February 16, 2024
Big Upcoming Show and a New Video.
Dylan’s annual hometown, full band show is coming up on Friday March 8th at Fairfiled Theatre Company. Get your tickets here. Featuring songs from all of his albums, this show will be a streamlined rocker… no solo acoustic stuff, and no special guests. The band boasts Trevor Coen on bass, Joe Izzo on drums, Dave Archer on keys, Mark Mollica on guitar, Stephanie Harrison on backing vocals, and Sally Connolly on backing vocals.
Today, Dylan releases a very special song and video featuring and inspired by Syrian children. It is called “Enna Mubsoot” which means I am happy. It was conceived on the trip Dylan took last August to the Turkey - Syrian border to bring music to Syrian children displaced by war and the earthquake of Feb. 2023. This is Dylan’s first all Arabic language song. Here is a link to the video.
August 24, 2023
Dylan Brings Music to Displaced children in the Turkey/Syria Earthquake Zone.
Dylan and a small team, including his daughter Fay and nephew Zade, traveled to southern Turkey this month. Over a 10 day tour of villages and camps, they brought art, soccer, and music to children who have been affected by over a decade of war in Syria and the catastrophic earthquake that hit the region in February. Despite having lost homes and family member; despite having been wounded themselves, these children were full of smiles, gratitude, and life.
June 29, 2023
Keynote Address
Dylan was selected to give the prestigious keynote address at the annual American Classical League Institute St. Louis. This is a conference for teachers and lovers of the Classics (Latin and Greek). Dylan took more than a few opportunities during his speech to sing songs to the audience of 200. Here is a link to the speech and performance. Thanks to Patrick McFadden, Vice President for Programming and Impact of ACL, for the humbling introduction.
June 21, 2023
Official Video for Unsung Heroes
Dylan released the Official video for Unsung Heroes last week, and it is already garnering tens of thousands of views. The video features friends and family sharing photos of their dearly departed unsung heroes. You can read about all of their stories in the video’s description. It was directed by Lou Spetrino of Spetrino Pictures.
March 17, 2023
Dylan is living large at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX.
On March 15, Dylan played Touche, on March 16th at Darwins, and March 17 again at Touche. The band had an all star line up: Drew Mckeon (Hall and Oats, Seal, Michael Bolton) on drums, Katie Marie (Sophie B. Hawkins) on bass, and Ian Varley (Black Joe Lewis & the Honey Bears) on keys. Dylan also had some productive meetings with the heads of AR Media and Tinderbox Music. It was an absolute blast of epic proportions. Highlights included hanging out with Austin legend Jimmy Ace and a “hair on the back of your neck standing up” set by David Ramirez.
February 12, 2023
March Tour, SXSW, and New Video
Dylan released a new lyric video for Unsung Heroes, a ballad from the Infinity Days album. He wrote the song in the wake of the assassination of Raed Feras - a Syrian artist, human rights activist, and acquaintance of Dylan. Dylan commissioned art work for the video from Illinois artist Marc Nelson. The video garnered 2,500 views in the first week. Check it out.
Dylan is playing the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX for the first time on March 15,16, and 17 as part of the Tinderbox Music Showcase. On March 15 he is playing Touche at 11 pm, March 16th at Darwins at 9pm, and March 17 at Touche at 4pm. Each set is 40 minutes. It’s going to be a blast!
The SXSW dates are part of bigger March tour. Here are the tour dates:
3/11 - FTC - Fairfield CT - 7:45 (with Loud Moon)
3/12 - Rockwood Music Hall - NYC - 9:00pm (with Loud Moon)
3/15 - Touche - Austin TX - 11:00pm
3/16 - Darwins - Austin TX - 9:00 pm
3/17 - Touche - Austin TX - 4:00pm
3/22 - Boston Area - TBA
3/23 - Lion’s Den - Stockbridge MA - 7:00-10:00pm
3/24 - New Hampshire - TBA
3/25 - Port City Blue - Portland ME - 10pm (with Jeff Badger)
October 4, 2022
Dylan is Featured in PowerPlay Magazine UK
Dylan has a substantial interview in issue 255 of the UK’s PowerPlay magazine. This is an actual print magazine that is on the stands in Europe. The issue also features the song “Everything” on its sampler. You can buy a copy here . The interview goes in depth on the making of the album Infinity Days. You can read the full interview here.
