2nd October 2024
Catch Me As I Fall: 40 years in the making!
“I wrote the song in February 1984 and recorded this Macrowasp version exactly 40 years to the month later in 2024! The clips of distant voices you hear at the beginning are me and my buddy Paul aged around 16 singing the same song on a cassette recorded in the mid 80’s. So if it sounds like we are calling out from the mists of time – we actually are!”
27th September 2024
Killa Cassette by Macrowasp is here!
Conrad’s electro-pop alter-ego inspired by the 80’s and 90’s brings you a new 6-song EP – Killa Cassette!
Here’s quick link to hear clips and find it on your favourite streaming platforms.
3rd September 2024
From Conrad’s Vault #4: More Than Words
In the mid-nighties, guitar bands were back, as was a trend in unplugged bands bringing acoustic music back into fashion. Conrad’s duo Mind The Gap capitalised on this playing pubs, clubs and parties in the Essex area. This is their version of Extreme’s More Than Words.
30th August 2024
From Conrad’s Vault #3: Jasmine Told Me
Conrad will always say that he was listening to way too much Lenny Kravitz when he wrote this! Starting life as a song he wrote for The Mighty Llamas in 1991, a pop version was recorded by Johnson and De Souza in 1994 before it became a staple in their set for guitar pop/rock band Bark! Recorded on their album Bonafido in 1999, this is Jasmine Told Me.
12th August 2024
From Conrad’s Vault #2: Want To Talk It Over?
Taking you back to 1991, when Conrad was fresh out of University and joined The Mighty Llamas on guitar. He found that much of the material he’d written while away didn’t quite suit the band so he started from scratch giving birth to upbeat funky tunes like this!
8th August 2024
From Conrad’s Vault #1: The Hands Of Time
Before some new material arrives in September, the summer seems a good to time to reminisce. ‘From Conrad’s Vault’ is a series of reels on social media taking you back to songs Conrad has performed solo or with bands and duos throughout his musical life.
Kicking off with his song – The Hands Of Time, written originally during his time with The Mighty Llamas, but coming of age as the first tune recorded with duo Johnson and De Souza in 1993.
23rd November 2023
Dematerialising on a planet near you…
Conrad is a big Sci-Fi fan and known to be more than a little obsessive about long running TV show Doctor Who! Always looking for an excuse to fire up his virtual band Macrowasp, here’s a tune and video to celebrate 60 years of the Doctor and his time travelling TARDIS.
26th August 2023
Tunes don’t always turn out as you expect!
Turning Point started life a some ‘classic Conrad’ Guitar Pop but somewhere between writing and recording it – it pivoted in a different direction. One day whilst rolling around in Conrad’s head the song developed that classic upbeat with tambourine and started with a hook played on horns! Check out the before and after on this reel about ‘Making It Motown’!
19th August 2023
Learn to be kinder to yourself…
‘Out Of Your Head’ is about mental health. We all struggle with it from time to time, some more than others. It’s a song about tolerance, being kinder to ourselves, believing things will be better and being supportive of those in pain. The new full length video is out today.
14th August 2023
Won’t You Turn Around? Well yes…but it’s taken 40 years!
This is a song Conrad scribbled 40 years ago in his bedroom when he should have been doing his homework! With a little tweaking it has eventually seen the light of day. With a distinctly summer vibe, you can hear it in all its glory on the new ‘Feel Like You’ EP. Here’s a quick promo reel …
4th August 2023
Out of Time – A timey-wimey tune.
Sometimes Conrad comes up with ideas for novels or short stories that he never gets round to writing! It’s unusual for these to pivot into song ideas but there’s always an exception like this! This is just the promotion reel, but you can see the full video here.
28th July 2023
Feel Like You is out today!
They say that releasing new music into the sea of creators these days is like hollering into the abyss! Well, after all this time, Conrad is still hollering! Whether 1 listener or 1 million listeners hear – every listen is valued.
‘Out Of Your Head’ is the opening track on the new EP and here’s a little sample:
23rd July 2023
What are those squiggles on the cover of Feel Like You?
Well, they’re actually different types of brainwaves. One of those things that makes us who we are and makes you ‘Feel Like You’! This promo reel tells you which type is which (in case your curious)…..
21st July 2023
New music from Conrad is just a week away
After many months of work plus countless listens and tweaks during the post-production process, Conrad’s new EP ‘Feel Like You’ is out on 28th July 2023 – Phew! There are five original songs to lend your ears to. Four of them are squarely ‘classic Conrad’ guitar pop tracks, but at the end there’s a twist with a Motown homage. You’ll be able to stream and download it at all the usual places from next Friday. We can’t wait for you to hear it!
