A Tribute to the Music & Mystique of Nico', to be released in late autumn.

Ahead of this, the Chicago-based Scottish counter-culture artist presents the album's first single 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce', heralded by some as Connelly's finest vocal performance. Appearing on Nico's 1967 album 'Chelsea Girl', this song was penned by the tragic Tim Hardin about the equally tragic Lenny Bruce with the lyrics slightly altered, Nico describing her sorrow and anger at Bruce's death.

Connelly once again worked with producer and long-time Connelly collaborator Chris Bruce, a band member of Meshell Ndegeocello, who has also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips.

'Eulogy to Christa' sees Connelly purposefully adopting the personas of Nico, Lou Reed and John Cale – even Andy Warhol makes a cameo!

Connelly speaks of these early influences: “I was not a stranger to her music, I had been playing The Velvet Underground & Nico to death for about a year, but knew nothing of her solo work until Cosey Fanni Tutti played me 'Desertshore' whilst I was visiting her in London in the summer of 1980... Nico’s output was spartan, at that age, I didn’t know why, but I was drawn in deep to the myth, as well as the myth of Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground and the concentric rings of influence in their wake, like so many musicians.”

The album was inspired by the brilliant book 'You Are Beautiful and Your Are Alone' by author Jennifer Otter Bickerdicke, who contributed to the liner notes for the album. She writes, “This is a record to be played at full blast, all the way through, as a commemoration not just to Nico the person, the musician, but to art for art’s sake, for making something because it is important and needs to be done – an idea that is as rare and precious as Nico herself.”

Even the photos of Nico featured in the album artwork have particular significance: the cover shot was taken by author Alastair MacKay from the audience at the Nite Club in Edinburgh in 1981, where a 15-year-old Connelly was also in attendance. The inside photo of Nico was taken in 1982 by Chicago photography legend Howard Goldblatt.

The Nico material spans from her first Jimmy Page-composed single B-side through her time with The Velvet Underground, to her intense and unique solo recordings up until her death. In song, Connelly follows her from Berlin to New York via Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, then back through Paris, London, Edinburgh, Manchester and up to her tragic and needless death in Ibiza.

This is a labour of love, empathy, sadness, acting and channeling, along with Chris’s adoration of the dark corner of rock inhabited by the Velvets and their peers.

Chris Connelly's creations span almost forty years. Since early days with Fini Tribein his native Edinburgh, Connelly has over twenty solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, building on notable projects with Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface and contributing to newer ones such as Cocksureand The Joy Thieves. He has also published four books, encompassing poetry, autobiography, and fictional narrative.

As of September 12, 'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' will be available across digital music platforms, including . The full 'Eulogy to Christa' album' will be released digitally on November 11 by Shipwrecked Industries in the USA andcan already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.. The physical release will happen on December 4 via the same label and also Easy Action in the UK.

To celebrate the release of 'Eulogy to Christa', Connelly will perform tracks from the album with the help of Matt Walker, Carolyn Engelmann and other members of Sons of the Silent Age. Scheduled for Thursday, November 10 at Gman Tavern in Chicago, tickets can be obtained at http://bit.ly/ChrisConnelly_1110.

CREDITS
'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' written by Tim Hardin
'Eulogy to Lenny Bruce' published by Spirit Music, copyright Spirit One Music o/b/o Allen Stanton Productions
Recorded at The Rock Noir July 2021 / January 2022
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording and Mastering
Produced by Chris Bruce
Chris Connelly: Vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonium, harmonica, keyboards, bass
Sleeve design by Greg Rolfes
Layout by Kimberly Blessing
Cover photo of Nico by Alastair MacKay
Inside photo of Nico taken by Howard Goldblatt
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon @ Shameless Promotion PR
Management: Kimberly Blessing @ Shipwrecked Industries
Chris Connelly is published by Bicycle Music/Concord BMI
Dedicated to Nico (Christa Päffgen) 1938 - 1988
For the lovers on St. Stephen’s

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon

CHRIS CONNELLY & MONICA QUEEN present 'The Birthday Poems' LP, celebrating Scottish history & centenary of poet GEORGE MACKAY BROWN

June 14, 2021

"Fans of Róisín Murphy and the latest album from PJ Harvey will be ecstatic about Queen’s performance here, while Connelly’s penchant for sheer melodicism and alternative pop hooks should make this song one of the standout releases of 2021. Together they are simply brilliant and tremendously welcome." ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A feel good rating of 10... brilliant and a delightful surprise. It has us eager to hear more from this duo, willing to learn as the reveal these highly relevant personalities in Scotland’s recent history" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Cracking... ear-catching... marries the worlds of music, literature and the demon drink, something which is never far away from either world... both fun and full of historical resonance" ~ The Swindonian

"Lyrical continent is intriguing, delivery is stunning and production is impeccable, performed by an artist with highly unique vocal stylings. Fans of Róisín Murphy, PJ Harvey, Little Dragon, Swallow and Morrissey should dive right in" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

Alternative music legend Chris Connelly and the incomparable Monica Queen present their collaborative album 'The Birthday Poems', released on June 15 via Jnana Records. Two of the brightest musical personalities to emerge from the Scottish music scene, they have united to celebrate the 100th birthday of Orkney-born poet George Mackay Brown.

