Connan Mockasin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Connan Mockasin
Mockasin at Haldern Pop Festival, 2013
Background information
Birth name	Connan Tant Hosford
Born	(1983-03-21) 21 March 1983 (age 42) Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Origin	Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay
Genres	Psychedelic pop neo-psychedelia dream pop space rock avant-pop experimental rock rhythm and blues
Instruments	Guitar vocals bass guitar saxophone
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Phantasy Because Mexican Summer
Associated acts	Charlotte Gainsbourg Soft Hair Infinite Bisous Dev Hynes

Connan Tant Hosford, known by his stage name Connan Mockasin, is a musician, singer, and songwriter from New Zealand. He is famous for his unique style of music, which mixes psychedelic pop and dream pop. Many people praise him for his creative and unusual songs.

Connan was born in Napier, New Zealand, and grew up in a small town called Te Awanga. He got his stage name because as a kid, he liked to make shoes that looked like moccasins from sheepskin and old tires. When he was 20, he moved to Wellington to focus on his music. He played in a few bands before starting 'Connan and The Mockasins' in 2006.

In 2011, he released his first solo album, Forever Dolphin Love, which became very popular in Europe. His second album, Caramel, came out in 2013. Since then, he has released more albums, including Jassbusters and its sequel, Jassbusters Two. He has also made films to go along with his music.

Connan has worked with many famous artists, like Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dev Hynes, and MGMT. Musicians like Tyler, the Creator and James Blake have said that Connan's music has inspired them. He has lived and worked in cities all over the world, including London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.

Musical Journey

How It All Started

Connan Mockasin was born in 1983 in Napier, New Zealand. He grew up in a small town called Te Awanga. His father, Ade Hosford, was also a musician. As a child, Connan enjoyed making his own shoes that looked like moccasins, which is how he came up with his stage name. He started his first band when he was in middle school in 1995.

In 2003, Connan moved to Wellington to pursue music. He formed a group called "Connan and the Mockasins" with Ross Walker on bass and Seamus Ebbs on drums. In 2006, the band moved to London, England, to share their music with a wider audience.

Forever Dolphin Love (2010–2012)

Mockasin in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 2011

Connan's first solo album was called Please Turn Me into The Snat, released in 2010. It was later re-released as Forever Dolphin Love in 2011. The album had a very different sound from his earlier work. Critics described it as dreamy, flowing, and magical.

Connan said he never planned to release the album. He explained, "It was just me being silly, really, and Mum forced me to do it." He recorded the songs at his home in New Zealand. The new version of the album also included a live recording.

At this time, Connan formed a new live band with Matthew Eccles on drums, Nicholas Harsant on bass, Sam Dust on keyboards, and Rory McCarthy on percussion.

Caramel (2013)

Mockasin in 2013

After his first album, Connan Mockasin and his band toured with the French singer Charlotte Gainsbourg. He even wrote a song for her album Stage Whisper. In 2012, he also toured with the famous band Radiohead in Australia and New Zealand.

In 2013, Connan released his second album, Caramel. He said he wanted to create something "nice and relaxed." The idea for the album came from the name itself. He recorded the entire album in a hotel room in Tokyo, Japan. He said he liked the fun and creative atmosphere there.

Critics said the album was unique and made you feel like "time is being stretched." The album included the popular songs "I'm The Man That Will Find You" and "Do I Make You Feel Shy?".

Jassbusters and Bostyn 'n Dobsyn (2018–2021)

In 2018, Connan announced a new album called Jassbusters. It was recorded in just one week at a studio in Paris. This was the first album to feature his full touring band.

Along with the album, Connan created a five-part film called Bostyn 'n Dobsyn. He wrote and directed it himself. The film is about a music teacher named Mr. Bostyn (played by Connan) and his student. Connan and his band act as the music teachers in the film.

Jassbusters Two (2021)

In 2021, Connan released a follow-up album called Jassbusters Two. This album continued the story of the fictional band of schoolteachers from his film. The album was recorded in Brooklyn, New York. The band improvised the music, creating a free-flowing and unique sound.

Musical Style and Influence

Connan Mockasin is known for his creative and unusual music. His songs often have surprising themes and sounds. He has been called a pioneer of "trippy, mutated soul" music.

Many famous artists admire his work. The bands Beck and Radiohead are fans, and he has toured with Radiohead. Other artists like Tyler, the Creator, Beach House, and James Blake have said he is a big influence on their own music. James Blake has called Connan a good friend and mentor, saying, "having him around always makes me feel like I could do anything."

Working with Other Artists

Connan Mockasin loves to collaborate with other musicians.

• He released an album called Soft Hair in 2016 with Sam Dust from the band Late of the Pier.
• In 2015, he worked with British artist Devonté Hynes on an EP called Myths 001.
• He was featured on the song "The Teacher" by Australian artist Kirin J. Callinan.
• He played bass on the song "Noise Above Our Heads" from James Blake's album The Colour in Anything.
• He appeared on MGMT's 2018 album Little Dark Age and was in the music video for the title track.
• In 2021, he released an improvised album with his father, Ade, called It's Just Wind.
• He was featured on the song "Explorer" from the French electronic duo Justice's 2024 album, Hyperdrama.

His Unique Guitar

Mockasin playing his customised Fender Stratocaster

Since 2005, Connan has been famous for playing a unique guitar. It is a sky-blue Fender Stratocaster that he reshaped himself by hand with a saw. He wanted it to have a special shape that was all his own.

This custom guitar helps him create his signature "guitar warble" sound, which is a key part of his music. He also sometimes plays a black Silvertone 1448 guitar.

Discography

As Connan Mockasin

With Connan and the Mockasins

• Naughty Holidays (2004)
• Uuu It's Teasy (2006)
• Sneaky Sneaky Dogfriend (2006) (EMI, Regal)

With BARB

• Barb (2010)
• "Havin' a Baby"

With Dev Hynes

• Myths 001: Collaborative Recordings Captured in Marfa

With Soft Hair

• Soft Hair (2016)

Personal Life and Fashion

Connan Mockasin is in a relationship with Japanese model Hiromi Oshima, and they have a daughter.

He is also known for his unique sense of style. He worked with designer Karen Walker to launch her first eyewear collection for men. Walker said she chose Connan because he has great style and is a "modern icon" who doesn't just follow trends. Vogue Magazine has also described his style as "groovy" and "lively."