26th April 2023
Macrowasp rises!
A new EP of songs from Conrad is coming later this year, but in the meantime he has been in experimental mode in the studio with his virtual band Macrowasp. Is this tune funky enough for you?
17th March 2023
It’s been a minute…
Although Conrad and Annie’s duo Fully Re-Covered tried to keep you entertained during the pandemic with madcap videos, it’s been almost 4 years (Yes! 4 years!) since they’ve performed live and brought their harmonies and mash-ups to audiences acoustic style. Now they’re back. Here’s a few clips of their comeback performance at the Shiish restaurant in Halstead, Essex. Catch them there in April and May for further gigs detailed on the Live page.
4th August 2022
Practice makes perfect!
It’s been a while, which normally means Conrad’s tucked away being creative. He’s started work on not one, but two EP’s and something for a new Macrowasp video (for next year). There’s lots of back room stuff on the go and here’s a little phone snippet of him rehearsing harmonies on the hoof for a brand new tune….
9th April 2022
And that’s the Whole Point…
Direct from ConradDeSouzaMusic Central, where the magic happens, this is my version of Paul Weller’s magnificent ‘The Whole Point II’ from his 80’s Style Council days. This was exactly the type of tune that inspired the songwriting on my recent Look Closer release. Only fitting that I recorded it as bonus track for the EP.
Fun fact: I once adapted this tune into a jingle for my Hospital Radio jazz show in 1985, but I will NOT be posting that any time soon!
2nd April 2022
‘Moral Dilemmas’ caught me up 34 years later!
It’s fascinating to look back and remember where songs originated. Sometimes their beginnings can be from pure imagination and sometimes they are grounded fully and emotionally in real life. This song is certainly the latter.
“It was an evening in 1988 when I sat across a pub table from a friend who had just been through the harshest of break-ups. Over the course of the night and several pints, this is the story he told me…”
17th March 2022
Lonely Girl
A new lyric video for the opening tune on the Look Closer EP is out today.
Lonely Girl is a smooth 80’s inspired jazz-pop song that very much captures the tone of of new EP.
4th March 2022
Time to Look Closer!
The new EP is out today!
Look Closer is a little different to other releases from Conrad. A little more stripped back and jazzy, with unashamedly upfront vocals.
From mellow to melancholy, this 5 track EP leans on jazz-pop influences from the 1980’s like The Style Council and Everything But The Girl. But stop reading and start listening! It’s time to take a closer look at Look Closer…
You can hear in on Spotify below or click here to access your preferred streaming app.
3rd March 2022
Another Broken Dream
Ahead of tomorrow’s release of the new ‘Look Closer’ EP, here’s the video for Another Broken Dream.
Typical of the stripped back, jazzy style of the EP, it’s a mellow and melancholy tune of unrequited love.
18th February 2022
Conrad’s new EP gets a release date
‘Look Closer’ will be out to stream and download on 4th March 2022!
It’s a little different to what you’ve heard before, but more to come on that…
22nd January 2022
For one night only…Tequila!
After an 8 year hiatus, Tequila returned to the stage for a private event with Conrad dusting off his trusty Rickenbacker!
Nothing like Rock’n’Roll with old friends!
23rd December 2021
Seasons Greetings! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for listening, watching and streaming Conrad this year! Here’s a bite of this old chestnut (that hasn’t been roasting on an open fire!). The Spotify link is here if you want to add it to your Christmas playlist.
New music to come in 2022 so I hope you’ll stick around and enjoy it with us!
28th September 2021
007? Choose me!
Conrad wrote the ‘The Next James Bond’ in the mid 2000’s, somewhere during the handover between Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. In fact, a quick lyric change from ‘Pierce’ to ‘Daniel doesn’t want the job anymore’ was needed before the song was recorded. It was originally released 12 years ago on the ‘Strawberry Yoga’ CD in 2009 and was later his first single to be widely released digitally on Spotify and other platforms in 2014. Fitting that as we enter a new James Bond transition with Daniel Craig’s last movie, one of Conrad’s best loved tunes makes a welcome return with a brand new ‘tongue in cheek’ lyric video!
31st August 2021
We’re back baby!!
August saw Conrad return to performing live on guitar with his pals Frog On A Rocket after a 20 month COVID-enforced hiatus! There was a blend of nervousness and excitement, but it was great to be back and the band was a tight and rockin’ as ever!
Check out the Live page to see where you can catch Conrad during the remainder of 2021
30th July 2021
The ‘Being Ernest’ EP is out today!
An upbeat yet introspective set of 4 guitar pop songs in Conrad’s recognisable style.
