Conhuir being driven to success with new online music business

Conhuir being driven to success with new online music business

14 June 2017

TWO of the world’s most prestigious car makers have given their seal of approval to a young Downpatrick composer.

Conhuir McKee’s original compositions have been selected by BMW and Volkswagen for two recent advertisements, helping the 28 year-old turn his hobby into a budding career.

A graphic designer by trade, Conhuir is a keen musician and grew up in a musical family — he is the son of Damian McKee, of Rosetta Stone fame, and a member of the popular Just Adam Band led by his brother Adam.

Working from a home office over the last couple of years, Conhuir enjoys uploading his own compositions to an online database, Audio Jungle, which makes music available for a small fee without companies having to pay royalties.

With the increasing popularity of YouTube and other online outlets, he said companies were using sites to purchase original musical accompaniments without the fear of copyright issues.

He has been enjoying growing popularity on the site, which he says now pays his bills, and was delighted to see his music had been selected by the two German car makers to run alongside recent advertisements.

“I have a library of music I have uploaded to the site,” he said.

“I only recently found out Volkswagen and BMW are two of the buyers. This all started as a hobby but it is picking up. Since January it has been paying the mortgage.”

Playing bass and keys, with a “bit on singing”, Conor says he is now concentrating on his online music portfolio, which allows him to “sit in his studio and not move”.

“Some of the top authors on that site are on £250,000 to £300,000,” he said.

“Recently I have found it easier to write. I am going through a spurt. The piece that Volkwagen bought was ready to upload after three days. 

“The industry is picking up and it is great to be part of it.”