Connor Filicko: Music is his life
To some, music is an escape from the monotonous repetition of daily life. For Connor Filicko, it's much more than that. Every chord played on his guitar, every note blown through his harmonica, every lyric sung into the microphone has meaning.
The 19-year-old Milton resident is headed to George Mason University later this summer to begin his studies in music technology. A degree would be a step toward becoming a music producer or working in a recording studio. But that might be a fall back for Connor, who has his sights set on bigger things.
“I'd love to be a studio technician, but when I graduate maybe I'll try to find a band and go on the road and be a professional musician,” he said. “Then I'll have my degree as a backup if I need to get out and more into having a salary.”
Connor already looks the part, with long hair and a laid-back demeanor. He also has the talent. He plays monthly at The Country Store in St. Georges, where he often joins much more seasoned blues musicians on stage at shows. He's also played festivals, and he even plays locally in a band with other younger musicians.
Connor's next gig may be one of his biggest to date. Set for Saturday, July 16, Connor will host A Farewell to Milton concert at the Milton Theatre. Connor will be front and center the entire night.
“It's going to start with me solo doing a delta blues sort of thing,” he said. “Then, different musicians I've played with throughout the years will be sitting in with me. It's just going to build throughout the night.”
Connor will play some well-known covers, some not-so-well-known covers and a few original songs. He will be joined for duets as the show progresses, and, by the grand finale, a full band will be playing on stage.
“I don't get nervous,” he said. “If I'm playing with some people and it's not working out, it gets a little hot up there, but I don't get butterflies.”
The lack of stage fright could be a product of his age. At 14, Connor was already performing in front of crowds. He had a weekly gig at Broadkill Boathouse – now Good Fellas – and he would often travel to The Country Store in St. Georges for jam sessions, where he would play with musicians Garry Cogdell and Ed White – both are expected to play with Connor at his July 16 show.
Connor's influences run the spectrum, from blues pioneers to the Rolling Stones. Lately, he said, he's been exploring funk and rhythm and blues, but he's also taken a liking to country, punk and old-school hip hop. From Mos Def and The Stooges to Marvin Gaye and Sly and the Family Stone, Connor is constantly mining for his latest inspiration.
Nearly all of his influences are decades his senior. Connor is admittedly an old soul – his website is oldsoulblues.com.
His love for music mainly comes from his father, Michael, who plays piano and is a passionate fan of music. Connor's mother, Sharon, was a first chair flutist in high school and also plays piano.
Although Connor wasn't introduced to the art of playing music until he was 13, he has been immersed in music since the day he was born. Connor's father said he was welcomed to the world by Bob Marley and the Wailers in the delivery room. He has been exposed to the widest range of music since, whether through the family's huge vinyl collection or firsthand at concerts with his father.
“I have done my best to take Connor to see all of the giants still living in blues and rock and roll,” Michael said.
Unlike most families, Connor's family does not have a TV in the living room; the Filickos have two turntables – one for mono albums, the other for stereo albums. Connor said he also discovers music through YouTube.
“I am extremely fortunate that Connor, in his youth, shared the same passion for the same artists,” Michael said. “Of course, Connor has branched out with his musical influences and has seen musicians I have never heard of. Isn't that what it supposed to be for a musician?”
Connor attended Southern Delaware School of the Arts in Frankford before moving on to Sussex Tech.
Connor has worked with guitar teacher Lou Hill for the last six years. He's also adept at harmonica and he’s learning to play the piano. He also sings.
