Geoffrey David O'Connor is an Australian indie pop musician and producer based in Melbourne. He released his debut studio album Liquorice Night in 2007, under the alias of Sly Hats. O'Connor has since released the solo albums Vanity Is Forever (2011) Fan Fiction (2014) and For as Long as I Can Remember (2021) all through Chapter Music.[1] [2][3]

Geoffrey O'Connor
Birth nameGeoffrey David O'Connor
Also known asSly Hats
OriginMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
GenresIndie pop
Occupation(s)Musician, producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, lead guitar
Years active2006–present
LabelsNervous Jerk, Chapter

O'Connor is also a member of indie pop group The Crayon Fields, on lead guitar and lead vocals.[2][4]

As a performer

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O'Connor’s first album under his own name was Vanity Is Forever, which Triple J's Zan Rowe described as "a distinct step away from the indie-pop of his band. The record is full of synthesisers, and modern soft rock sounds and is written from the perspective of a guy who has both a heavy heart and a high libido".[3] At the time of release, O’Connor visited the US for a sold-out support tour with Jens Lekman, toured Australia as part of the Laneway Festival, and supported Grimes, Edwyn Collins and Pains of Being Pure at Heart on their Australian tours.

O'Connor's next album Fan Fiction was released in August 2014 through Chapter Music. Pitchfork's Jake Cleland gave it a score of 7.4, describing it as an album in which "every dazzling melody is sandwiched together, maximalist and swollen in a dizzying spectacle".[5]

In August 2021, O'Connor released his first solo album in seven years. For as Long as I Can Remember is a suite of duets with fellow Australian singers.[6]

In April 2023, O'Connor is scheduled to release an EP featuring remixes of songs from his 2021 album, For as Long as I Can Remember.[7]

As a producer

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O'Connor has produced releases by Sarah Mary Chadwick (Sugar Still Melts in the Rain and Me and Ennui are Friends, Baby); Catcall (The Warmest Place); some tracks on the Jessica Says album Do With Me What U Will; as well as his own solo albums and records by the Crayon Fields.[8] He is also credited with recording bass and vocals on June Jones' 2021 album Leafcutter.

Discography

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Albums

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Title Details
Liquorice Night (by Sly Hats)
  • Released: 2007[9]
  • Label: Nervous Jerk (JERK003)
  • Format: CD, Digital, LP
Vanity Is Forever
  • Released: October 2011
  • Label: Chapter Music (CH88)
  • Format: CD, Digital, LP
Fan Fiction
  • Released: August 2014
  • Label: Chapter Music (CH119)
  • Format: CD, Digital, LP
For as Long as I Can Remember
  • Released: 6 August 2021[6]
  • Label: Chapter Music (CH164)
  • Format: CD, Digital, LP, streaming

Awards and nominations

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EG Awards / Music Victoria Awards

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The EG Awards (known as Music Victoria Awards since 2013) are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2012 Geoffrey O'Connor Best Male Nominated [10][11]
2021 "For As Long As I Can Remember" (with Jonnine) Best Victorian Song Nominated [12][13]
Geoffrey O'Connor Best Pop Act Nominated

References

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  1. ^ Prescott, Sean (20 October 2011). "Geoffrey O'Connor Vanity is Forever". TheVine: Life & Pop Culture, Untangled. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  2. ^ a b Parkhill, Chad (October 2011). "Geoffrey O'Connor: Vanity Is Forever". Beat Magazine. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  3. ^ a b Rowe, Zan (19 October 2011). "Geoffrey O'Connor Steps out Solo and Claims Vanity Is Forever..." Mornings with Zan. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  4. ^ Hogan, Marc (19 April 2007). "The Crayon Fields: Animal Bells". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  5. ^ "Fan Faction Review". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b "For As Long As I Can Remember (Grey/White Marble Vinyl)". JB HiFi. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  7. ^ "Geoffrey O'Connor Announces Remix EP Featuring Andras, June Jones and More". Music Feeds. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  8. ^ http://pilerats.com/music/electronic/introducing-jessica-says-and-her-ice-cool-new-noir-pop-lp-do-with-me-what-u-will/; https://www.discogs.com/artist/1579630-Geoff-OConnor?type=Credits&subtype=Production&filter_anv=0
  9. ^ "Sly Hats". Last.fm. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  10. ^ "EG Awards 2012 Announce Nominations, Induct Weddings, Parties, Anything". Tone Deaf. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  11. ^ "The Temper Trap, Oh Mercy Win EG Awards". noise11. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Music Victoria Awards Reveals Line-up And Nominees for 2021". Noise11. 11 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  13. ^ "Music Victoria Awards 2021 Winners". scenestr.com.au. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.