Hey Sean, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. Could you tell us something about yourself that nobody knows? 

I used to play classical violin for years before I played the guitar. Something people don’t know about my new single, Gold, is that I got to record it on a Hill Audio recording console from the Royal Theatre in Limerick that was used by some Irish music legends over the years including the Cranberries, Rory Gallagher and Thin Lizzy. 

Tell me about your latest release, Gold? 

I wrote Gold last April at about 2 o’clock in the morning, sitting on my bed. I recorded a demo of it that night on GarageBand on my phone. I really liked the sound of it, it was a different type of song to any I’d written before. I got into the studio with my mate, Ben Wanders, and recorded guitars, vocals and Ben’s drums. I recorded Niamh Farrell (bvs) and Conor Broderick (keys) at their places over the summer. It was the first time I’d been this hands-on with the recording process and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was lucky enough to record the music video with my close friend from school, Brian O’Keeffe. I had a rough idea for the video of getting in my car in the early hours of the morning and heading off on a journey. Keeffe and I spent 5 days location scouting and recording with Naomi Harris (actress) and Barry Coffey (production assistant). It was my first experience making a proper music video and it was a really special thing to have worked with my friends to bring it all to life.

What influences have gone into your sound recently? 

I have always been influenced by 70’s rock and 80’s pop, so with “Gold”, I’m trying to bring these influences forward with my own twist. 

What are you currently working on? 

Currently I’m working on my first EP, a collection of songs I’ve been writing over the last year. It will be a 4 track EP with live instrumentation, recorded with some of the best musicians I know from around the world, who I’m delighted to call my mates. I’m also working on a few interesting projects at the moment. I’ve just recorded an album with “the olllam” a “neo-acoustic-Celtic-post-rock” band made up of Joe Dart and Woody Goss from Vulfpeck, Tyler Duncan, Michael Shimmin and piping legend John McSherry. I’m currently recording an album with “Boxing Banjo”, as well as my own suite, consisting of a 12 piece chamber orchestra and several well-known Traditional Irish musicians. 

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I hope to be back on stage this year playing my music for people who haven’t heard me yet, as well as for those who’ve supported me and my music from day one. I’ve been collaborating with some incredible musicians this past year and I’d love to release and perform the songs we’ve created. Aside from live bits, I’ll continue writing, recording and rehearsing. Doing what I love.

Any top tips for getting through this difficult time? 

Take a step back and look at what you need to level up on. Let that become your focus and get yourself ready for when the world opens back up. I know it can be difficult to find inspiration when there’s no “incentive” to play, but remember why you started playing music, and how it makes you feel. Let that be your motivation.

Watch the new music video for ‘Gold’ below:

Follow Sean on Instagram.