Think of the best concert you’ve ever been to, where the lights were perfectly timed and the mic switches were flawless. Have you ever attended a live show and wondered how much time and preparation go into the production alone? Meet Ross Conner, a talented and naturally curious staple in the Lake Charles music scene. You may have seen him assisting at a live show, heard his voice on the radio, seen an advertisement he’s designed, or simply know him because…he’s Ross Conner!
Born in Cameron Parish, Ross was raised in a family that loved hunting, fishing, and, most of all…music. Ross’s maternal side of the family had a multigenerational band that was a staple at every family function. He remembers watching his uncles unload their trucks with amplifiers and instruments to prepare for their show, foreshadowing a portion of Ross’s career at Deep South Productions. Ross knew this was bigger than himself. He knew it was generations of musicians awakening with every note that was played.
Ross recalls his father’s unique music interests, like listening to ’70s progressive rock on Nova 104, a Lake Charles-based radio station from the late 1970s. Somewhere between Jethro Tull and the Batman theme song, you could find Roger Conner doing donuts in a 1988 Suburban, a family activity the Conners would indulge in while waiting for Mrs. Conner to finish grocery shopping. “I definitely got some of my eccentricities from him,” Ross admitted.
Growing up, Ross developed an interest in electronics that would stay with him for a long time. He received an electronic kit from his mother, which allowed him to be creative with electricity while also learning about it. This early introduction to electronics, combined with cleaning hunting guns for his father’s friends, laid the foundation for what Ross would later pursue as a career. “I got really good with the small, intricate mechanics of guns… and mix in a little electricity, and it’s a lot like working on a guitar,” Ross said. “It was a lot of trial and error in the beginning. I was repairing my own guitars and amplifiers when they would break.” Ross was even able to successfully rewire his family’s house after Hurricane Rita at just 16 years old, thanks to his passion and knowledge of electricity.
As Ross got older, he started playing in bands around town at the old Rikenjaks, the many iterations of Luna Live, and other locations. It wasn’t until his job at KPLC that he discovered a new passion. At KPLC, Ross learned and expanded his skills in production, audio, camera work, video switching, and everything in between. “I’m very particular about the way I like things done, and I have really high standards from working at KPLC. To be a part of that team from 2008 to 2011, you had to be on point.” After KPLC, Ross dipped his toes into radio work, worked at local music shops, and eventually found his passion with Deep South Productions, where he assists in planning and executing high-quality live events.
Ross is currently a contract worker for Deep South Productions through his own endeavor, The Conner Agency. Need your 1955 console stereo fixed? Bring it to The Conner Agency. Looking for someone to help you plan the next big music festival in your town? Call The Conner Agency. Is your graphic designer not giving you what you need? Get in touch with The Conner Agency. Is a piece of your radio station equipment broken? The Conner Agency will be there for you. “I’ve been put here to do something, and I’ve been given all these gifts and talents…and just a little bit of OCD… to make these experiences better for my neighbors.”
After years of helping evolve the Lake Charles music scene, Ross looks forward to the days when he can pull up a chair to one of the many live music events he’s had a hand in shaping and just enjoy it. Some people aren’t able to sit under the shade of a tree they planted, but Ross is already on his way. He hopes to build a home base in Lake Charles soon, where he can work out of and grow The Conner Agency. Keep an eye out for The Conner Agency’s next move, and if you need help with a project, check out Ross at The Conner Agency.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, Ross! You’re awesome, and Southwest Louisiana is lucky to have your talent and dedication!
It’s an impossible task to choose a song to accompany a blog about someone who has a passion for music. I’ve done this to myself. After reviewing all the songs and artists we specifically discussed, it just felt too easy to pick one of those. John Prine kept coming back to me over and over again. The only problem is, which song can I possibly pick? I’ve always admired how both tongue-in-cheek and eye-opening a John Prine song can be. One moment, you’re laughing at the wordplay, and the next, you’re questioning your own perspective on a topic. “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You into Heaven Anymore” is the quintessential example of a perfectly crafted John Prine song. Listening to both John Prine and Ross, I realized I was hearing two individuals who are well-versed in their craft. They are both great examples of people leaning into their talents and using their gifts to impact those around them.
Resourcefulness and creativity are one and the same here in Southwest Louisiana, and it shows in every aspect of our culture! Follow along as we sit down with some of our favorite local artists and business owners to find out why they love what they do. Thank you for reading!
Written By: Grant Kelly
Edited By: Eloise Kelly
Grant Kelly 