Click here to choose the music platform that right for you and stream away!
29th July 2021
Who’s Ernest? What’s he doing in the coffee shop?
Just a day to go before the ‘Being Ernest’ EP is released and we’re heralding it with the release of a lyric video for its title track ‘Ernest In The Coffee Shop’. Watch it here or on all the Conrad’s social media sites!
14th July 2021
Something new just around the corner…
You don’t have to wait long for some new tunes from Conrad this summer! His new ‘Being Ernest’ EP is released on 30th July 2021 to stream and download. We can’t wait for you to hear it!
30th June 2021
While you wait…
There will be more new music from Conrad in July with the release of his forthcoming EP, but until then, why not immerse yourself in some of his previous Guitar Pop tunes?
Keep your ears busy with this new playlist on Spotify!
21st May 2021
‘I Call Your Name’ is released today!
Catch it on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and other music platforms to stream or download.
20th May 2021
New lyric video for ‘I Call Your Name’
Ahead of its release to stream and download on all major platforms from 21st May, here is the new lyric video for Conrad’s Beatles cover!
Spot the Beatle related locations and situations in this little nostalgic trip!
17th May 2021
‘I Call Your Name’ is out on Friday 21st May
What started as a little lockdown challenge, gets released on Friday as Conrad’s first single of the year. It’s unusual for Conrad to release a cover version over original material (outside of Fully Re-Covered of course), but The Beatles always get special treatment!
Conrad spent hours in his early teens jamming and singing along to Beatles rock ‘n’ roll records like ‘I Call Your Name’ while he learned his way around the guitar, which made recording this, all these years later, rather a labour of love.
You can stream and download the tune from this Friday, but look out for the accompanying lyric video, both here and on social media from Thursday.
6th May 2021
Tuck into a pot of Strawberry Yoga…again!
In 2009, Conrad released his second solo album on CD. ‘Strawberry Yoga’ contained favourite tunes like ‘The Next James Bond’ and ‘Four Martini Flight’. It’s been re-mastered and will be available for the first time in its original form on streaming and download platforms from May 14th.
Here’s the original artwork that you won’t see when you stream it…
5th May 2021
Definitely Unfinished Business…
Following the breakup of Conrad’s last original material band ‘Bark!’, he went solo and released two albums in the 2000’s. These were only issued on CD, although some of the tracks later appeared on his compilation ‘Random Acts Of Creation’. However, to complete his digital discography, these have been re-mastered and are now being released on all streaming and download platforms from May 14th!
The downside with digital distribution is the lack of album artwork which forms such a essential aesthetic on CDs and LPs, so here’s what you’re missing for ‘Unfinished Business’, first released back in 2005.
1st May 2021
It’s been a while, but Spring brings some new music!
After a winter of lockdown and no gigs, the upside for Conrad was plenty of studio time!
There’s loads of new stuff to come in 2021, but he’s kicking off with a single release in May!
For a change it’s a cover version and the bass in the photo should be a big clue for the band he’s covering.
18th February 2021
Excited? We’re Not. (But it doesn’t mean we can’t smile about it)
Conrad’s latest tune with lyric video is out to view now. It’s pretty difficult coming up with inspiration for new songs when you can’t go out, see people and have new experiences, but it’s not impossible!
Trying to capture our feelings during lockdown and having a little laugh at ourselves, hopefully offers some light in these dark days.
Enjoy this topical tune while we’re all ‘Staying In Again’
23rd December 2020
There will be a better time…but til then, stay safe and have a peaceful holiday season!
In a year where Conrad hasn’t even seen a stage, thank you for listening and watching online. It seems only appropriate to round off the year with he and Annie as Fully Re-Covered in madcap costume again. We hope we spread some cheer amid the bleakness and wish you a peaceful, joyful and above all healthy holiday season.
22nd November 2020
The only upside to another UK lockdown is…
More Fully Re-Covered! Annie and Conrad take on rock giants in ‘Guns ‘n’ Who’ as they mash up in their now infamous style.
No crazy costumes and make-up for this one! They’re trying to convince you that they can actually be serious musicians!!
8th November 2020
Here Bee 4 is out now!
You can stream and download the new digital EP from Conrad and Macrowasp from today.
Here’s a taster of what to expect as Macrowasp return!
2nd November 2020
Preview ‘Make.Some.Noise.’ from the new Macrowasp Digital EP
Macrowasp tunes are usually a bit quirky and humorous, but sometimes it’s good to break the mould. Make.Some.Noise. carries a message. Beware of apathy and beware of retreating behind endless, sometimes misleading social media posts.
