Meet Sean McCole | Musician, Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean McCole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from the Chicagoland area. Coming from the midwest it sort of seems like a vacuum (at least from the entertainment side of things) You really have to hustle because you definitely feel like you’re competing with the great forces of both the east and west coast. While there are a ton of amenities in Chicago, being a world class city, we’re not technically under the nose of particular resources you have say in NY, LA or even Nashville. Seems like a lot of artists and musicians are just fighting to stay alive and relevant. However, Chicago still seems to have a very nurturing music community and some of the best clubs to hunker down and work on your craft and showmanship.

Also coming from the midwest we have a particular set of morals and values, sort of similar to the south of having great hospitality and warmth (even though our winters are brutal). It’s very common to be in a hurry somewhere, you’re walking out your door and you have a twenty minute conversation with your neighbor. It humbles you, it’s brings some perspective and it serves as a constant reminder to be a genuine and authentic person. We’re all in this rat-race called ‘Life’ together. Don’t forget to wake-up and smell the daisies (or the manure if you’re near the cornfields.)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It took me a while to find my sound. In a way I’m still sculpting it sonically. To no surprise you can hear my early influences, but I also try to combine unconventional components to stir the pot. I’m definitely keen on having a gritty rock aesthetic, yet I also enjoy having some electronic aspects to spice it up a bit. Playing the Chicago circuit definitely helped me cut my teeth as a musician. Also having playing drums in a Nirvana tribute band definitely helped me become a callused musician (in more ways than one). To this day my story is still a work-in progress. I beat myself up all of the time because I’m not entirely where I want to be yet. I have these milestones I desperately want to reach. And while that’s a good thing, I also need to get better at appreciating of what’s currently under my belt as an independent musician. I’m eager and excited to work in the SoCal market and I can’t wait to see whats in store down the road!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me the beach is an absolute must! From Orange County all the way down to San Diego, each beach offers something unique. Carlsbad & Encinitas are my favorites. Occasionally I will go up to LA or OC and go for a hike with my brothers followed by a feast at a kick ass Mexican restaurant. Don Antonio’s is probably one of my favorite go-to’s! Once in a while I like to visit the art galleries in Laguna and just stroll around town and look at the homes I’ll never be able to afford. Live entertainment is a big part of my life; I’ll try to catch one of my favorite bands in town (There are so many great venues out here). One particular spot I really like to chill and have a drink at is, Shake & Muddle in Chula Vista. Jeff is one of the best mixologist in the area and the staff is incredibly hospitable and friendly. Lastly, I like to spend a lazy Sunday at Balboa Park and just take in the beautiful nature and architecture. It’s a great power reset and charges you up to take on the next week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to group Common Allies and Mike Silvestri based out in Long Beach that helped me get the ball rolling in the SoCal market!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealseanmccole/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanmccolemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Mg52LRMPo_PHjj8HQjPMw

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1anijTj2aJmMALTLOqZqrF

Image Credits
Emma Zanger (Chicago based Photographer)