After leaving his homeland of Scotland for the epicentre of the music scene in Nashville, Tennessee, Sean C Kennedy has set his gaze towards his sonic signature of 2022. As an entirely independent artist, Sean C Kennedy has built a strong foundation to his career, achieving over 5 million streams at Apple Music. With that groundwork in place, Sean is now primed for visionary opportunities beginning with last week's release of his newest single, ‘Hurts To See You Go’.

With his new single just released, we caught up with Sean to ask some further questions about him.

Your new song ‘Hurts To See You Go’ has just been released. I notice it has that 80’s synth sound that even modern pop artists like the Weeknd have achieved great success with recently. What made you go down this route sound wise?

I was born in 1987. Bringing that nostalgia to the front on this song. Also my friend had moved out of town last year and sold me a little Yamaha PSS 470 for $100 and just found realised it came out the year I was born so it was meant to be. This record has a lot of nostalgia in it, all the songs have different flavors from songs I’ve adored since I was young but this little keyboard has been the magic! 

Your latest single is kind of a mix of alt-rock and alt-pop. What genre would you describe yourself as generally? 

It’s a personality for sure. It’s like going to a party with Coldplay, the killers & Bryan Adams. Interesting mashup but everyone will remember this party…

I believe you have already gained 5 million streams on Apple Music - some going for an independent artist. Has there been any event or catalyst that has helped you along the way, or is it just sheer hard work you put in?

Who you know really does helps, that’s for sure but your song and personality still have to hold its own. My old footy coach always said, ‘hard work will beat talent everyday, unless talent works hard’. in footy the talent part came easy and forgot I had to work hard. This time around in music I’ve been given some talent but by god I put the hours in. I do that now because I truly just love the process of learning, discovering more about myself. Be real, honest and expose your vulnerability. Letting people see who you really are can be a lovely acceptance too. We are all wanting to just experience beautiful things..

What extra opportunities have come as a result of moving to Nashville?

Getting to be a part of other peoples songs. Collaborating with the people I admire myself and being a part of someone’s musical journey. Being a producer or guitar player is a joyful process. Recently I’ve been acting more too which I’ve always wanted to do. Music and film can really go hand in hand. I’m excited to be filming new music videos for this project.

I realise Nashville is a melting pot for all kinds of genres, not just country music, but have you thought of going down the country route at all whilst living there? 

Yes definitely. I put out a record in 2015 that leant it’s hand to country. A sonic blanket for sure. Next year I may drop a little country project. I can go any direction I want. I have complete freedom when it comes to projects and the direction I take. It’s all just personality.

How does Nashville compare to your homeland of Scotland?

I miss home! I miss the beach. The fish suppers!!!!! There were opportunities for me in Nashville and I just ran on a feeling. I look forward to coming home and playing some shows.

Who are your main influences?

My dad, Prince, U2, Bonnie Raitt, steely dan, crowded house, the blue Nile.

Who would be your dream collaboration? 

Paul McCartney! I met him back in 2016 in a restaurant on the east side of NYC. He was a lovely guy. We spoke about Scotland for a second and my travels. He recognized the Ayrshire accent. Was kind enough to sign my guitar too so getting to work with him would be an honor and just something that would make sense when you hear my music.

Have you got any upcoming gigs or shows?

I have a few small shows acoustically in Nashville. Full band shows after my second single release in November. Plan to also return to Uk in December to play some shows. Next year we go to Tokyo!! It’s my most listened to city. Crazy to know how many people listen to my music there.

When will we be hearing more releases from you?

Single no2 will be out November 3rd and turn of the year I’ll keep rolling out the songs and the full album release around late spring. Super excited about all this. Releasing and then getting to perform them all live! 

Thanks Sean - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.