People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Matthew O’Connor
Performer, composer and teacher Matthew O’Connor is one half of Bristol synthpop duo Phonseca alongside Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.
Phonseca’s new album Everything Lasts Forever will be released on March 21 via the Old Bad Habits Label.
Their new album is being launched at the Hen & Chicken on March 28.
is needed now More than ever
These are Matthew’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Watershed
Watershed is “a design classic” says Matthew – photo: Martin Booth
“Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised by this first choice. I love the Watershed, always have, and I’ve been coming for decades. The first time I visited was for a Tim Pope music video exhibition with a friend and it blew my mind. It’s a design classic too; while other venues seem to refurbish every couple of years, the Watershed has remained pretty much unchanged and still feels fresh and modern to me. I come here for everything from pre-club drinks, arthouse films, food, pots of tea, exhibitions and nursing hangovers on a Sunday morning! Kristina and I had our first Phonseca meeting here to discuss working together too. Where else can you do all that?”
Argus Fish Bar
Argus Fish Bar brings a taste of the seaside to Bedminster – photo: Charlie Watts
“I do look after myself and stay pretty healthy but sometimes only chip shop chips will do and Argus Fish Bar on West Street in Bedminster is the best in my opinion. Very friendly people, and also it’s only a few steps from my home and Phonseca HQ. Lucky me!”
Death Disco
Follow the glitterball to find Death Disco in the Old City – photo: Hyde & Co
“Death Disco on St Stephen’s Street is a recent discovery of mine. Me and my girlfriend Sarah came here for their first NYE party and have been hooked ever since. It’s a great club. I’ve been to many all over Europe, including the Hacienda, and this always has a good atmosphere and is just the right size.”
St George’s
“I’ve been coming to St George’s for years and it’s my favourite Bristol venue, especially for classical and piano concerts with its incredible acoustics. I practically lived here when I was studying for my piano diploma exam. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to have a video made of me playing Liszt’s Consolation No.3 on the Steinway during lockdown which was so kind and helpful of them to give permission. It’s now my calling card video to get solo piano work. St George’s is also where I recorded Our Star, the closing solo piano track from our new album which was a real dream come true. I was determined to get it in one take for a convincing live feel.”
Shirehampton Cemetery
Shirehampton Cemetery contains nine First World War burials and 13 from the Second World War – photo: Martin Booth
“This one is very personal to me as both my parents and brother are here and lots of other relatives too. It’s the most tranquil place I know in Bristol and it always has a calming effect on me. I’m also surrounded by my past here because my old junior school playground overlooks it at one end and then my old childhood bedroom in Priory Road overlooks it from another. So I’m wrapped in my own history every time I come to this beautiful and spiritual place.”
Main photo: Matthew O’Connor
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