Conkan: Irish Hip-Hop's New Voice

Born in Salford but raised in Dublin, Conor Keenan Anderson—known by his stage name Conkan—is a versatile artist blending boom bap, grime, and drum & bass into a unique and authentic soundscape. With roots in both Ireland and Manchester, Conkan's music is shaped by the diverse cultural and musical influences he's encountered throughout his journey.

Conkan discovered his passion for music at the age of 13, inspired by the emcees at his Manchester school and the grime and dubstep beats that defined the scene. “I thought it was sick and figured I could do it too,” he recalls. By 14, he was rapping and diving into drum & bass during a work experience stint at a recording studio. Upon returning to Dublin at 16, Conkan adapted to the local hip-hop culture, crafting bars over boom bap beats while staying true to his Manchester grime roots.

“I do my best to keep it real,” Conkan shares, crafting music that reflects his life, surroundings, and the world at large. His authenticity is fueled by his close-knit creative circle, a collective of like-minded artists who inspire and motivate him. Drawing influence from pioneers like Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Prodigy, as well as contemporary labels like High Focus, Conkan's music bridges the gap between introspection and relatability. His lyrics resonate with listeners, offering raw storytelling with a universal appeal.

In 2024, Conkan released his debut EP, Eat Food, marking a significant milestone in his career. Initially self-produced, the project evolved through a collaboration with Outstraight Records, which elevated its production quality and expanded its reach. Reflecting on the process, Conkan admits it was both challenging and rewarding, pushing him to refine his sound and navigate the complexities of promotion and self-doubt.

Available on all major streaming platforms, Eat Food has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, sparking demand for accompanying music videos. Beyond the studio, Conkan has made his mark on stage, performing numerous DJ sets and rap gigs alongside his Outstraight crew. With a high-energy presence, his live performances seamlessly fuse his diverse influences, captivating audiences across genres.

Conkan’s focus remains on consistency, creativity, and self-improvement. His short-term goals include producing more music and enhancing his live performances, while long-term aspirations involve pressing his music on vinyl and expanding his audience globally. Above all, he wants his music to unite, inspire, and provoke thought.

“I make music for humans,” Conkan states simply, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity and positivity. Having narrowly escaped the darker sides of Manchester’s gang culture in his youth, Conkan’s music reflects a life of resilience and gratitude. “I want to spark debates, make people laugh, and maybe even move them emotionally,” he says. “Music drives and motivates me, and if my music can do the same for others, that’s everything.”

Whether through grime-heavy bangers, introspective boom bap tracks, or pulsating drum & bass anthems, Conkan’s music is a celebration of life, resilience, and self-expression. His simple yet powerful philosophy—“Love yourself, look after each other, and don’t forget to eat food”—remains at the heart of everything he creates. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Conkan’s dedication to his craft and his audience sets him apart as an authentic voice in the world of underground music.

Through grime-heavy bangers, introspective boom bap tracks, or pulsating drum & bass anthems, Conkan’s art is a celebration of creativity, connection, and self-expression. His simple yet powerful philosophy — “Love yourself, look after each other, and don’t forget to eat food” — remains at the heart of everything he creates.