Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Sean Waters & The Sunrise Genius – Put Up A Bet (2024)

US-based musician Sean Waters believes that “life is music, love the only language” and he surely shares his philosophy in the most meaningful way – through his music. Raised in Colorado during the 1980s, Waters earned degrees in philosophy and education, performed in acclaimed rock bands over the last couple of decades, appeared at notable festivals like the Colorado Showcase at SXSW, and is described by publications like Obscure Sound and Two Story Melody as striking, skilful and soulful. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Put Up A Bet’.

Drawing together the musical skills of Sean Waters (vocals, guitars and synths), Ehren Crumpler (guitar), Justin Andres (bass) and Tyler Lindgren (drums), ‘Put Up A Bet’ is a rugged swoon of folk with gruff indie-folk hidden beneath. Following the well-received single ‘Easier’, ‘Put Up A Bet’ is slower, heavier, harder and filled with a sense of haunting. Recorded in Waters’ Colorado home studio with mixing and mastering by Lindgren in Denver, the single takes intricate emotions and blends them in a sonic swirl. Pounding drums crash against bold guitars with a hint of synths interspersed giving off a sense of distortion; however, the harmonic flow of ‘Put Up A Bet’ makes it soothing and sophisticated despite the raw grit.

A philosopher as well as a musician, Sean Waters captures the core of humanity in his music. Looking at life from the edge of a poker hand, ‘Put Up A Bet’ is reminiscent of Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Gambler’. Waters explains:

“’Put Up A Bet’ imagines life as a kind of game of poker where we’ve got to go all in on what matters to us. I was inspired by Maria Konnikova’s book, The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned To Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win. The language of poker comes through in the song, but more the idea that you’ve got to put your hands up to what the cards say…”

Sincere, sentimental and filled with strong harmonies, Waters’ rich vocals bring a sense of vulnerability within the kaleidoscopic hand of poker stretched out in the long journey of life.


Find out more about Sean Waters & The Sunrise Genius on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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