Black Hole recordings
,
Conor Holohan
,
Interviews
,
Interviews to Read
,
John O'Callaghan
,
New Releases Interview
,
Subculture
,
Trance
,
Trance Music
,
Uplifting Trance
Interview with Conor Holohan about his track My Own Eyes out on Subculture
Conor Holohan is rapidly emerging as a prominent figure in the global trance music scene. Renowned for his high-energy DJ sets and emotionally resonant productions, Conor infuses every performance with raw energy and melodic finesse, earning him a devoted fan base and industry recognition. In a remarkably short span, he has secured releases on some of trance’s most esteemed labels, including John O’Callaghan’s Subculture, Black Hole Recordings, and Giuseppe Ottaviani’s GO Music. His signature sound—an electrifying blend of driving rhythms and uplifting melodies—continues to captivate trance enthusiasts worldwide. Conor’s exceptional DJ skills have taken him to iconic venues across Europe, including a memorable set at Liberation London at the legendary Fabric. He has shared the stage with trance legends such as Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, and Bryan Kearney, solidifying his reputation as a rising force in both the DJ booth and the studio. With his momentum building and unwavering passion for the craft, Conor Holohan is poised to become one of trance music’s defining voices in the years to come.
We’re thrilled to welcome Conor back to Flux BPM Online for an exclusive interview as he shares insights into his creative process, details behind his latest Subculture release, “My Own Eyes,” and his aspirations for the future of trance music.
Dimitris: How does your new track reflect the evolution of your sound since you first started producing music?
Conor Holohan: This track represents a real turning point for me because it strips everything down to the core of what I love about making music. When I first started producing, I was experimenting with layers and complex textures, trying to find my voice. Over time, I’ve learned that my sound is strongest when it’s honest and uncluttered. With this release, I focused on creating something raw and pure, letting each element have its space. It reflects the confidence I’ve gained in trusting simplicity and the evolution of my style toward a more authentic expression of who I am as an artist.
Dimitris: Which synthesizers, plugins, or software did you rely on most for crafting the core sounds of this track?
Conor Holohan: I produced the track in Cubase, drawing heavily on a variety of powerful synths. For the core sounds, I relied on Sylenth, Spire, Diva, Omnisphere, and Nexus. Each played a key role in shaping the overall texture and feel of the track.
Dimitris: How do you integrate hardware synthesizers or drum machines with your software setup during production?
Conor Holohan: I usually stick to using drum samples rather than integrating hardware synthesizers or drum machines with my software setup. This approach keeps my workflow simple and efficient, focusing on arranging and processing high-quality samples within the software environment.
Dimitris: How has your use of effects processing—whether through analog gear or digital plugins—evolved, and how did it shape the atmosphere of this track?
Conor Holohan: Over time, my approach to effects processing has shifted from relying heavily on analog gear to a more hybrid workflow that combines the warmth of hardware with the precision and flexibility of digital plugins. For this track, I focused on using Omnisphere for its lush textures and layered atmospheres, while also experimenting with delay and reverb plugins to create a spacious, immersive feel. The vocal hook I created became the centerpiece, and by processing it with subtle modulation and ambient effects, it really tied the mood of the track together.
Dimitris: How do you approach layering sounds to create depth and texture, and what specific methods or hardware did you apply in this track?
Conor Holohan: This time around, I focused on quality over quantity. I chose fewer layers but made sure that each sound had its own strong character and occupied a distinct space in the mix. I started with a solid foundation—rich, full bass tones combined with a clear rhythmic element. Then I carefully introduced mid-range textures and subtle atmospheric layers, using panning and reverb to give a sense of dimension. For this track, I leaned on a combination of analog synths and digital production tools, shaping each sound with EQ and compression so they complement each other rather than compete. The result is a cleaner, more impactful arrangement where every element feels intentional and contributes to the overall depth and texture.
Future Plans:
Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?
Conor Holohan: I’m excited about the year ahead! My primary goal is to release more music on Subculture in 2026, continuing to share tracks that reflect my evolving sound and connect with listeners worldwide.
