Liam O'Connell is the vocalist and guitarist of My Octopus Mind, a Bristol based experimental rock band and one I've become a fan of in recent weeks. Liam is a kind and transparent guest, which makes him a perfect fit for our show. At times, our conversation was challenging, which made it worth the time to connect.

Liam was openly candid about his life within the structure of music, the desire to overcome that which is seen as confusing or odd to an audience, and his complete satisfaction with playing to a small room of strangers taking a chance on his band. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

My Octopus Mind is a high-energy experimental psych-rock four-piece comprised of drums, guitar, vocals and heavily effected double bass. Since their conception in 2017, the band has developed a wild form of experimental rock, taking a tongue in cheek ride through post-punk swagger and dysfunction, wonky riffs, balkan rhythms and moments of haunting grace. That last word means more than you know. Listen to our chat to learn why.

'Trying To Be Normal,' the third studio album from Bristol's experimental psych-rockers My Octopus Mind is out now on vinyl via Drongo Records.

This is Liam O'Connell of My Octopus Mind and you're listening to Rockstar Superhero

1:00 Snippets of influence, especially Jeff Buckley
3:30 Being introduced to Buckley and Radiohead at the same time
6:20 Plumbing the depths of obsession
9:00 Parts of Europe have great musical support
12:00 A package of disparate influences
15:00 Mystery White Boy
17:10 My Octopus Mind - 'Sabertooth Monkey'
18:40 The madness of being a creative
21:20 Parents were eccentric musicians themselves
24:50 The programming of success
27:30 Listening through your own personal lens
29:11 My Octopus Mind - 'Made Outta Gold'
29:45 The ultimate sophomore album is...
32:50 Falling in love with albums you hated originally
34:39 My Octopus Mind - 'Minor Celebrities'
35:40 Dan Reed before the grunge era
38:30 Getting lost in a global market
41:00 Connecting with an audience that is actually listening

'Sabertooth Monkey,' 'Made Outta Gold,' and 'Minor Celebrities' are written and performed by Liam O'Connell and My Octopus Mind and are property of My Octopus Mind. All Rights Reserved.

Artist PR courtesy of Memphia Music and Management. As always, I'm grateful for you, Jade!

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