Q&A: Greg O’Connor on Love, Perspective, and the Story Behind “Through Your Eyes”

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW


Photos By Kevin Sikorski

SOME SONGS COME FROM A PLACE SO PERSONAL - they feel like a handwritten letter set to melody. For Emmy-winning composer Greg O’Connor, “Through Your Eyes” is exactly that - a heartfelt surprise written for newly wed husband, Kevin, and revealed in the days surrounding their wedding. Released today, the Friday after they said "I do," the track is more than a romantic gesture. It’s an exploration of empathy, understanding, and what it means to truly witness the world from someone else’s point of view.

The inspiration struck during a quiet moment in Waterford, Connecticut, at Harkness State Memorial Park—a historic estate and botanical garden where Greg and Kevin had wandered on a fall afternoon. As Greg lifted his camera to take a photo, Kevin gently adjusted his hands to reframe the shot. That simple act, grounded in Kevin’s natural eye as a photographer, sparked a thought: “I wish I could see the world the way he does.” From that seed of curiosity bloomed a song that’s deeply specific and yet undeniably universal.

Blending poetic lyricism with warm, organic production inspired by greats like Elton John and The Beatles, “Through Your Eyes” is a love letter not only to Kevin, but to the idea of connection itself. In this conversation, Greg reflects on the emotions that led him to write the song, the process of crafting something so intimately tied to his own life, and how he hopes it might resonate with listeners navigating love, relationships, and the ever-evolving art of seeing one another clearly.

LUNA: “Through Your Eyes" is a deeply personal song written as a surprise for your soon to be husband Kevin. Can you share a little about the moment or feeling that inspired you to create this unique gift?

O’CONNOR: Kevin and I took a trip back east and visited Harkness State Memorial Park in Waterford CT in the fall of 2023. This is a historic preservation area and botanical gardens. I was taking a random photo of the estate there and Kevin took my hands and repositioned them at a different angle so I could get a better shot. Kevin, as you know, is a highly regarded photographer so his mind just automatically works in a highly visual way. I thought to myself, “I wish I could see the world through your eyes.” I wanted to be able to tap in to the way he sees things. That was the inspiration for the song. 

LUNA: What emotions or sentiments did you hope to capture in "Through Your Eyes" for him on your wedding day?

O’CONNOR: There is a term in psychology called “mirroring” which refers to the imitation of another person’s behavior in order to gain better communication, understanding and empathy. I feel that in order to have a successful relationship we must all attempt, as best we can, to really tap into our partner and to try to understand their way of thinking.

LUNA: Writing a song for such a significant personal event is incredibly special. How did the process of creating "Through Your Eyes" differ from your other songwriting experiences?

O’CONNOR: The process of writing the song was different in that I wanted the lyrics to really capture the process of getting inside Kevin’s mind by using photography imagery that is personal to our story. At the same time, I feel the lyrics are relatable, in a more universal way, to anyone who is in a relationship. 

LUNA: Sonically, what are some of the key elements in this track?

O’CONNOR: I wanted to create a more organic and open sounding production since the song speaks about pure raw emotion. The musical influence for the arrangement and production is a modern take on artists like The Beatles, Elton John and many of the songwriters from the sixties and seventies. 

LUNA: Releasing the song right after your wedding is a unique way to share your celebration. What are your hopes for how "Through Your Eyes" will connect with listeners beyond its personal significance?

O’CONNOR: I hope the message of the song can apply to all types of relationships, whether it be a life partner, a family member, a business colleague or a stranger on the street. We each have unique gifts that result in life experiences and lessons that we can offer each other. We all have the opportunity to let others into our individual personal worlds so we can enjoy a richer more diverse experience. I also believe the world needs more understanding and more empathy. 

LUNA: Now that you've created such a beautiful and personal song for Kevin, has it inspired you to explore more deeply personal themes in your future songwriting?

O’CONNOR: When I first ventured off of my regular career path of writing scores and songs for film, TV and artists, I did it with the intention of writing more personal stories. I plan on continuing down this path, both on personal and work projects. I think these experiences will continue to help me grow deeper as a composer. 

LUNA: What’s next for you this summer? 

O’CONNOR: After the wedding, Kevin and I plan on doing some traveling. I have some other personal projects in the works as well as some possible film score opportunities that are in the early stages of development. I am always opened to any growth opportunities that come my way. 

CONNECT WITH GREG O'CONNOR

CONNECT WITH GREG O'CONNOR

 
Previous
Previous

Q&A: Cleo Reed Confronts Labor and Resistance on “Always The Horse, Never The Jockey”

Next
Next

Q&A: Laica Learns to “love again” and Embraces a New Era