Singer/songwriter/musician Will Conner born in St.Augustine, Florida and grew up in northern New South Wales, his parents packing their bags in the U.S.A in the early 70‘s in search of the secluded, hippy and musical lifestyle that Byron Bay had to offer. Will’s mother, Marion, taught him his first guitar chords, and his father, Bill Conner, the renown leather hat maker and guitar player in the recently reformed Zanziband. Growing up, Will was surrounded by his family music and their muso friends, constantly soaking in all the knowledge that was on offer to him. In short, Will completed school, went back over to Florida for a higher education, dropped out, started a business and tried his hand at selling his father‘s hat’s whilst travelling around the world and playing music in bars, clubs and short term band that he fronted "Tillmans Ridge" (named after the local St.Augustine landfill). After several years, the business has now grown to a successful running International hat company. Will never travelling without pen and paper to write songs, or an instrument to play. Will now spends his time 50/50 between Florida and Byron Bay, overseeing his hat business fulltime.
It wasn’t until 2006 that Will’s music landed in the hands of A&R at major Japanese record label Pony Canyon Inc. for consideration to include on a compilation. They liked it so much they signed him up to their label "Surf Rock Intl" and released his debut album "Southern Hemisphere" in early 2006. Will’s laidback, folk story telling style was embraced by the Japanese audience and received airplay on high rotation across commercial radio stations nationally. Along with his first single "Home" being licensed for a major car release TV campaign across Korea. Will‘s second album "Ticket out of Here" soon followed, peaking in at 4 on the national radio charts. He has since toured Japan 3 times from the release and is now also out through Surf Rock Intl in South Korea.
Will signed a worldwide agreement in Australia with Mushroom Music Publishing (excl Japan) in 2006 and released his debut album "Southern Hemisphere" independently in 2007 through MGM Distribution. Will was also invited to play at both the 2007 West and East Coast Blues & Roots Festivals.
In addition to his own shows between Australia, Japan and the U.S., over the last 2 years Will has played both the East and West Coast Blues & Roots festivals 2007 and 2008, has shared the stage with the likes of U.S. act JJ Grey and Mofro, Donovan Frankenreiter (U.S.A) and support to Tristan Prettyman (U.S.A) on her tour of Japan.
2008 has been a whirlwind thus far, with most recently completing his first official Australian tour in March/April 2008, having the honour to be invited to open and support Jack Johnson on his Australian album release tour. Will is now excited to announce the release of his (self produced) second album "Ticket out of Here" in Australia. "Ticket out of Here" will be lead by the poetically quirky song "Heads", along with supporting music video. The album also features "Lucky", the song Jack chose to perform with Will at each show on the tour.
"Ticket our of Here" will be released on the 10th of June 2008 via digital distribution (only) exclusive to itunes, followed by all respective digital outlets on June 23rd 2008 - distrbuted by Universal Music Australia.