Speaking of Infinity Days, Dylan is working on a lyric video and a narrative video for the song “Unsung Heroes” from the Infinity Days album. Look out for the lyric video coming out in October and the narrative video coming out in November.
August 9, 2022
The Summer of ‘22.
This summer Dylan has played clubs all over New England. Since June he has played all over CT, NY, MA, NH, and ME. He did a July residency at Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield, CT that boasted special guests such as Milton, Trevor Coen, and Drew McKeon. He played several shows at the Apple Tree Inn in Lenox, MA with special guest Johnny Irion. When it came to NYC, he played Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Rockaway Beach.
In terms of upcoming shows, look out for August 27 when Dylan plays Black Rock Porch Fest from 12-1PM and then Sarah’s Wine Bar in Ridgefield from 6:30 - 9:30 with Mark Mollica.
July 13, 2022
Direct to Vinyl Sessions.
On July 12th, Dylan recorded 22 singles direct to vinyl at Leesta Vall Sound Recordings in Brooklyn, NY. Each record was made especially for a specific fan who ordered a particular song. There were no overdubs or edits. Thanks to everyone who ordered records. Songs included I’m a Kite, Inner Space, Plug In, So Long, Blood Riddle, Love’s and Infection, What’s New, etc. Here is the archive of what songs were recorded, in what order.
Photo by Neil Swanson
March 25, 2022
Sold Out Shows in CT and DC and Movie News.
On February 26th, Dylan and a 6-piece band rocked a packed house of 200 fans at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Here are a few songs from the night with high quality audio and video. They were shot by Greg Golda of construkt.com and edited by Joe Izzo. Here is the opener of the night “Inner Space,” from the Infinity Days album followed by “Don’t Let me Wash Away” from Breakaway Republic, and finally “Down in the Trees” from Spirit Glue.
In some exciting and unexpected news, AMC channel is playing the “neo noir” film Adverse on the regular, which means that Dylan’s song “Bring you Back” which he wrote for the film starring Sean Astin, Mickey Rourke and Lou Diamond Philips is getting some screen time.
Finally, on March 19th, Dylan played to over a hundred and fifty people at the “For Syria” event in DC. He sang a short set of Blood Like Fire, Man of Peace (from the Academy Award contender Little Gandhi), and If Only You’d Listen (a song for which the video has over 8 million views).
January, 27 2022
Happy New Year
The New Year has started with a bang for the Infinity Days album! PBS, MTV, Discovery, and more have all licensed the album for use in their shows and films. This is a photo of Dylan signing 8 contracts. Stay tuned to see where the songs land.
In addition, Dylan plays a big hometown shows at Fairfield Theatre Company Stage One on February 26 with his full band and a slew of special guests. Get your tickets here.
November 13, 2021
Press For Infinity Days
Infinity Days is continuing to receive substantial press and radio play. In the past two weeks there have been articles on the album in over a dozen publications including Top 40 Charts who dubbed Everything as a “modern take on the great American protest song.” A lengthy article in the The Connecticut Post said “the album is getting attention. Not only is Connor seeing decent crowds, the music is getting airplay on college radio stations. His song ‘Everything’ has also received more than 20,000 views on YouTube.”
October 10, 2021
Infinity Days is Out Everywhere.
Infinity Days dropped on 9/24, and it is climbing the college radio charts all over the country from Glassboro, NJ to Olympia, WA; from Providence, RI to Dearborn MI. Dylan is touring this fall in the Northeast to support the new release. The official CT album release show will be on Friday 10/29 at the famous Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport. It will be a full band experience with special guests Benjamin Cartel and Milton. The following night, on 10/30, Dylan and the band play in Brooklyn NY at the Brooklyn Music Kitchen as special guests of Benjamin Cartel.
August 16, 2021
Dylan’s Single “Everything” hits Commercial Radio.
“Everything” was added into rotation on WEHM 92.9 and 96.9 FM ,which serves Long Island and CT ,as of last week. Thus far, it has been in the same set with the Beatles, Weezer, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Dave Matthews Band, Pretenders, and more. The Official Music Video for the single was released last week as well, which you can watch right here.
July 21, 2021
Dylan Releases New Single “Everything” and The Press is Rolling in.
The first single from the upcoming album Infinity Days is out now on all platforms. “Everything” is a straight up rocker with John Lennon and Guided By Voices vibes. The press is rolling in for the single. Both True Hollywood Talk and Digital Journal did interviews with Dylan upon the release. The official Lyric video for "Everything” drops on Friday 7/23.
