Conor Kenahan is a Brooklyn-based musician and audio engineer.

For Kenahan, the process of creating music is just as crucial as the final result. His recent debut full-length LP, This Living Act, showcases his ability to craft intimate, heartfelt, and sonically lush songs.

Check out his latest video Cellophane Dreams here.

Describe your ideal listening environment.

Big speakers turned up only a little bit.

What are your favorite sounds?

Passing planes, lawn mowers in the distance, waves, any sort of water.

Which sound do you most like making?

I like trying to recreate sounds I hear with my voice.

Who do you like to talk to most?

My friend Zeb is one of the best people to talk to. He always makes me feel heard and inspired.

What does it sound like in your head?

It’s just lots of songs / beats / mantras constantly. More so when I’ve had caffeine.

What was the first thing you heard today?

Every day it’s usually the “Sunny” iPhone alarm tone.

What sounds do you hear right now?

The hum of the air conditioner in my living room fighting the NTS breakfast show with Maria on the speakers.

On what occasion do you become loud?

When I’m driving alone and getting sleepy- to wake myself up. Shouting to/at yourself does wonders.

On what occasion did you most recently whisper?

I think I was whispering to my niece joking about something.

Are you a good listener?

If I’m not on my phone, yes.

What podcast do you listen to the most?

Not a huge podcast guy anymore but when I was listening last, probably Blowback.

Describe your ideal soundscape?

Lying on a bed listening to a lawnmower in the distance with birds chirping and occasional faint / unintelligible passing conversations.

What do you consider to be the most frightening sound?

I find extremely loud vehicles to be some of the most shocking things ever. Especially when people are driving them recklessly.

What do you consider the most overrated sound?

Probably extremely loud vehicles lol

Whose speaking or singing voice do you most admire?

I love Stephen Malkums’ singing voice.

Who is your hero of music or audio?

There are so many. Prince is always a go-to for a various reasons, one of which being his ability to master various styles and genres. I also love Toro y Moi for the same reason.

Which sound skill, talent or superpower do you possess?

Not sure... maybe finding the right person for the right sound.

Which sound skill, talent or superpower do you secretly possess?

I’m a great soloist… in my head. Unfortunately I can’t play any instrument well enough to solo lol

Which sound skill, talent or superpower do you most desire?

It would be pretty sick to be able to isolate any sound you’re hearing. Sort of like selective noise canceling with your ears.

What is the most extravagant / furthest length you have gone for sound?

There’s always some piece of gear I’m jumping through hoops to acquire. I almost drove 9 hours to Rochester for a Rhodes once.

What is your most vivid sound memory?

I always remember the way the beach would sound lying down with a towel over my head as a kid. It has this comb-filtery thing going on

Which of your possessions do you most associate with a sound?

The jangle of my keys maybe

Which extinct sound do you most wish you could hear?

I would love to hear how people spoke like 100,000 years ago.

What advice did you regret not listening to?

I’m not sure. It’s all part of the process, you know?

Describe silence in ten words.

Only being able to hear things you want to hear? Idk

When did you feel unheard?

It happens. Can’t remember specific times.

Describe a sound that troubles you.

Loud vehicles!! Can they chill out for once?

What will it sound like on the “other side”?

I have slight tinnitus so I imagine it to sound like what silence actually sounds like without ringing in your ears.

When and where were you happiest, and what did it sound like?

Probably at the beach as a child. So, ambient beach noise.

What was the best thing you heard this week?

My niece laughing is always the best.