This album is a fictionalized account of the romance between celebrated Scottish poet and author George Mackay Brown and his muse Stella Cartwright, as well as Stella's friendship with Edinburgh born poet Stanley Roger Green, spanning three decades (from the mid 1950s until Stella’s tragic and untimely death in 1985).

Named for the poems that George would write for Stella every birthday until she died, 'The Birthday Poems' is a song cycle based on the relationship between these highly signifiant cultural figures of 20th-century Scotland. Stella’s voice is sung by Monica Queen throughout this colossal and historically significant 18-track album.

The album is accompanied by two short films. The video for 'Tae The Poets', featuring swaggering vocals by Connelly, was filmed on location at Chicago’s GMan Tavern and created by photographer Derick Smith and Matt Walker.

The video for 'My Father Took Me Everywhere', starring Monica Queen as Stella, was created by Iain W. Mutch / Walkerandwilliam. Inspired by the 1964 short film 'Palindrome' by Margaret Tait, it features some of the only known footage of Stella Cartwright.

Known as the Muse of Rose Street, Stella had an unique upbringing, which contributed to her love of literature. As a young girl attending Mary Erskine School for Girls in Edinburgh, Stella would ravenously devour literature, art and music. Her father would often take her to bars, parties, the theatre and other social and cultural events, where she would meet and charm Scotland's cultural elite.

This album represents a sometimes overlooked but very important part of Scottish culture. Stella had a deep relationship with Mackay Brown, which turned into a friendship enduring from the 50’s until her death in the ’80’s. It was not always a joyous one - neither of the pair were particularly happy, and their love of whisky did not help.

"While she had relationships with many of the poets who would haunt the bars of Edinburgh's Rose Street during the ’50s and ‘early ’60s, her love of literature, art and culture was insatiable. She was never given credit or encouraged in her own art and expression. I hope that this album illuminates the beautiful treasure that she was, and how hugely significant she is to Scottish literature of a certain era," says Chris Connelly.

"As a child and younger man in Edinburgh, I walked the same streets, drank in the same bars and walked the same hills. I was also lucky enough to be close friends with Stanley Roger Green’s children, who, highly creative in their own ways, greatly informed and inspired my life".

This album was produced by 30-year Connelly collaborator Chris Bruce, a long-time musical partner and band member of Meshell Ndegeocello, who has also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips, amongst others. This album also features strings by Dave Eggar and sax by Levon Henry, as well as contributions by Blake Collins and Phil Faconti.

While Monica Queen fronted 90s band Thrum and released 2 introspective albums with partner John Smillie as Tenement & Temple, she has gained a reputation as Glasgow's guest vocalist of choice. Her formidable voice is widely familiar thanks to her vocal turn on Belle & Sebastian's much-loved 'Lazy Line Painter Jane'.

Spanning almost forty years, Chris Connelly's creations range from the triumphant to the tragic, from the humble to the hilarious - each time promptly moving on to seek his next inspiration. Since early days with FiniTribe in his native Edinburgh, Connelly has over twenty solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, building on notable projects with Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface and contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. As an explorer of art as a broader endeavour has also issued four books, encompassing the realms of poetry, autobiography, and fictional narrative.

As of June 15, 'The Birthday Poems' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music and Spotify. It can also be ordered, on CD and download, directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

Soon Connelly will perform a series of limited-seating shows in Chicago, performing songs from ‘The Birthday Poems’, as well as stories associated with Connelly’s discovery and investigation of the relationship which inspired the album. An online event is also in the works. Links to all events can be found at www.thebirthdaypoems.com.

