Conor Maynard critically examines relationships in new video

Conor Maynard critically examines relationships in new videoIn his brand new music video, Conor Maynard turns the spotlight on trust and privacy as important cornerstones in relationships.

by Mariette van Niekerk

26-02-2023 13:35

in Music

Conor Maynard. Image: Supplied.

Conor Maynard explores privacy and trust issues in relationships in his brand new music video for his single, If I Ever.

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The single is the first in a series of new releases planned for 2023.

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CONOR MAYNARD ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVACY AND TRUST IN RELATIONSHIPS In his new music video for If I Ever, pop star Conor Maynard explores trust and suspicion in relationships and the different outcomes that they each can lead to.

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Directed and produced by Maynard himself, the video features a split-screen of Maynard and his love interest. On one side, we see Maynard snooping on his girlfriend's phone and the fallout that has on him and his relationship.

On the other side, we glimpse an alternate reality in which he doesn't peek onto her device and the loving life they go on to lead.

The video asks whether it is better to live in blissful ignorance or face the painful reality.

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RETURNING TO THE SPOTLIGHT In the winter of 2022, Conor disappeared from social media, leaving his more than 13 million followers scratching their heads.

The silence was even more noticeable after what had been a whirlwind year for the famously prolific songwriter and YouTube star, which saw him travel the world on his most extensive headlining tour to date, hitting more than 20 cities across the US and Europe.

With the release of his new single If I Ever, fans finally got the answers they've been looking for.

If I'm honest, at the end of 2022, I went through a really rough breakup, which led to the decision to take a step back from everything rather than trying to pretend I was fine, Maynard revealed. I took the time to pour it all into the only thing that ever seems to help me get through difficult moments my music.

Now, following his time away from the spotlight, Maynard has returned with If I Ever, the first taste of a bold new slate of material that he plans to release throughout 2023.

The single art for If I Ever'. Image: Supplied.

Featuring fiercely personal songwriting and a new confidence found touring the world, If I Ever marks a creative turning point for Maynard, as he lets the abundant skills of his youth blossom and steers him into new directions of artistry and creativity.

If I Ever is the first of a series of songs I wrote about an extremely difficult breakup I went through last year, Maynard recalls.

It was a unique relationship and hard to write about, because 90% of it took place over phone calls and video calls, which I understand was common during the pandemic. This song captures my emotional experience following that breakup and the anticipation I continue to feel about my upcoming appearance in her hometown of Sydney, Australia, since, in our last conversation, she told me she still hopes to see me there.

Sonically, the track is very different from any of my previous work. Maynard says he drew inspiration from artists like The 1975 and The Weeknd.

The song may sound quite upbeat and positive at first, but upon a closer listen, you'll realize that the lyrics are about a desperate heartbreak. I collaborated with one of my close friends on this track, writing and scrapping more than 50 songs over the course of a few months before we finally found a way to translate the story in a way that felt authentic to me, he says.

BORN TO MAKE MUSIC Maynard rose to fame in 2012 when he won MTV's Brand New for 2012 award, competing alongside Delilah, Michael Kiwanuka, Lana Del Rey, and Lianne La Havas.

His debut album, Contrast, reached #1 and produced five Top 10 singles.

The album catapulted him to international stardom, with his YouTube channel alone boasting 13.3 million subscribers and 2.5 billion views.

World tours, awards, and collaborations with major artists followed, including Pharrell Williams, The Invisible Men and Rita Ora. Maynard even starred in the Broadway show Kinky Boots, showcasing another side to his multi-faceted talent.

Maynard will continue to release material from this new era of creativity throughout 2023, so keep an ear and eye out.

ALSO READ: Conor Maynard credits breakup for new his latest single If I Ever'

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