Our publication recently spent some time with the indie singer/songwriter via online who allowed us to enter into his musical world. We discovered many great things about the artist that we wanted to share this with our readers. Here is what formulated from our online meeting.

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

Sean: I love being able to listen to such incredible music from around the world. With recording equipment cheap enough for consumers, there is so much incredible music coming from all angles. Whether its people you've never heard of, or popular artists who've been around for a while, the standards are getting real high. I think production is the best it's ever been, and artists have a wide scope of influence and inspiration to draw from.

Isaac: Would you be up to signing to a Major or Indie Record Label? Why or why not?

Sean: Well, a couple labels have approached me, but I'm waiting for the right one. You have to be careful, because a major might be able to expose you a whole new playing filed, but they could also shelve you, where as an independent label might put a lot of time and effort into you, or they might not have access to the resources you would like. I think great resources are out there and many people act as their own label. I'm gonna push this on my own as much as possible, and that way when I'm ready to talk to a label, I have a lot of bargaining power because the machine already is up and running.

Isaac: What do you feel is the one aspect of making music that excites you the most right now? What do you feel is the one aspect of making music that gets you the most discouraged?

Sean: Well, what excites me and gets me discouraged at the same time is how good music is these days! On one hand, I'm so excited and feel so privileged in being able to listen to such great music and experience creative multimedia performances, and at the other hand I'm intimidated! I think from a business stand-point it's hard to compete and standout when so many talented and creative artists are emerging.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Sean: Of course, there is some music that gets pushed to millions while loads of great music goes unheard, BUT... more and more the platform is growing for Independent music. Now more than ever musicians are able to expose their talent to people across the world. Also, I think all this availability to music around the globe is doing wonders for peoples' musical skope. 

General audiences are being exposed to a diverse array of styles and genres and many genres are merging. Also, a song done in one take on the built in speaker on a laptop might get millions of plays on YouTube. This growing acceptance of varying sound quality helps level the playing field for artists in their bedroom and basement and artists in million dollar studios.

Isaac: In your opinion, what are your thoughts on how the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording impact the qualities of the show/recording?

Sean: Well, making this last album, I did it on my laptop which followed me all over the world. I was in Australia, living in a shed with a Koala living (and making noises) in the tree outside my window when I made several of the songs on the record. I think with all that sunshine, I had so much serotonin pumping through my body I made some really happy, upbeat tracks!

Isaac: I am interested in knowing if in what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?

Sean: I'm lucky enough to have lived in some really great areas. Growing up outside Washington DC, I had a heavy influence of punk and jazz music. Moving to New York, I was influenced by musical theatre, because I spent every last penny I had seeing Broadway shows! Also, crazy artist types from Brooklyn introduced me to Burning Man which made me interested in dance music.

I think the people you are around, and friends can bring different music to your attention that you might get inspired by. And once you've had a taste you can explore these genres further online. Oh yeah, Australia also has a killer radio station, Triple J. This station has no commercial influence so they can play what they want. I hear lots of friends on the radio in Aus, and am exposed to some really great stuff whenever I go back.

Isaac: What can you tell our publication about the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about the whole process?

Sean: The last time I wrote a song was about 2 hours ago! Sometimes songs just come to me in a dream or when I'm driving or in the shower- I think it's when my right brain takes over. Of course, those are usually the times in which I'm NOT around a pad of paper to write it all down. I'm about to travel to Boston to work with killer producer, Take Igarashi.

I want to have some cool songs up my sleeve for that so I decided to punish a whole bunch of dark chocolate espresso beans to get a little crazy and let that right brain kick in. So pretty much I was just hammering away on the piano like a crazy ten year-old kid who just ate his birthday cake and forgot to take his ADHD meds.

Every once in a while something half decent pops out of nowhere, and I write it down. Also, when the sugar high crashes i start thinking about some deep sh**. So that brought out some potential lyrics. Who knows what'll come of it...

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Sean: Yes, but not as much. Haha- I love creating music. Right now, I'm trying to make a successful business out of it. Someday I'm gonna make some babies. Maybe a whole bunch, but I'll need to provide for those little suckas. I think the way to be most successful in the balance of finance and happiness is to do what you love. I don't want to be a weekend warrior with music; I want to be creative always, so I am seeking some fame and fortune.

Isaac: Do you have a strong support system with your family and friends? How have your family and friends help you emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc. with your music? 

 

Sean Cooney 

Sean: My friends and family are incredible. I am lucky enough to have a family spanning 4 generations and every continent except Antarctica, so they've given a good variety of feedback. Some of my families give me that blind support that makes you feel amazing, like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. THEN I've got the realists who bring me back down to earth!

These are my peeps who have really helped form my sound over the past few years. I think for any musician really trying to make it, an honest opinion in a sea of hollow compliments can be the most beneficial gift of all.

Isaac: As you continue your own path for making music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?

Sean: I get more and more interested in new music almost daily. Before YouTube, I was more involved in one or two music scenes and that was 90 percent of what I was exposed to. In school, the music you listen to or associate with can be a major identifier of who you are and who you might hang out with.

Nowadays, I'm in NYC and no-one gives a f*** what I listen to. So I end up just bouncing around online and finding cool stuff. Oh yeah, and commercials on Hulu!- I tend to love those songs.

Isaac: Me too Sean!

Isaac: As far as your influences, what would you say are the musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?

Sean: The 70's and 80's! David Bowie and Queen are pretty much my musical DNA. Also, all the Jazz Standards of the 20's and 30's. And then of course, there is contemporary pop. Right now the pop world is infused with dance styles from all over the world, and so many genres have blended. I never went to school for music or production but honestly the best schooling, just listen!

Listen to Black Eyed Peas' biggest songs. Listen to what Dr. Luke, Red One, J.R. are doing. Listen closely with headphones, over club speakers, in the car, while drunk, while totally focused and you can learn what makes those songs so good.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Sean:

www.SeanCooney.com
www.facebook.com/SeanCooneyMusic
www.youtube.com/SeanCooneyMusic
www.twitter.com/SeanCooneyMusic
www.myspace.com/SeanCooney
or if you wanna join the email list, go to:
www.seancooney.com/page5.html


Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Sean: Thank you so much for your time! Honestly, I think this is a great time for musicians and artists. People are able to connect, collaborate and share so much more than ever before. I love it when people get at me online- so now y’all know where to find me!

Oh yeah, I got some sweet music videos coming out this January and the next couple moths so check back for those!

PEACE!!!!!