“You can’t solve every problem on Instagram, it’s time to put your hand up and make a stand”
When the opportunity comes to make your voice heard…take it!
29th October 2020
The new Macrowasp digital EP gets a release date and a name!
Conrad and Macrowasp’s new 4 song EP is called ‘Here Bee 4’ and will be available to stream and download from 8th November 2020!
Stand by for a preview track ahead of the release on the 2nd of of November and listen here or on Conrad’s Facebook and Twitter feeds!
22nd October 2020
The distant buzz of… new Macrowasp!
It’s been a while since you heard from Conrad’s virtual electro-pop outfit Macrowasp, but the wait is almost over.
Brace yourselves for a new digital EP of four tunes out to stream and download in November.
It’s a mix of new, with a vintage hint of the familiar so get ready to Make.Some.Noise.
More updates soon!
2nd October 2020
Bark! Bonafido the 20th Anniversary Remaster – Out today!
It’s time to take a trip back to the year 2000 and find out what Conrad was up to 20 years ago. Too good to be contained on little discs in perspex boxes, Bark!’s Bonafido is at last available to download and stream.
It was an exciting time when their lives resembled a Monopoly board and they buried their bellies way beneath the sand. Curious? Check it out!
23rd September 2020
A trip down memory lane
Conrad’s been a bit quiet of late while he hunkered down in his studio to remaster an old favourite.
Back in 2000, he, as part of the 4-piece band Bark!, released an album Bonafido with 14 original tracks. It was recorded over a period of months in Willesden, London at Stepping Stone Studios.
Proud of the result they self-released the CD in the days before downloading and streaming took hold.
This being the 20th Anniversary of its release, seemed a perfect time to clean it up and remaster it for digital release, making it available on Spotify, Apple and other online music platforms for the first time.
If you remember Bark! it’s a trip down memory lane and if not, its a chance to discover some cracking guitar rock/pop tunes for the first time.
Bark! Bonfido will be available to stream and download from the 2nd of October 2020!
7th August 2020
LIFE IS (here and) NOW!
Conrad’s latest digital EP is out today containing 4 original songs that see him go back to his guitar pop roots.
You can listen to a taster here or head to the Music page to hear it on Spotify. (It’s also available on most other digital music platforms including Apple, Amazon and YouTube if that’s your thing!)
31st July 2020
Out on Friday 7th August 2020
It’s official! Conrad’s new digital EP has a release date!
From next Friday you can stream and download 4 new songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and most other online music platforms.
When Friday arrives…don’t procrastinate…Life Is Now!
24th July 2020
New music from Conrad is just round the corner!
Heads-up! A digital EP from Conrad is coming soon with 4 original tunes. More details and release date to follow shortly!
15th June 2020
It’s so Spicy it’s Unbelievable! Fully Re-Covered are back!
You wondered whether they could follow-up their last Eurythmics vs. Britney Spears triumph and they accepted the challenge. So what happens when the Spice Girls meet EMF in this all-90’s mash-up? A lot of fun, that’s what!
22nd May 2020
What is Darth Vader vs. Batman really about?
Darth Vader vs. Batman and its comic book video have proved more popular than we could have imagined, now notching up over 40,000 views on Facebook alone. The keen eyed who have read the lyrics, might have gathered that it’s not actually about a fight between Darth Vader and Batman, but more about how we are perceived by others to be a hero or villain depending on the circumstances.
Conrad explains what inspired him to write it.:
“Much as music is a major part of my life, I’m also a business consultant by day with expertise in a number of areas including Risk Management. I can sense that some of your eyes are glazing over and you are doing your best to stifle a yawn, but believe me the job has had its moments of high pressure and nail biting!
One of the things I’ve noticed about being a Risk Manager over the years is that people can view you differently depending on the circumstances. During routine business, when you’re the person trying to explain the rules and processes to avoid things going wrong, you’re often looked at as the villain. You’re seen to be the guy who’s there to slow things down and is putting up hurdles for the team to jump. I’ve had situations, where I’ve walked into a meeting room and felt the mood change, as people tense us up a little and try desperately to hide their expression of ‘what’s he doing here?’. I’ve actually diffused this in the past by making a joke about me striding into the room with my black cloak flapping behind me. In fact, the original scribbled lyrics to Darth Vader vs. Batman were titled ‘Black Cloak’.
This attitude is contrasted completely in the situation were something actually does go wrong at work. The Risk Manager swoops in to provide sage advice and practical help on how to handle the matter and bring resolution. Words such as ‘thank goodness you’re here’ and ‘I don’t know what we would have done without you’ are uttered. The black cloak now belongs to Batman and not Darth Vader as the office has a new hero!
