Chósta (pronounced Coast - ah) is the moniker of Conor Kelly. The Irish electronic producer and artist from the seaside Dublin town of Donabate makes music inspired by his coastal surroundings.
He returns with his brand-new single ‘That Object Spoke to Me’ which has a dreamy, melancholic feel to the downtempo, electronica production. The track will feature on his forthcoming debut album, Twilight Transmission, to be released early 2023.
We sat down with Chósta to discuss his music and much more. Here is what he had to say:
Hey Chósta, welcome to FLEX! How are you?
I’m good!
Congratulations on your latest single 'That Object Spoke to Me’ - what inspired this particular track?
Cheers! I made this track in early 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Ireland was in a lockdown and I was re-watching Anthony Bourdain’s show ‘Parts Unknown’. In one episode he visited Tangier and retraced the steps that William Burroughs would’ve taken when writing his novel ‘Naked Lunch’. I subsequently read that book and became interested in his ‘cut-up’ technique for writing, which I found was quite similar to how I made music. The vocal sample at the beginning is from an interview with Burroughs discussing it. So I guess in a roundabout way, Tony Bourdain is to thank for all this.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Most of my music is quite sample based and I used to be self-conscious that my lack of playing ability would be found out eventually. That Burroughs interview put me at ease and got me inspired.
And do you have to be in a certain mood to write?
Not really, but I find the best stuff seems to come when I’m in a relaxed state. But that doesn’t always occur.
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Yes. My brother Adam is a sick videographer and editor, so the plan is to have a video ready soon.
How was the recording and writing process?
The track is a collaboration with Jape (AKA Riche Egan). I sent him an instrumental in an email, he sent me back another take with vocals and other elements added, and we traded versions over a few months before settling on the final piece. It was my first time collaborating and one I really enjoyed.
For viewers that don’t know Chósta, how would you describe your sound?
My sound is definitely quite melancholy, which comes as a surprise to people who meet me. I am quite a mellow guy though, but I guess it only really comes out in the music.
What’s the music scene like where you live?
Dublin has a thriving music scene despite the best efforts of the city council to crush any semblance of culture. I’m sure every generation says this, but we have so much talent across all genres of music and art. Sadly there’s fewer and fewer venues and spaces left as our city’s planners seem to think tourists will continue to visit the ever expanding number of hotels in spite of them destroying every fucking shred of heritage and history.
And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren't writing or recording in the studio?
Three F’s. Films, food and football. I watch a lot of films, enjoy cooking and spend most Friday evenings in Tolka Park supporting my football team Shelbourne.