Band Bios: Dylan Connor

The tattoo on Dylan Connor's right arm reads "Nosce te Ipsum." If you don't speak Latin, the body art means, "Know thyself." According to the singer/songwriter who wears it, this ancient phrase is written "over the door of the Temple of Apollo." It certainly ain't your typically badass, Axl Rose style insignia. But then, this studious Bridgeport rocker who's a Latin teacher at Bunnell High School in Stratford by day is not your average guy with a guitar.

Take for example how he financed his upcoming record, Breakaway Republic. "Last year, I put together a proposal, detailing the sort of record I wanted to make and what it would cost," says Connor, who looks a little like actor Rob Morrow's evil twin. "I made the proposal as professional as possible. I said, 'I'm an independent musician, this is what I want to do and if you're willing to be a part of it, contribute what you can.' Fortunately, lots of friends and fans did, and I was able to stockpile some cash. The record cost about ten grand. It's done and will be available on Jan. 1."

If the songs available on Connor's MySpace page are an indication, this melodious but hard-charging musician should make his growing fanbase very happy with the new disc. And they are out there. According to Connor, a couple of the songs first showed up a year ago on an EP. He printed up a few hundred copies and they were sold immediately. Breakway Republic should build on this momentum.

When asked if he could site some influences, "It's no secret that I love power-pop," Connor says, smiling. "I'm a big fan of Nada Surf. Also, Matthew Sweet's been a strong influence. I think his 100% Fun is one of the great records of all time. I also love The Lemonheads." If you've heard the EP Breakdowns And Hymns and its Even Dando?ish "Don't Let Me Wash Away," you'll know it was kismet that Connor got to work with Lemonheads producer Bryce Goggin on that disc.

So, he's got the looks, the hooks, the product and the desire. What else do we need to know about Fairfield County's favorite son? Well, he'll be at Acoustic Café this week, with his band, showcasing tunes from the new record. Connor talks glowingly of the Bridgeport club. "I've been playing there since 1999," he says. "In fact, it's one of the first proper venues I played that had a real stage and decent lighting. I even like the kitschy wall hangings. The last time we were there, we really killed. So, with all the new songs, there's no reason to think we won't do it again. In February, during mid-winter break from school, I'll be doing some other dates to promote the CD, on the East Coast and other parts of the U.S. Also, I'll be playing the Middle East! Places like Damascus, Jordan and hopefully Dubai. My wife is from Syria, so the hook-up isn't that strange. I played those places before and it went down really well."

As Connor talks a bit more, about how his life-transforming experience at the most recent Burning Man festival, how much he loves teaching and that his musical interests range from Weezer to Zappa, his well-balanced personality comes more fully into view. He's got bitchin' new tunes, a solid home life and a great day job (which he may not need too much longer).

Know thyself? No question about it. Dylan Connor has got that part down cold.

By By Peter Gerstenzang, Fairfield Weekly

Website: www.dylanconnor.com