So I wrote the song about these two sides of the same coin. Before you ask, yes, I have had a light sabre sound effect on my phone – and yes, I’ve certainly dispatched some justice in board rooms over the years. As for my wife sowing up my kevlar cape, not exactly, but she’s certainly reattached a suit button on many an occasion over the years to compensate for my inadequacy with a needle and thread!”
14th May 2020
Making connections in the most difficult times!
It’s wonderful that music can help make connections in such difficult times when people can feel so isolated. Both the Darth Vader vs. Batman and the Fully Re-Covered Lockdown Session videos have been viewed by tens of thousands of people around the world in the last couple of weeks! Annie and Conrad even got some radio airplay on Phoenix FM’s Eat My Brunch show (thank you Michelle Ward!).
It’s been great to be able to reach out, spread a little joy and feel like you are making some little impact in your own way. We’ve even raised a few quid for NHS Charities along the road. Thanks to everyone who’s been following our musical adventures!
7th May 2020
Sweet Dreams Britney…its another Lockdown Session!
Conrad and Annie’s brand new Lockdown Session video from their acoustic duo Fully Re-Covered is out today.
Earlier this week you had Conrad’s Darth Vader vs. Batman release, but now watch a new battle of Annie Lennox vs. Britney Spears as Fully Re-Covered take on a couple of 80’s and 90’s pop classics.
More fun to lighten the lockdown and hopefully put a smile on your faces!
4th May 2020
Darth Vader vs. Batman is out today!
Conrad’s new single released on ‘Star Wars Day’ (of course!), is now available to stream and download on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other digital platforms.
You can also enjoy the comic book video that accompanies it right here…
30th April 2020
May the fourth be with you! New single out on 4th May 2020
Conrad’s new tune ‘Darth Vader vs. Batman’ is out on the 4th of May. Catch the great new lyric video on Facebook and Twitter and stream or download the single from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many other digital distributors!
27th April 2020
More Fully Re-Covered…because lets face it, we all need a laugh!
If you enjoyed the last Lockdown Sessions video, boy do Annie and Conrad have a treat for you. Keep your eyes and ears open for a new hilarious video coming soon! A fab mash-up of two pounding 80’s and 90’s tunes given a Fully Re-Covered re-working.
16th April 2020
New Single – Coming Soon!
Our unexpected and enforced captivity has its upsides. Conrad is bringing forward a planned single release to keep you entertained in these trying times! From his forthcoming album, it’s got that quirky and humorous angle you’ve all come to expect. Stay tuned for more details and for a release date. We won’t keep you waiting long!
15th April 2020
The Lockdown Sessions continue!
After the fab reception to Everybody’s Talkin’ on social media, Annie and Conrad up their game this time round with a Lockdown Session video of one of their favourite sixties mash-ups. The Box Tops and the Zombies get the Fully Re-Covered treatment this time. Armed with only 2 iPhones, 2iMacs and Dropbox, our intrepid Acoustic Adventurers continue to lighten up your lockdown with this…
8th April 2020
Lightening Up The Lockdown
Following Conrad’s rather random acoustic outburst of ‘Everybody’s Talkin” comes this! Taking a break from recording his album, he’s taken to bouncing audio tracks across the internet during the COVID-19 lockdown, to work remotely with Fully Re-Covered musical buddy Annie Humphrey on some acoustic covers. Everyone could do with a smile about now, right? Stay home. Stay safe. Look after each other!
13th March 2020
Everybody’s Talkin’ (No! Not about the Coronavirus!)
Self Isolation after his Thailand trip seems to have made Conrad burst into random Acoustic Covers. Harry Nilsson’s classic tune appears to have taken the brunt of it!
29th January 2020
Future Fun and Past Pinnacles
There are some great new tunes and a sneaky celebratory re-release planned for 2020 so keep your ears pinned back. In the meantime, there’s a bulging back catalogue to keep you entertained here on Spotify plus Apple Music and Amazon. Even if you’re a Free Spirit who doesn’t subscribe to any of those, we’ve got you covered on SoundCloud, where you can just click and play!
17th December 2019
Driving Home for (Last) Christmas
No, it’s not some festive timey-wimey paradox, it’s what happens when someone gives Conrad a Santa hat and a guitar!
10th December 2019
You know when its officially Christmas at Conrad De Souza Music!
Look, we’re well into Advent now and that means its time to roll out Conrad’s Christmas tune again! If you’re looking for something new to add to Slade and Bing on your Christmas Playlist you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon!
25th October 2019
Today is officially ‘Catsuit Day’!
The new ‘Kick Ass’ video from Macrowasp is out today. Catch up with a thrilling musical adventure starring Conrad, Macrowasp and the indomitable Emma Squeal!