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Monica Queen
Facebook | Twitter | Press contact

Keep up with Jnana Records
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discogs

CHRIS CONNELLY presents 'My Father Took Me Everywhere' ft MONICA QUEEN

June 1, 2021

"A feel good rating of 10... brilliant and a delightful surprise. It has us eager to hear more from this duo, willing to learn as the reveal these highly relevant personalities in Scotland’s recent history" ~ The Spill Magazine

"A perfect performance... The sauntering beat follows Connelly down the street as he confidently unfurls his storytelling spoken word vocals. The chorus is punctuated with his enthusiastically exclaimed vocals, even as the instrumentation maintains its swaying rhythm" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Cracking... ear-catching... marries the worlds of music, literature and the demon drink, something which is never far away from either world... both fun and full of historical resonance" ~ The Swindonian

"Lyrical content is intriguing, delivery is stunning and production is impeccable, performed by an artist with highly unique vocal stylings. Fans of Róisín Murphy, PJ Harvey, Little Dragon, Swallow and Morrissey should dive right in" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

Two Scottish alternative music legends - Chris Connelly and the incomparable Monica Queen - 'My Father Took Me Everywhere', present the new single from their collaborative album 'The Birthday Poems', to be released on June 15 via Jnana Records.

This album is a fictionalized account of the romance between celebrated Scottish poet and author George Mackay Brown and his muse Stella Cartwright, as well as Stelle's friendship with Edinburgh born poet Stanley Roger Green, spanning three decades (from the mid 1950s until Stella’s tragic and untimely death in 1985).

Named for the poems that George would write for Stella every birthday until she died, 'The Birthday Poems' is a song cycle based on the relationship between these highly signifiant cultural figures of 20th-century Scotland. Stella’s voice is sung by Monica Queen throughout this colossal and historically significant 18-track album.

The video for 'My Father Took Me Everywhere' stars Monica Queen as Stella. Inspired by the 1964 short film 'Palindrome' by Margaret Tait, which features some of the only known footage of Stella Cartwright, this video was created by Iain W. Mutch / Walkerandwilliam.

Kknown as the Muse of Rose Stree, Stella had an unique upbringing, which contributed to her love of literature. As a young girl attending Mary Erskine School for Girls in Edinburgh, Stella would ravenously devour literature, art and music. Her father would often take her to bars, parties, the theatre and other social and cultural events, where she would meet and charm Scotland's cultural elite.

The duo also recently shared the lead track 'Tae The Poets', featuring swaggering vocals by Connelly, the clever video for which was filmed on location at Chicago’s GMan Tavern and created by photographer Derick Smith and Matt Walker.

With 2021 being the 100th birthday of Orkney-born poet George Mackay Brown, this album represents a sometimes overlooked but very important part of Scottish culture. Stella had a deep relationship with Mackay Brown, which turned into a friendship enduring from the 50’s until her death in the ’80’s. It was not always a joyous one - neither of the pair were particularly happy, and their love of whisky did not help.

"While she had relationships with many of the poets who would haunt the bars of Edinburgh's Rose Street during the ’50s and ‘early ’60s, her love of literature, art and culture was insatiable. She was never given credit or encouraged in her own art and expression. I hope that this album illuminates the beautiful treasure that she was, and how hugely significant she is to Scottish literature of a certain era," says Chris Connelly.

"As a child and younger man in Edinburgh, I walked the same streets, drank in the same bars and walked the same hills. I was also lucky enough to be close friends with Stanley Roger Green’s children, who, highly creative in their own ways, greatly informed and inspired my life".

This album was produced by 30-year Connelly collaborator Chris Bruce, a long-time musical partner and band member of Meshell Ndegeocello, who has also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips, amongst others. This album also features strings by Dave Eggar and sax by Levon Henry, as well as contributions by Blake Collins and Phil Faconti.

While Monica Queen fronted 90s band Thrum and released 2 introspective albums with partner John Smillie, she has gained a reputation as Glasgow's guest vocalist of choice. Her formidable voice is widely familiar thanks to her vocal turn on Belle & Sebastian's much-loved 'Lazy Line Painter Jane'.

For almost forty years, Chris Connelly has completed creative pieces ranging from the triumphant to the tragic, from the humble to the hilarious - each time promptly moving on to seek his next inspiration. Since early days with FiniTribe in his native Edinburgh, Connelly has over twenty solo releases. He frequently collaborates with other musicians, building on notable projects with Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigfaceand contributing to newer ones such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves. As an explorer of art as a broader endeavour has also issued four books, encompassing the realms of poetry, autobiography, and fictional narrative.

As of May 31, 'My Father Took Me Everywhere' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music and Spotify. The full album 'The Birthday Poems' will be released on June 15, and can pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

Soon Connelly will perform a series of limited-seating shows in Chicago, performing songs from ‘The Birthday Poems’, as well as stories associated with Connelly’s discovery and investigation of the relationship which inspired the album. An online event is also in the works. Links to all events can be found at www.thebirthdaypoems.com.

