Exclusive Interview with SEAN KENNEDY

Artists like Sean Kennedy are difficult to find. The majority of artists do not create, compose, and produce their own music. Sean started writing music at a young age. After learning guitar and keyboard, the New York native enlisted the aid of friends and music instructors to compose songs on his life experiences. ‘Anyone’ was Kennedy’s debut single as a musician, released in 2018. This would be followed by the release of three albums, ‘Tell Me’, ‘The One’, and ‘What’s Left Unsaid’, during Sean’s first three years of high school. After releasing his third album, Kennedy stated he would be taking a break. During this time, he co-wrote and produced his close friend Giuliana Calandrucci’s debut single, ‘Be Alright’, and re-recorded his debut album with six unreleased tracks.
“Memory” is written from a first-person perspective in which Sean advises his partner to reflect on the good even if the relationship doesn’t last. The song begins with a brief loop of acoustic guitar before erupting with electric guitars and drumming. It’s a fantastic song because to its simplicity. Prior to entering college, the artist gave considerable attention to how his relationships would evolve. This song expresses the desire to cling to the happy times in his life. The song is set to be released on February 10, 2023. Check out the sneak peak and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

SEAN KENNEDY: I’ve been writing songs since I was 9 years old, and I put out my debut album when I was 15. I’m the oldest of four boys and I come from a large extended family as well, which is something I hold close to me.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

SEAN KENNEDY: I’m completely self taught! I picked up guitar and piano on my own at 10, and then I eventually taught myself how to record music.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ’SEAN KENNEDY’?

SEAN KENNEDY: I grew up listening to a variety of genres that my parents loved. My dad’s a big fan of 80s music and my mom’s really into country. I’ve always had a strong attachment to music that told a story. Sean Kennedy is my real name and when it came time to decide what I wanted my artist name to be, there was really no question. My real name was the only one that felt authentic.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

SEAN KENNEDY: I think the easiest way to sum up my music would be pop. I’ve experimented with a bunch of different genres throughout my records, but I always find myself coming back to some core instruments; acoustic guitar, piano and strings. I’m just in love with their sounds. Lyrical content is definitely the focus of my songs.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

SEAN KENNEDY:

I started making music using the only instruments I knew how, so much of my debut album was centered around acoustic guitars and automated drums. My journey included a lot of mimicking. I’d challenge myself to pick apart my favorite songs and try to re-create them by ear so I could really see how they were built. Pop has just always been the genre I’ve gravitated towards.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

SEAN KENNEDY:

At 19 I’m still forming my own views on the world around me. My work has served as personal expression, thus far, but I’m sure as I get older I’ll have stronger views on those topics.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

SEAN KENNEDY:

I do! It really touches me when I see people connecting with my work and I’ve received such overwhelming support since the start of my career. When I put out my first song, I definitely wasn’t expecting my current situation as the outcome.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

SEAN KENNEDY:

I generally start writing a song with a line or concept that I’ve come up with. I’ll sit down with a guitar and I tend to build out the song from there. Then, I move over into production. My studio is in my house, which is so amazing because I can come up with an idea and immediately go work on it.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

SEAN KENNEDY: As an independent artist, it’s always hard trying to get yourself out there. When you’re in charge of everything yourself, sometimes promotion slips your mind, but it’s so important.

10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

SEAN KENNEDY: I really love when someone tells me they’ve listened to a song and they truly understand the story behind it, but I think it’s more important for a listener to be able to envision their own lives within a song.