Paying tribute to those amazing women of Cult Fiction…
How are YOU gonna use it?
19th October 2019
Are you ready for Emma Squeal?
The lyric video for Macrowasp’s new tune is was completed yesterday. Are you ready for for the cheeky cult tv vibe we’re about to unleash? Stand by for action!
12th October 2019
How are YOU gonna use it?
You might see these starting to creep up on you on social media. Signs that some cheeky new Macrowasp is round the corner!
21st September 2019
Frog on a Rooftop!
An outdoor gig with Frog On A Rocket is always a pleasure. Here’s the stage view from the roof of the White Hart Pub in Witham, Essex at their Gin and Cider Festival. The crowd provided robust backing vocals to ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’!
31st July 2019
RIP Johno Johnson 1962-2019
A message from Conrad:
“Anyone who has followed my musical ventures or checked out the History page of this site will know that Martin ‘Johno’ Johnson, played a large part in my musical life in the 1990’s. He was my fellow guitarist in The Mighty Llamas ,where he would regularly astound us with amazing guitar breaks and kept us in stitches of laughter through rehearsals and gigs. He wrote the brilliant song ‘Driving Alone’ and it was his thumpingly catchy guitar riff that gave rise to one of the Llama’s favourite and most popular tunes ‘Emotional Souls’.
He was hugely encouraging of my songwriting and singing and when the Llamas parted ways, we had a weekly appointment in his living room with a 4-track recorder making demos, while he (I kid you not!) built a recording studio in his back garden. Analogue and midi equipped, we spent the mid-nineties knocking out some great tracks as ‘Johnson & DeSouza’. Johno largely took on the producer’s role and I credit him as my mentor in the Home Recording department way before Digital Audio Workstations like Logic came along. He showed me what to watch out for, how to get the best results and how to always put the song first no matter what exciting tech you had at hand.
When my itch to play live again returned and James Cowan and I managed to put together enough songs for our ‘Mind The Gap’ acoustic duo, Johno was instantly enthusiastic! He loved the whole concept of two guys, two guitars, bashing out new tunes from the current Britpop infested charts and some old classics with tight vocal harmonies and a lot of energy. It wasn’t long before we were recording a demo in his back garden studio and Johno was out finding us our first gigs and cobbling together a PA for us using assorted gear from his garage. On stage Mind The Gap was duo, but in truth, at the start, we were trio, with Johno pitching up to every gig with the PA and sitting out front with a mixer as our sound engineer. Those are some of my most fun and favourite musical memories.
I hadn’t seen much of Johno in recent years, but I know he was forever the mentor who couldn’t contain his love of music and the guitar while working at Peach Guitars in Colchester and still blowing people away with those amazing rockabilly riffs of his.
Sadly Johno lost his hard fought battle with cancer and passed away at the age of just 57.
You left us too soon mate! However, you won’t be forgotten and you’ll live on in the knowledge you imparted and those great memories (and recordings!) of our musical adventures.
We will all miss you, but the afterlife just got a serious injection of rockbilly! Rest in peace my friend.”
28th July 2019
‘Holliedays’ at Bar Vino for Fully Re-Covered
Okay, Annie and Conrad are usually mashing things up and changing them round, but sometimes they play it straight honest! Here’s some audience footage of them delving into the 60’s for an acoustic version of the wonderful song ‘Bus Stop’ by The Hollies.
22nd July 2019
Long Train…came out of nowhere!
Conrad was warming up the vocal cords and fingers to rehearse some Fully Re-Covered tunes and this just fell out! Long Train Running by the Doobie Brothers. Where did that come from? Cracking tune though!
16th April 2019
Mash-Up Mayhem
As Summer comes into view and new Fully Re-Covered gigs are just around the corner, you’ll find Conrad surrounded by scraps of paper, scribbled chords and snippets of songs. At home in deepest Essex, he’s weaving together options for mash-ups and medleys that he and Annie can try out before launching on an unsuspecting public!
What do you think of this one?
22nd March 2019
Don’t PANIC – Vote Smart – Vote Frog
Conrad’s musical buddies Frog On A Rocket are nominated for a PANIC Award as best covers band of year in the Essex area. As many of you know, Conrad steps in on guitar for this cracking band quite often and if you’ve seen what they do, you’ll know why winning a PANIC award for the second year running would be thoroughly deserved. If you’ve grooved or rocked out with them – now’s the time to show your appreciation! (And if you haven’t – watch their fab showreel on their website and vote for them anyway!)
Vote right here and as the band say “Keep it Green!”