June 22, 2021
Summer Residency - Friday Nights at Las Vetas Lounge
Dylan will be playing a summer residency Friday nights this summer at Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield CT. Shows begin this Friday 6/25 at 7:30 PM. Las Vetas Lounge is a cafe that Dylan has considered a home away from home since it opened in the early 2000’s. In fact, they have a special iced coffee drink on the menu called “The Dylan Connor.” Dylan will be doing two 45 minute sets of his songs, including new songs from the upcoming album Infinity Days. Las Vetas Lounge is located at 27 Unquowa Rd. in the heart of downtown Fairfield, CT.
March 30, 2021
“Bring You Back” is on Fire.
Dylan released the single and official lyric video in February to coincide with theatrical release of the film Adverse and followed that up with the official music video in March to coincide with the release of the film on digital and streaming formats. There has been a flurry of press and excitement in the industry over the release including a shout out on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Robert Downey Jr. posting on Instagram, a front page story in the Connecticut Post, and a segment on News 12.
February 1, 2021
New Single Out on 2/11/21
The single Bring You Back drops everywhere music is available on Thursday 2/11. It will be accompanied by a lyrics video directed by Kevin Kunze. Bring you Back is featured in the motion picture Adverse (starring Mickey Rourke and directed by Brian Metcalf) which hits theaters on 2/12 via Lionsgate. The track was produced by Mark Mollica.
November 14, 2020
New Album Under Way and Other Big News.
Dylan has begun work on a new record tentatively titled Infinity Days with Coley O’Toole of We the Kings at the helm. There is a Kickstarter Campaign that ends on Dec. 12 to support the effort which you can become a part of. CLICK THIS LINK to see the a short promo vid for the album, to read the story of this emerging album, and to choose from the many rewards available to anyone who backs it.
On November 21 Dylan will perform at the annual ceremony for the prestigious Gandhi Peace Award. This award has been given since the 1960s and has gone to such heroes as MLK and Eleanor Roosevelt. This year, it is going to two Syrian activists: Dr. Zaher Sahloul (CEO of MedGlobal and also a Chicago emergency room physician) and Maysoun Almasri of the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets). Dr Sahloul and Dylan have worked on mercy missions together at the Syrian border, and the White Helmets are the group that directed Dylan’s video for If Only You’d Listen.
In January of 2021, Lions Gate Pictures will release the film Adverse, which features Dylan’s song Bring you Back and starts Mickey Rourke, Sean Astin, and Penelope Ann Miller.
June 20, 2020
If Only You’d Listen Reaches 5 Million Views and Finds New Audiences
If Only You’d Listen, Dylan’s latest single, has reached 5 million views on FaceBook. The video has taken on a life of its own, spreading awareness and hope around the world. It has also led to Dylan being invited to perform and speak at two prestigious events.
The first event was a concert for Amnesty International. The famous human rights organization asked Dylan to do a Facebook Live show to commemorate the annual Celebration of Human Rights. Dylan performed Black Bird in recognition of George Floyd’s murder. You can watch the entire concert here.
The second event was a screening of the Academy Award nominated documentary For Sama followed by a panel in which Dylan joined Arwa Damon of CNN, director Waad al-kateab , and CEO of Karam Foundation Lina Sergie. You can watch the panel discussion and Dylan’s performance of If Only You’d Listen here.
January 13, 2020
New Video For a New Year.
If Only You'd Listen is a song of hope born from the tragedy in Idlib, Syria. Dylan Connor is proud that the video features Syria’s children and the White Helmets. In less than a week since its launch on YouTube, the video has garnered almost 10,000 views. “Start saving a life” by watching and sharing this YouTube link on your social media.
December. 24, 2019
New Single “If Only You’d Listen” Drops on Christmas Eve 2019.
Dylan’s new single "If Only You'd Listen" seeks to bring awareness to all of the children in the world who need protection. Whether it be the climate crisis, children trapped in war zones around the world, or the gun violence epidemic here in America, the children are looking to the adults to take concrete action.
The song was a three way collaboration with some heavy hitters in the music industry. The title for the song comes from KowleDJ (DJ who recently toured with the Back Street Boys) and was co-written and produced by Coley O'Toole (of the platinum selling band We The Kings. The cover art was done by Jeffrey Isom of Pre Sense Form. The song was directly inspired by a photograph from Idlib, Syria of a father reaching out for his children who were dangling off the edge of their house after it had been bombed from the air.