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of new releases, collaborations, or live performances?
Conor Holohan: I’ve got some exciting plans ahead! Alongside the shows I have lined up for this year and next, I’m also working on new music that I hope to release soon. I’m exploring a few collaboration opportunities with artists I really admire, and I’m eager to bring some fresh sounds to my audience. Plus, I’m planning to expand my live performances to new cities and venues, creating a more immersive experience for fans.
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
Conor Holohan: Absolutely! I’ve always admired the work of John O’Callaghan, Paul Denton, Nikolauss, and Lostly, so collaborating with any of them would be a dream come true. Their styles align perfectly with the kind of music I love to create, and I think working together could bring out something really special. I haven’t had the chance to explore those collaborations yet, but it’s definitely on my list for the future.
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
Conor Holohan: I believe AI technology is going to play a major role in the future of electronic music production, especially in areas like sound design, composition, and creating unique textures that might be hard to achieve manually. I’ve already started experimenting with it—AI actually generated the vocal hook for my track My Own Eyes. It’s exciting to see how these tools can spark creativity and open up new possibilities for producers.
Personal Insights:
To wrap things up, we'd love to get a glimpse into your personal life and philosophy. These insights help us understand the person behind the music.
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
Conor Holohan: Balancing my personal life with my music career is definitely a challenge, but I’ve found a rhythm that works for me. I work full-time and I have a young family, so I dedicate most of my music time to the evenings or whenever I can carve out free moments. Over the past few months, I’ve built a routine that allows me to stay consistent without sacrificing family time. It’s really been paying off because I feel more focused, and I can see my music improving with every session.
Conor Holohan: My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and develop your own sound. Take your time to learn the craft, because growth in this industry is a gradual process. Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance when you feel stuck—there are so many experienced producers who are willing to share their knowledge and help you along the way.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?
Conor Holohan: Most of my sets start with a vision of the energy I want to create in the room. I like to include some unreleased tracks I’ve produced to gauge the crowd’s reaction and see how they flow in a live environment. From there, I blend a mix of new discoveries and timeless favorites, carefully balancing familiar hooks with unexpected twists. I pay close attention to the audience—reading their energy helps me decide when to build tension, when to drop something heavy, and when to pull back for a more atmospheric moment. My goal is to create a journey that feels tailored to the specific crowd, keeping them engaged and connected throughout the set.
Dimitris: Please tell us your final statement to our readers who will read this interview.
Conor Holohan: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to your readers. I hope that those who read this interview come away with a better understanding of my work and what drives me every day. I would encourage anyone with an interest in music to follow along, join the conversation, and never hesitate to reach out with questions or ideas. Your curiosity and engagement are what keep this field exciting and meaningful. Thank you again for having me, and I look forward to connecting with your readers in the future.
Dimitris: As we wrap up our conversation with Conor Holohan, several key points stand out from this insightful interview. Conor shared how his latest release, “My Own Eyes,” marks a turning point in his artistic journey, embracing simplicity and authenticity in his sound. He detailed his production process, highlighting his reliance on powerful synths like Sylenth, Spire, Diva, Omnisphere, and Nexus, as well as his thoughtful approach to layering and effects to create depth and emotion.
Conor also offered a glimpse into his forward-looking ambitions, including new releases on Subculture, potential collaborations with artists he admires, and expanding his live performances to reach new audiences. He expressed excitement about how AI is shaping the future of electronic music, even revealing that it played a role in generating the vocal hook for his new track.
On a personal level, Conor spoke about balancing a full-time job, family life, and his music career. His advice to aspiring DJs and producers was clear: stay true to your sound, take time to grow, and seek guidance when needed. Finally, he left a heartfelt message to readers, encouraging curiosity, engagement, and a passion for music.
We thank Conor for sharing his journey and insights, and we look forward to his continued rise in the global trance scene.
Discover Conor Holohan - My Own Eyes : https://subculture.lnk.to/MyOwnEyes
https://www.instagram.com/conorholohandj
