Hey Sean, welcome back! Thanks again for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. We heard you came across the pond for the first time back in October.
What has that been like? It was a great time. I really enjoyed getting to see so many things that had only existed in my imagination from pictures and stories. It was amazing meeting people and seeing some iconic places. I had an absolute ball.
What’s the main difference between UK and US audiences you’ve found? People in the UK are much more polite for sure. There are loads of Irish here, so there is still that. Haha. Everyone was very nice , and I loved all the people willing to sing along.
So you experienced the London Scene, any hidden treasures, bands or spots you’d recommend? I was able to check out a few shows while I was there, Patty Smith for one. That was quite amazing. I saw a young band Jangs at the Elephant’s head where I had also played. They were really fun. They made me feel twenty again. I really had a lovely Beef Wellington at the Sussex, and caught a beautiful Latin mass at the Brampton oratory, and also called into a great session on my last night.
What was your favourite gig from coming over? They were all fantastic really for different reasons. I would say the gig at The Three wishes was up there. We got a real singing session going by the end of the night. The Queens Head was also very memorable. Fantastic staff and clientele. And the sound was great at The Elephant’s head.
Are there any plans to come back? Yes, looking to come back as soon as possible in the New Year.
Whats a dream London venue and why? The 100 club with its history for sure, or KOKO. The Palladium is quite nice as well. Haha.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment? I’ve been digging through some old Irish stuff at the moment like Danu, Bothy band, as well as The Cardinals, and balancing it out with some musicians from my area at home like Matt Pond PA, Kaia Dedek, and Al Olender.
So Rocks Off was out when you were over here, tell us about that track, what inspired it? Loud guitars, and a desire to bring them back into the world with a vengeance. I love all kinds of music but I wanted to bring some of the sounds of things I loved as a kid into it. So yes, a bit of swagger and ass wiggling with amps maxed out seemed the way to go. I hope people continue to embrace guitar music.
Do you think the art of songwriting and connection is proving more needed with the way technology and music is currently going? Yes, of course. The need has always been there, it is just so easy to get sucked in to the void. People need to be jammed into a room with guitars and people,now, more than ever, or we are doomed. Get your “Rocks Off” indeed.
Also we’ve heard you’ve got a Christmas single out, how did that come about, was it always the plan or just something spontaneous? You caught me. Yes, I have a song called” I’m in love for Christmas.” It is a song I wrote years back for my future wife. It was a lighting bolt. I wrote it right before a live radio show on WFMU in The Bronx, and played it on air. It finally seemed like the right moment to record it.
From our last meeting you mentioned 6 kids that you homeschool, so Christmas must be a pretty hectic time, are you prepared? The fear is real. We can never be completely prepared. We do our best and hope. It is always worth it in the end, but you haven’t really lived till you are up all night wrapping presents for little ones.
Thank you for having me, I appreciate it. I hope you have a Happy Christmas and that Santa brings you something special. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
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