September 28, 2021 by StreetWave
StreetWave Media presents an exclusive interview with hip hop artist, Sean Delaney, located in Claverack, New York. After our interview, check out some of his music linked below…
What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
I’d have to say growing up in the 90’s right in time of the Biggie and Pac era, was when I fell in love with Hip hop. I was already a very good writer and poet in school. So when it came time to sync the two together it was a great relationship. I found that making songs came as natural as tying my shoes. I knew at that point, this was my true calling. Also growing up and waking up to my father blasting Classic Rock hits was a big inspiration as well.
What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
One word. Originality. I never conform to whatever is the current trend. I always stick to my guns and continue to do me regardless of the feedback I receive. Not to say I don’t take constructive criticism and adapt accordingly. You have to be able to remain current and remain true to yourself. Its a delicate balance. There are many artists like me, but there is not one artist who is me except me, there is a big difference.
If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
There is just so many artists that I currently look up to but if I had to choose one I guess I would say Kendrick Lamar. He is a major inspiration in my musical journey. His skill set and lyrical ability are unmatched to an any artist in these current times. If this were the past there would be many different answers but I have to stick with where my heart in 2021 carries the hip hop torch.
What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist?
Well of course as an independent artist you have to take the reins. You have to do all the research and you have to learn all the steps that it takes to move your career forward. Some might see this as a disadvantage but I see this all as an advantage because it is all part of the learning process and a part of living life and looking to find success during that time of living. You have to believe in your ability as an independent artist and you have to be able to overcome the challenges that comes with all of the different things necessary for your arsenal as an Indie.
Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
I prefer the independent route. The reason being is because I can keep my identity. I don’t have to answer to anyone or feel like I am going to be shaped or molded into something I am not comfortable with. At the end of the day Sean Delaney is the brand, the label, the empire. Where the industry is today they are not even giving out real record deals anymore it’s really all just about distribution and other avenues. As an independent artist I can do all of that and spend my money appropriately without having to owe anyone in return.
Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your Best song and why?
I would say that to this day when I created Open Your Eyes in 2007 that was the biggest highlight of my career. I was able to take a song about Autism and turn it into a hip hop giant reaching over a quarter million people and being number one in the world for a period of days on YouTube before going viral was even a thing. It helped me realize that I wanted to make powerful music about messages and music that touches the soul whether it makes you cry, laugh or just be at peace.
Do you miss the era of CD sales OR do you prefer the new wave of music streaming? Explain…
This is a great question. But the answer lies within the drastic changes that music has taken, especially my beloved hip-hop genre. I absolutely miss how a CD contained the artist’s entire Artistry inside. Pages and pages of lyrics and high definition photos that explained and told a story of what it is we were listening to. The digital world kind of stripped us of that and I have never been very happy about that fact.
Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
I love recording in the studio and the freedom and the feeling when you are laying down your bars on that microphone. As far as being on stage, it is a completely different feeling. Being able to do what you do on a live platform oh, there is no other feeling like it in the world. I can’t wait to get back in front of my fans and do what it is that makes them love me so much.
During your entire journey through the music business, what would you consider your Worst experience?
I would have to say watching the transition of Hip Hop over the years. With it once being about lyrical content to it now being more about the beat or a song that has no true substance. It is sad that the real version of Hip Hop had to take a backseat to this new style. Don’t get me wrong there is a lot of really dope music out there now but some of it just doesn’t belong in the same room with what is considered real, raw hip hop. I think that is the worst thing that I had to watch with my eyes.
What would you consider your most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
I would say the success of Open Your Eyes. Being able to travel all around the country to perform it including Washington DC at the Capitol. The song is now currently used for training purposes and facilities all over the country that deal with disabilities. Winning countless State awards for the lyrics of the song was a great achievement as well. No song I’ve ever written has had that much impact on such an important topic. Even though there have been many.
If any, what discourages you the Most about music industry these days?
To me what is considered great is a really compelling story that is turned into a song that moves the Earth on its own. Today what is considered great is a song that isn’t really about much and has a ton of vulgarity and other things in it that make it unsuitable for other audiences and just an overall waste of 3 minutes or so. Some of the music I hear in today’s generation is dumbing down our ears if anything. And then we wonder why our attention span is shorter than ever!
What inspires you the Most about the music industry these days?
So where there’s trash there is always treasure. The same can be said about great music in the industry as well. It appears to me that lyrical content and the old school style of hip-hop that made it great in the first place is making a comeback. And I am here for it 100%. This is what drives me to make the greatest music of my life.
If you wasn’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
I am very technically savvy. I have a great mind when it comes to computers and working with websites and creativity. Either some sort of computer programmer, or someone that creates commercials. Anything that has to do with creativity I would probably thrive in. Music is my life but I also have my own clothing business that I created in 2008 to help me gain funds to pay for my artistry. I recently purchased a Television Network that will be streaming globally. And I recently became a Marketing Manager for a full service marketing agency. So I am definitely somewhat of a jack of all trades anyway.
In your own opinion, What is the current music scene like in your local area?
There are a few artists that have done very well for themselves. The problem that I have with my area is that no one really supports each other. Everyone is out for themselves. I have gained more fans, followers and people that will support and pay for my products for my music that are complete strangers way before friends that I can call anytime. It’s sad but that is the way it usually goes when coming from a small town. Haters are abundant but there has been a lot of support from some which I am very grateful for.
What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
My latest release is my six song EP entitled Heart of a Lion that will then be turned into a full-length album shortly after. I am very excited to release this project because it is completely original and will be distributed on all platforms.
What is on your agenda or what can fans expect to see from you in 2021?
My fans can expect a lot of music. They can expect to see me and hear about me everywhere. I am currently making waves on my Instagram page and building my fan base and my clientele as a marketer. It has created a great network of new connections that are coming to me fluently from the universe and from Good Karma that I put out in the world. I see the three-digit numbers every day now which lets me know that my angels are pushing me straight to the top of the mountain where my dreams and aspirations sit waiting for me to grab.
Visit online: https://www.seandelaneyofficial.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seandelaneyofficial/
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