Available at
CD Baby
Spotify
Apple Music
September 11, 2019
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 IS THE BIG SHOW.
Come out for Dylan’s biggest show of the year at Fairfield Theatre Company's StageOne in Fairfield, CT. This year's show will feature 3 songwriters (Dylan Connor, Darren Jessee, and Johny Irion) sharing one stage, swapping songs and telling stories. Darren Jessee is the drummer for Ben Folds Five and co-wrote their first hit "Brick" with Ben Folds. Darren's latest solo record titled the Jane, Room 217 is full of beautiful songs. Johnny Irion is an Americana songwriter whose newest record Driving Friend features collaborations with members of Wilco, Dawes, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE BEFORE THEY SELL OUT
August 19, 2019
Dylan Connor Lands Song in Feature Film Starring Mickey Rourke, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Astin, and Penelope Ann Miller.
The director of a new film called Adverse, a dramatic thriller due out later this Fall, asked Dylan to write and contribute a song to the film . Dylan received a rough cut of the film, and was inspired to write "Bring you Back," which the director Brian Metcalf has placed in the film and on the soundtrack. A big thanks to Mark Mollica for producing, engineering, mixing, composing a strings arrangement, and playing on the track. Here is a link to the teaser trailer for the film
June 19, 2019
Dylan Connor’s New Video “Man of Peace” Premiers June 20th for World Refugee Day. CLICK RIGHT HERE TO WATCH
Dylan Connor composed the song Man of Peace for the film Little Gandhi. Little Gandhi is a feature length documentary by Syrian American film director Sam Kadi. In 2018, Little Gandhi became Syria's first official entry into the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
Man of Peace commemorates the Syrian peace activist Ghiyath Matar, who gained international recognition for facing down Syrian regime soldiers with bottles of water and white roses during the early days of the Syrian Revolution. Matar and his fellow Syrian activists in the city of Daraya were inspired by the non violent activism of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Matar was arrested in 2011 and tortured to death by the Syrian regime.
Little Gandhi is now available for streaming on Amazon, iTunes, HBO (Europe), and Netflix (India). It is also available on DVD at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
In celebration of this new stage in the film's life, Dylan is set to release the official music video for the single Man of Peace June 20th for World Refugee Day.
Directed, filmed, and edited by Briana Man.
Produced by Dylan Connor and Brian Thorne (Veritas Productions).
Assisted by Anthony Mattariello and Camila Cayere.
Filmed at Kate Eisemann Photo Studio, Bridgeport, CT USA.
Additional Footage provided by Sam Kadi from the motion picture Little Gandhi.
May 6, 2019
“Man of Peace” Takes on a New Life.
The film Little Gandhi, which features Dylan’s song Man of Peace, just announced that it is now available for streaming on Amazon (USA), HBO (in Europe), and Netflix (India). It is available on DVD at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. In celebration of this new life for the film and the song, Dylan is set to release the official video for Man of Peace, directed by Briana Man, this month. In addition, Man of Peace is now available for streaming on Spotify and all other music streaming platforms. And, stay tuned for big news regarding Dylan composing for another upcoming film. For upcoming shows, please check out the Live page on this site.
November 9, 2018
Dylan’s New Song for Idlib, Syria.
In September, Dylan wrote a new song for Syria’s Idlib province, as an attack on the 3,000,000 people there seemed imminent. Dylan’s inspiration came from watching the peaceful protests there demanding the same things as they demanded seven years ago: freedom, democracy, release the detainees, Assad must go. The song is called Idlib (The Revolution Lives). The song and video were embraced by media and news stations in the Middle East and by the people of Idlib, who went so far as to march with signs containing Dylan’s name. In addition, the release of the song resulted in a trip to Los Angeles to sing at the national convention of the Syrian American Council.
August 20, 2018
Dylan's Mission to Syrian Border gets Press in the USA
In July, Dylan lead a mission to the Syrian border in Jordan with the Syrian American Council to bring urgent aid to Internally Displaced Syrians (IDPs). During the mission, he wore his guitar like a backpack, and sang at every possible turn. His trip has received a lot of press including the cover of the CT Post, New 12, and News 8 WTNH . Please check out the links to read and see video segments about the mission.
