Villagers' Conor J. O'Brien announces book of lyrics and artwork

Conor J. O'Brien has announced his first book, Passing A Message – featuring lyrics and artwork from his lauded Villagers project. To coincide with its publication on September 12, via Faber Music, Conor has also announced special in-store performances and Q&As at Chapters on Parnell Street, Dublin (September 12) and Rough Trade East in London (September 18).

Passing A Message will feature the lyrics to over 80 songs collected for the first time in one volume, alongside artwork and photographs, as well as previously unseen notebook lyric drafts and drawings.

A limited deluxe edition of the book will also be released, which contains the previously unreleased song, 'Pictures of the Floating World' – featuring the voice of Rachael Lavelle – as an exclusive 7" vinyl.

“It’s been a somewhat daunting, rewarding trip to trawl through these notebooks of mine," Conor comments. "I’m undecided still about the concept of free will but I count those rare moments of unrestrained creative flow to be amongst the most persuasive arguments against its existence. To catch an epiphany before it flies away; to play with it, to prod it until it tickles you into submission – this is songwriting, and it’s been a lifeline for me as well as a pleasure, a privilege, and a pain in the ass.

"This book is dedicated to anyone who has been touched by these strange little musical maps of mine; thank you for your ears and here’s to many more..."

Passing A Message is available to pre-order now here.

You can purchase tickets to the book launch event at Chapters in Dublin (in conversation with Jim Carroll) here – as well as the Rough Trade East event here.

Villagers' upcoming live shows include the Trinity Summer Series in Dublin (June 29). See their full list of tour dates here.

Listen to Villagers' new album, That Golden Time, below: