A Q&A with Sean C Kennedy

Driving radio rock from Scotland, now based in Nashville…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Hurts to See You Go’ is my new single. I’m bringing back nostalgia to this record. It’s from a personal experience of losing a love you thought you’d be connected with for life but going through a process and learning that it’s okay. Not everything works out. There were so many great things. Also to be true to yourself and acknowledging and reminding yourself of what you really want. There’s a bigger message of letting go here. This song sonically is full of nostalgia, beautiful reminders of the songs we loved for so long. Sticking to my roots and influences here. Some U2, Steely Dan, Bryan Adams and more modern, The Killers, Coldplay. It’s infectious and it’s a bop!

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest part is the reminder when you’re 75% done to know how important the last 25% is creatively. To not get complacent, to respect the process of what you’ve been given and the time you’ve already put in. I think it’s the key to making your song better than you originally knew you could make it. My dad always reminded me of it when I sent the song to see what he thought. Me thinking it’s done and he’d say ‘can you make it better?’ That would always frustrate me because I always knew I could, so he helped me remind myself to dig in!

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
I produced this song at home in Nashville. Last 15% I brought in my good friend/writer/producer Jeff Bowman who I co wrote ‘FR333’ and ‘Let Life Love You’. I took it as far as I could, which has been another learning curve. The surrender brings beautiful surprises. Through 2020 I spent a lot of time in studio and got to hone my craft on production and just experiment as a producer to what I heard, my vision. I get synesthesia too where I see a colour and I feel something. People remind me of colours too. Marrying my production with the colours I feel/see has helped enhance my personality in music…

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
That they feel a sense of release, there’s a possibility, it builds you up, reminders of who you are, that you feel safe and take you to a place where you feel like you. Pull you out of a hole you’re in. Someone once reached out and said ‘I think I’m in a relationship with your song ‘Let Life Love You’.’

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I’m a sucker for melody. Melody is frequency, that’s what binds us together. We are all connected by energy and frequency. Normally I’ll have a melody that sticks and I sing it until a line is relative or a saying that’s something worth hearing. On this record my friend sold me a little Yamaha PSS 470 for $100. Right away it took me back. Turns out it was manufactured the year I was born,   1987! This little keyboard made the song!

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
There’s a lot of older bands like U2, Bryan Adams, Oasis, Sex Pistols – but in last few years more The Killers, Coldplay, Young The Giant. I wanted to bring back the energy of excitement. Going to British music festivals (T in Park, Glastonbury etc) back in 2007-2014 there was an excitement. I wanted to bring my love for those bands at the time and the presence we felt. No hiding! A pinch to the gut! I want it to be believable and I think that’s what ‘Hurts to See you Go’ is.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Japan! Tokyo is my number one city for my music, which is crazy. I want to get over there soon and play for the people. Of course, UK is where my heart lies and I’m excited about returning to perform all these songs.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Right now ‘Hurts to See you Go’ is where I’m at. I have a song called ‘Let Life Love You’ which has been a mantra for people all over the world. That song is growing everyday and recently I started a men’s mental health podcast with my best friend here Rob Ricotta. It’s called “let life love you podcast”, named after the song.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To be on the road and perform for everyone. Not only the songs, I feel I have something to say. A purpose to help and inspire others. The bigger stage is a place I feel more at home on. The more people the more I know I can help. These songs deserve to be with you all on the big stage!

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Have a wonderful life!

For more info visit: instagram.com/seanckennedy77