August 11, 2018
Dylan Attends Fundraiser for the Apollo Theater in the Hamptons
Dylan and wife his Reem attended the annual fundraiser for the Apollo Theater in the Hamptons at the home of Ronald Perelman with guests such as Robert Downey Jr., Citizen Cope, Jon Bon Jovi, Pharrell, Jimmy Fallon, Spike Lee, Jimmy Buffett, and Sting.
March 5, 2018
Dylan and his Band Play to 200 Fans at FTC STAGE ONE March 3rd 2018
Here is the view from the audience with special guests Benjamin Cartel and Johnny Irion on stage. What a night it was. Click Here to read the extensive interview in HAN Network regarding the show.
Dylan Announces Upcoming Tour Dates:
Including Annual Hometown Extravaganza at Fairfield Theatre Co.
Get your tickets now for Dylan's biggest hometown show of the year on Saturday March 3rd! The band will feature Trevor Coen (bass), Joe Izzo(drums), Mark Mollica (guitar), Dave Archer (keys), and Jessica Taliercio (vocals). Special guests will include Matthew Larsen, Benjamin Cartel, Johnny Irion, Greg Thorne, Daniela Cardillo, members of the Bunnell High School Select Choir, and more. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.
December 1, 2017
Dylan's New Single Gets a Boost from Iron Man!
Today, Robert Downey Jr. announced the release of Dylan's new single Man of Peace (the official song of the Oscar Contender Little Gandhi) by sharing it with his millions of followers on Facebook and Twitter. Here is the Link to the iTunes page where you can download the song. Mr. Downey expressed his support of the film Little Gandhi by sharing the trailer for the film.
OCTOBER 2, 2017
For Your Consideration...
We are honored to announce that Little Gandhi, featuring Dylan's song Man of Peace, is the official entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2018 Oscars for the country of Syria! The film was directed by Syrian/American Sam Kadi, who invited Dylan to compose the film's official song. The list of films in this category is very long, so it is going to be a lot of work to make it on to the short list. In order to increase the buzz for the film, Dylan will release the single Man of Peace with a video this Fall.
AUGUST 2, 2017
Dylan Cartel and Benjamin Cartel Announce the Left Coast Tour 2017
The team of DC/BC is back at it, hitting the West Coast for a week long tour starting on August 14th in LA and ending in Portland on August 20th. Check out these dates both here and on the "Live" page of the website.
JUNE 17, 2017
Dylan Plays Italy and hits the Charts!
Thank you Italy! Dylan played in Tuscany on June 23rd at the opening of the annual town festival in Castlefiorentino. He was welcomed by the mayor and presented with gifts from his staff. As a result of Dylan's time in Italy, Spirit Glue broke onto the iTunes album charts in Italy.
MARCH 26, 2017
New Video: All Sides of the Sun
This new video was composed entirely of photographs of refugees flooding onto the shores of Lesvos, Greece from Turkey in 2015. Dylan's father David captured this grim reality with his camera while on a mission to aid the new arrivals. Directed by Miles Steuding.
FEBRUARY 28, 2017
Spirit Glue Tour Hits Chicago on March 5th
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
Dylan Invited to Perform at Fundraiser for Syrian American Medical Society
Dylan is set to perform a few of his songs for Syria at the Midwest Gala for the Syrian American Medical Society on March 4th in the Chicago area. Get your tickets and support a great organization and worthy cause.
FEBRUARY 23, 2017
Few Highlights From the Record Release Show
Here are a few selections from Dylan's sold out record release show at FTC Stage One in Fairfield, CT. 230 fans filled the theater to celebrate the release of Dylan's new 10 song LP Spirit Glue.
The night featured Mark Mollica on electric guitar, Joe Izzo on drums, Dave Archer on keyboards, Trevor Coen on bass guitar, Erin Macleod on backing vocals, Michael Schmidt on backing vocals and sax, Jim Miller on percussion, and students from the Bunnell High School Music Dept.
FEBRUARY 2, 2017
New Album Is Out Everywhere! New Video and Single Released!
Get your vinyl or digital copy and sample tracks here
Record Release shows start tomorrow night Feb. 3rd with the FULL BAND.
2/3 at Pete's Candystore in Brooklyn at 8pm
2/4 at Fairfield Theater Company in Fairfield CT at 7:45pm
2/10 at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan NY at 8pm
2/17 at Rhizome in Washington DC at 8pm
2/20 at the Middle East in Cambridge MA at 9:30