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Monica Queen
Facebook | Twitter | Press contact

Keep up with Jnana Records
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discogs

CHRIS CONNELLY and MONICA QUEEN announce collaborative album, preview 'Tae The Poets' single

May 20, 2021

"A feel good rating of 10... this track is brilliant and a delightful surprise. It has us eager to hear more from this duo, willing to learn as the reveal these highly relevant personalities in Scotland’s recent history" ~ The Spill Magazine

"A perfect performance... The sauntering beat follows Connelly down the street as he confidently unfurls his storytelling spoken word vocals. The chorus is punctuated with his enthusiastically exclaimed vocals, even as the instrumentation maintains its swaying rhythm" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

Scottish alternative music legend Chris Connelly and vocalist Monica Queen have announced their collaboration for a new album 'The Birthday Poems', a fictionalized account of the romance between Scottish personalities Stella Cartwright and George Mackay Brown and their friendship with Stanley Roger Green.

'Tae The Poets' is the first song to be revealed from this album, to be released on June 15 via Jnana Records. While Stella’s voice is sung by the incomparable Monica Queen throughout the album, this first taster features vocals by Connelly. The clever video for this song was filmed on location at Chicago’s GMan Tavern and created by Derick Smith, who also handles photography, and Matt Walker.

“A very shy George would visit the Rose Street bars of Edinburgh and nurse a pint, hoping to meet his poetic heroes. When invited to join the throng one night by Sydney Goodsir Smith, George, cripplingly shy, did not accept the offer. It would take a little time, and a few more pints of McEwan’s Heavy, before George became a part of the group himself,” explains Chris Connelly.

Named for the poems that George would write for Stella every birthday until she died, 'The Birthday Poems' is a song cycle based on the relationship between celebrated Scottish poet and author George Mackay Brown and his muse Stella Cartwright. It also addresses the platonic relationship between Stella and the Edinburgh born poet Stanley Roger Green, spanning three decades (from the mid 1950s until Stella’s tragic and untimely death in 1985).

With 2021 being the 100th birthday of Orkney-born poet George Mackay Brown, this album represents a sometimes overlooked but very important part of Scottish culture.

Stella started going out with Mackay Brown, with whom she had a deep relationship that turned into a friendship that endured from the 50’s until her death in the ’80’s. It was not always a happy one - neither of the pair were particularly happy, and their love of whisky did not help.

"While she had relationships with many of the poets who would haunt the bars of Edinburgh's Rose Street during the ’50s and ‘early ’60s, her love of literature, art and culture was insatiable, she was never given credit or encouraged in her own art and expression. I hope that this album illuminates the beautiful treasure that she was, and how hugely significant she is to Scottish literature of a certain era. As a child and younger man in Edinburgh, I walked the same streets, drank in the same bars and walked the same hills. I was also lucky enough to be close friends with Stanley Roger Green’s children, who, highly creative in their own ways, greatly informed and inspired my life," says Chris Connelly.

This album was produced by 30-year Connelly collaborator Chris Bruce, a long-time musical partner and band member of Meshell Ndegeocello, who has also worked with Seal, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, My Brightest Diamond, Cheryl Crow and Sam Phillips, amongst others. This album also features strings by Dave Eggar and sax by Levon Henry, as well as contributions by Blake Collins and Phil Faconti.

While Monica Queen ronted early 90s band Thrum and released a couple of mellow, introspective albums under her own name with her partner John Smillie, she has gained a reputation as Glasgow's guest vocalist of choice. Her formidable voice is now widely familiar thanks to her vocal turn on Belle & Sebastian's much-loved 'Lazy Line Painter Jane'.

For Chris Connelly, art only moves forward. For almost forty years, he has completed creative pieces ranging from the triumphant to the tragic, from the humble to the hilarious - each time promptly moving on to seek his next inspiration.

Since his nascent beginnings with FiniTribe in his native Edinburgh, Connelly has in excess of twenty solo releases, impressing with their beauty, diversity, earnest intent and wit. He is also a frequent and keen collaborator with other musicians, building on long-established projects with Ministry, The Revolting Cocks and Pigface by evolving and contributing to newer collectives such as Cocksure and The Joy Thieves.

As an explorer of art as a broader endeavour has also issued four books, encompassing the realms of poetry, autobiography, and fictional narrative. For Connelly and Queen alike, 'The Birthday Poems' project feels like the beginning in such an exciting way.

As of May 14, 'Tae The Poets' will be available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music and Spotify. The full album 'The Birthday Poems' will be released on June 15, and can pre-ordered at www.thebirthdaypoems.com.

To celebrate the release of this album, Connelly will perform a short run of limited-seating shows in Chicago, two of which have already sold out. 'An Evening with Chris Connelly' will feature performances of songs from ‘The Birthday Poems’, as well as stories associated with Connelly’s discovery and investigation of the relationship which inspired the album. An online event is also in the works. Links to all events can be found at www.thebirthdaypoems.com.

Keep up with Chris Connelly
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Monica Queen
Facebook | Twitter | Press contact

Keep up with Jnana Records
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discogs