18th March 2019
More Fully Re-Covered? Your wish is our command!
In case you’ve been missing your fix of up-tempo, off the wall, acoustic mash-ups and harmonies of the type only Fully Re-Covered can conjure, then 2019 is shaping up well! Annie and Conrad have a monthly summer residency at Bar Vino in South Woodham Ferrers starting on Sunday May 12th. There’ll be some old favourites, but strap in for some newly crafted covers and as always, expect the unexpected! Check the Live page for dates from May to September.
15th February 2019
Track 6 Warm Up!
Before getting down to the serious business of recording, Conrad likes to have a little warm up in the studio to get the feel of the track. Stripped down, unplugged and raw, let’s see what one of his new tunes ‘Clinical Mix’ has to offer…
4th February 2019
More Macrowasp…?
Yes! There’ll be more Macrowasp this year. Conrad’s mixing a new tune that will be out in the world in just a couple of months. Apparently it’s quirky Macrowasp at its best! No soundbites just yet, but maybe a visual hint. Umbrellas and bowlers at the ready…
23rd December 2018
Let’s hope its a good one…
Conrad’s feeling festive and here’s a little off the cuff and impromptu season’s greeting from the nerve centre of WOOF Productions! After all, no-one said it better than John…
19th December 2018
A BIG Festive Thank You!
Christmas Message from Conrad:
“Music is more than just a hobby for me and always has been. As 2018 draws towards its close, I’m reflecting on those great musical moments of year. Whether it was onstage at a festival in the sunshine with the magnificent Frog On A Rocket or leaning back and listening to the finished mix of a new track for my forthcoming album – it’s these little gems that stick in your mind and keep you singing, playing and recording, no matter how many years tick away!
However, what also makes doing this so special is the response and reaction you get from those around you and I really want to send heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported what I do musically over the last year. Whether you’ve streamed me on Spotify, followed me on Social Media, danced to Frog on a Rocket or sang along with Fully Re-Covered – it makes all the difference to know you appreciate what I do!
I very much hope it’s a two-way street and that my own satisfaction is reciprocated by providing musical entertainment that makes you smile and brings some joy. I look forward to doing more of the same in 2019.
For now, enjoy the festive season, put ‘Walking with my Baby’ on your Christmas Spotify playlist, kick back and spend some time “…with those you love the best”
Season’s greetings and here’s to a successful 2019!”
13th December 2018
Nice! But WHY is the song called ‘Wisconsin’?
This is what Conrad had to say:
“Yes, some people are wondering what the significance of that north-central state is to Freddie and Queen! Is it something they missed?
Well no, the title doesn’t come from some memorable Queen event or song. The truth is, about a year and half ago, I found myself in a garden of a villa in Mallorca with good friends and family, eating delicious food, drinking good wine and indulging in the occasional shot of fine Mexican tequila. There was a request for music and I obliged with my iPad and a small bluetooth speaker. Queen’s Greatest Hits burst forth satisfying everyone’s musical appetite, but particularly one guest at the party. He sang along to every tune and wistfully regaled us with tales of his life as a young student at college in…yes…Wisconsin. Apparently, Freddie and Queen would never be off the turntable in his room. It was obviously the start of a beautiful relationship, as the music of Freddie and Queen made an impact on his life that has stayed with him ever since. Such were his passionate recollections on that day, he is now known to us by the nickname ‘Wisconsin’.
So you see, much as it is a tribute to the legacy of Freddie Mercury and the musical talent of Queen, it’s really a reflection of what it’s like to be a true devoted music fan. To follow a band the way that obsessed sports fans follow a team. To be there for the highs, mourn the tragedies and remember the good times. For one particular Queen fan, his first step was Wisconsin – where did your journey of musical fandom begin?”
6th December 2018
For Freddie…for Queen…for their fans….WISCONSIN
Here it is! A brand new tune from Conrad… ‘Wisconsin’. WOOF Productions is loving this one and certainly the lyric video that goes with it. If you enjoy Conrad’s tunes it should strike the right chord and if you are a Queen or Freddie fan, perhaps you’ll be complaining of something in your eye by the time you reach the end…
2nd December 2018
Keep ’em peeled!
Coming soon! Conrad will be releasing a new lyric video on social media, premiering an original song from his next album. ‘Wisconsin’ is essentially a song about fandom and being a music fan. It’s an anthem for Freddie Mercury, for Queen, but mainly for their devoted fans around the world. Stay tuned, “the first step is Wisconsin…”
12th November 2018
Unplug and Relight!
