A Chat with Sean X (18.05.21)
Taking inspiration from, well, everything, singer-songwriter Sean X is creating genre-defying and boundary-breaking music. Born in Nigeria and raised in Ireland, Dublin-based Sean X uses rich vocals and intriguing musical arrangement in his kaleidoscopic soundscape. We speak with Sean X about his upcoming album Life of a Lonely Pirate, recent release ‘XXX’ and much more!
OSR: What drew you to music?
Sean X: Music has always been around me growing up as a kid. I sang in church, in my school choir and my vocal style stems from 90s RnB, you have my dad to thank for that. But the moment I knew that this is what I really wanted to do was my first concert experience which happened to be a Trey Songz convert and from the way him and his band were set up and how slick he was throughout his set, I would say that was the moment I truly feel drew me even closer to music.
OSR: What is the backstory to your new single ‘XXX’?
Sean X: ‘XXX’ is the aftermath of my first toxic relationship which really took a toll on my trust in people and even letting people in like that. I was also at the stage of realising my self-worth and truly understanding myself. Like no joke, I had to get to know myself again and as you can hear from the energy of the track that I had quite a few things to get off my chest. ?
OSR: Did you face any challenges during the writing and recording process?
Sean X: No challenges at all because my best work comes when I’m feeling the height of any emotion if that makes sense. I’m very in touch with my feelings and not afraid to be transparent and raw, especially when telling my story.
OSR: What can you tell us about your upcoming EP Life of a Lonely Pirate?
Sean X: Well, I plan to release in late July, still putting the finishing touches. What I can say is the project is going to be raw, atmospheric and a perfect example of who Sean X is. All produced by me so I could sit here and tell you every story stemmed from an idea towards this project. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on since the pandemic started.
OSR: How do you feel ‘XXX’ differs to your previous music, if at all?
Sean X: Definitely more raw and unapologetic and my first time doing a song of this style. I’m happy I was able to bring a beat idea that came to me when I was washing the dishes. ?
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Sean X: I believe in living life to the fullest, which means taking all the good and the bad, but that’s what makes us grow as a person until we are the best versions of ourselves we can be and having fun while we’re at it. Oh, and also that I’m a pirate…just wanted to put that out there. ?
OSR: Do you believe your Nigerian heritage plays a role in your sound?
Sean X: Yes, it plays a big part which shows my versatility as an artist which is what I’ve always been trying to build for myself. Like, if you ask me what my genre is I’ll tell you it’s ‘X’ – just like in maths X can represent anything and the pirate in me wouldn’t like being limited to one type of sound. I get inspired by everyone and anything around me so my Nigerian background will always make an appearance in my music one way or another.
OSR: What is your greatest musical achievement to date?
Sean X: It was when I was in my school choir and I represented my school in a music festival in the national concert hall. I know it was a long time ago, but memories like that stay with you forever, you know.
OSR: Which musician would you love to spend the day with?
Sean X: The Weeknd for sure. I call him my Sensei and I’m his biggest fan. First time I saw him when he opened for Drake when they came to Ireland and I was right up front and it instantly trumped my Trey Songz moment!
OSR: You have performed for several meaningful causes, one being a suicide awareness charity event. Do you feel enough attention is paid to these issues in music and society at large?
Sean X: I don’t wanna diminish the attention that is already being paid to the issue but I would love to see more being done because even as a musician there are times where it can get dark, when you lose your self-motivation or when you gauge where you want to be versus where you are can be daunting. So I never turn down the opportunity to be involved in such causes that mean a lot to me.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Sean X: My Pirate Code which can apply to anything in life. Living life to the fullest, being true to myself and no regrets! ?
Thanks to Sean X for speaking with us. For more from Sean X check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
