 For an LA-based artist, Sean Alan certainly does an impressive job at channeling the classic luminaries of Nashville and Muscle Shoals, with a bit of Detroit and Philly soul thrown in. Gritty, visceral performances of newly penned, but iconically nuanced tracks reminiscent of Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty possess a timeless quality. But for all his subtle lyricism, Sean delivers his message with a rock and roll angst. This aesthetic carries faithfully through Sean’s latest full length creation, The Show Must Go On, set for release today, June 22nd. “It’s a fresh take on classic rock and soul, mostly love songs, but without your usual sappy clichés,” muses Sean enthusiastically about the new work. “Its raw and real, romantic and honest. I’m very excited to share it.” The new record comes in the wake of Sean's recent success with the tune, “In This World,” which was featured on the FX series, Better Things. The new album explores a similar vein of poignancy and romance, expressing a kind of commitment to love reminiscent of the Motown songs of old. Here, the singer-songwriter answers his Essential 8 and talks musical mentors, songwriting, struggle and success, and more. Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? I used to sit with my dad and he would point out all the cool stuff David Gilmour was doing in those classic Pink Floyd songs. He really listened deeply to music, and loved music quite a lot. I think that rubbed off on me. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? When I am working out parts of a song, and I find something sweet, I sometimes start laughing out loud. That is a good sign that I’ve stumbled on something worth keeping. As for lyrics, I usually have a nagging feeling until I get them right… I tweak things until that feeling is gone. Is there a story behind your album’s title? This has been a hard year for many reasons, including the death of my father, who has always been a big supporter of my music. There has also been a lot of stress: working, finishing school, raising 3 kids, all while doing art. But in spite of everything, life must go forward. We can’t just throw up our hands and bail. So “The Show Must Go On” seemed like a fitting title. Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? After I released “In This World,” I decided to take a crack at an album of love songs. The 8 that made it on the record were the highlights of the songs written during that effort. The title track I wrote about my dad weeks before his death. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Inspiration can come from anything. An old iphone recording of a sketch. A journal scribble. A score to settle. A grief to process. Life, I guess...  When/where do you do your best writing?
Anytime, anywhere. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? I used to write about personal demons alot, but I’d like to think I’ve become less self-centered. All songs have a different genesis, sometimes a lyric pops out while I’m singing gibberish over chord changes… other times I have a concept I want to explore. I like to always try different things. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Niko Bolas, (who is a producer, not a musician,) once let me borrow a book, “The War Of Art,” by Steven Pressfield. That book was a big influence and a great help. What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Do it because you love to make music and study the craft, not just because you want to be popular. If you have professional aspirations, be prepared for rejection and failure. Music is fun, but there is also discipline involved. Learn your instrument, practice, push yourself. What has been your biggest struggle so far? Trying to balance a full time job, a family, school, and art. Its a 24/7 job that has required a lot of sacrifice in the areas of sleep, sanity, and relationships. What has been your biggest success? Sticking to the dream, never giving up, staying inspired through it all, I think that’s what I’m most proud of. What’s your favorite venue and why? I spent many a drunken night dancing to punk bands at the Roxy in my youth. Also played some shows there with The Atma. Good sound in that place. What’s your dream venue and why? One filled with people who know and love the songs! Who would you love to collaborate with? Oh man, long list. It would be awesome to work with any of my heroes, be it Roger Waters, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson… It would also be cool to collaborate with indigenous musicians from somewhere, like Ry Cooder did with Buena Vista Social Club. Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? When the band is cooking and the sparks are flying, any song can move the room. Are there any songs you are tired of playing and why? I’m constantly wanting to create and play new material… it keeps me evolving. I get tired of any batch of songs if I’ve been jamming them for months and nothing new is coming out. I suppose that’s one of my faults, I’m always moving onto the next thing. Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative? I love a couple beers before a set, but I’ve been dealing with reflux issues and, sadly, have had to stop drinking... Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? Punk rock show! Naked Aggression at the Roxy. Boot stomping, stage diving, loved it! Favorite thing to do on a day off? Power down an edible and work on music in the studio. Do you have a favorite gift from a fan? People have given me some cool original art inspired by the music. That always means a lot. Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? Hmm, I met Ray Manzerek at a book signing once. I asked him a question about the doors songwriting process. He told me to buy the book and shuffled me right along. I guess he had a lot of hands to shake and books to sell. Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? Kathy Heideman, “Sleep A Million Years.” Song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why? So many songs, like ones written when a band was falling apart, or the timing wasn’t right. I’ve written hundreds and hundreds of songs. I suppose it’s never too late to do them. I will do some of them. Probably on the next record. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? To be the owner and operator of a badass recording studio stacked with vintage analog gear. Website/Facebook
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