Message from Conrad:
“I have few gigs with Frog On A Rocket coming up at the end of November and into December, so thought I’d have quick look at a couple of the songs they’ve asked me to learn. Messed around with this one and thought it sounded quite cool in a laid back Acoustic style. We’ll certainly groove it up in the Frogs, but thought I share this unpolished and unplugged take!”
2nd November 2018
Finding ingredients for the perfect album recipe…
One of the most fun aspects of working on a new album is the song selection. Writing a batch of new songs with a character and arrangement of their own to suit the mood of the album and maybe delving into the back catalogue of unrecorded material and finding some older tunes that really fit. Here’s a demo of ‘Ernest in the Coffee Shop’, which is a more recent song that’s certainly on the ‘to do list’ and will find its way onto the next release!
26th October 2018
Off the grid but not off the boil!
Message from Conrad:
“Hi everyone, you’ve not heard much from me for a bit, but I’ve been hunkered down in my studio working on the next album. Coming along nicely, but also taking the opportunity to give birth to a new quirky and amusing Macrowasp track! Definitely a 60’s Cult TV vibe going on with this one as you’ll hear in the snippet below!”
7th August 2018
The Lesser Spotted Fully Re-Covered…Spotted!
Fully Re-Covered made one of their rare summer appearances last weekend, kicking off the Afternoon Acoustic Sessions at the Golden Fleece, Chelmsford. It was a warm one out there as the UK continues its impression of the Tropics minus palm trees and any breeze for them to sway in! Anyway, the crowd seemed pretty entertained by the usual eclectic mix of tunes from the 60’s to the 00’s, mashed and mixed up for their delight. I mean, where else would you go to hear a 90’s medley of EMF’s ‘Unbelievable’ and the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ , stripped back to two voices, a guitar and plenty of enthusiasm? Beer and cider were consumed, singalongs were enjoyed and all was well with the world. Many thanks from Annie and Conrad if you came down to see them.
Fully Re-Covered will be back. You’ll know when, when we do!
31st July 2018
Frogs Rock Majorly!
After the blistering 30 plus degree temperatures of late, the mixed bag of sunshine, cloud and a refreshing strong breeze at 4.30pm, was a pleasant relief as Frog On A Rocket took to the stage at the second Major Rocks festival in Tolleshunt Major near Maldon on Saturday 28th July 2018. Joining a small but talented bunch of local bands and artists, the Frogs supported 80’s and 90’s headline acts Sonia, Dario G, Honeyz and 911 at this compact but fun festival in the wilds of Essex.
It was a joy to bounce around that stage in the sunshine pumping out some great pop, disco and soul tunes for an appreciative audience! Big shout out to Badger and Paul of FOH Live Sound for making us sound big and groovy and to the talented Gaz de Vere for his fab photographic eye that captured the pictures below.
Thanks for the memories Major Rocks and to my Froggy pals!
-Conrad.
21st June 2018
Double Frogger this weekend!
Conrad’s shooting off to rehearsal tonight with the fabulous Frog On A Rocket. It’s a chance to meet their new drummer Rich Norris and run through some tunes before hitting the stage with them twice this weekend!
If you’re in Essex and fancy some live music, you could do worse than hop over to the Lodge in Rettendon on Friday evening (June 22nd) and/or the Half Crown in Benfleet on Saturday night (June 23rd). Both always have a crowd that are up for it, so bring your singing voices and dancing shoes!
14th June 2018
Mighty Mash-ups…and Beer…
You know that Summer is truly here, when Chelmsford town centre echoes with the sound of Annie and Conrad blasting out their own particular brand of acoustic medleys, mash-ups and melodies. Follow the musical trail to the beer garden of the Golden Fleece from 4.30pm on Saturday 16th June and enjoy a rare glimpse of Fully Re-Covered while you partake in some responsible (?) afternoon drinking. What more could you ask for?
16th May 2018
Doubling down this Saturday
It’s Royal Wedding day in the UK this Saturday (19th May) and if you’re disappointed that Harry and Meghan didn’t put you on their guest list, you can always pop along to the South Woodham Ferrers Town Square street party in Essex and take solace in the very first Fully Re-Covered performance of summer 2018 !
Then, in the evening, it’s down to the seaside at Southend-on-Sea when Conrad takes to the stage with the magnificent Frog On A Rocket at the Ambleside club.
A touch of royalty and sand in your socks! What more could you want?
19th April 2018
Website Wonder!
Message from Conrad:
“So its ready! conraddesouza.com is up and running. A musical hub for all things ‘Conrad’.
As well as my music and videos, you’ll find details of up and coming releases, gigs and can even delve back into my musical past.
Love it if you swung by every now and then to take a peek and have a listen.
Take care out there web wanderers!”
Conrad De Souza 