Rising Stars: Meet Sean Walsh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Walsh. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Sean G. Walsh has actively performed as a musician since he was 15 years old. As a teenager, he dreamt he could base his life around music. Two decades later, Sean continues to successfully fulfill his lifelong dream, working extensively as a session musician, engineer, producer, music teacher, performing artist, foley artist, and an award-winning film composer. He has shared the stage with members of Ike Turner’s Grammy-winning Band “The Kings Of Rhythm,” members of Anoushka and Ravi Shankar’s Projects, Chapman Stick virtuoso Tom Grieisgraber, John Butler of the “John Butler Trio,” and Isaiah Mitchell of “The Black Crowes” just to name a few.   

Sean has also worked in varied capacities with K. Dean Smith of “Captain Beefheart,” and as an apprentice for Bud Whitcomb, the man credited by Eddie Vedder of “Pearl Jam” in Rolling Stone Magazine as the person who taught him how to play the guitar. Sean also completed four albums of original music and performed in countless live venues with the San Diego-based progressive rock band “Privet.” In addition, he’s recorded with Chris Prescott of “The Montalban Quintet” with other world-class musicians. 

Other notable projects: 

Sweet, Sexy Ocean (2013) – Winner of several awards, including The 2013 SSFF Award for Best Music 

Kuwan (2014) – Winner of The 2014 Audience Choice Awards 

Eternity The Movie (2015) – Winner of The Best Feature Fiction Film at the 2015 San Diego Film Awards 

Dive One (2017) – Official Selection of the 40th International Wildlife Film Festival 

Between years of work in the music industry and a network of lasting connections with world-class musicians, Sean has risen to his current position, spearheading the music production collective that is Lonely Sea Productions. 

As Head Production Manager and Technical Director for LSP, Sean spends most of his time composing for film, crafting custom sound design, and overseeing the inner workings of Lonely Sea Productions. He seeks to provide the finest service in audio production for film producers and music supervisors alike. 

With a strict attention to detail, a deep pride in his craft, and an undying pursuit of new methods and techniques, Sean ensures quality in all projects he takes part in. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a musician, my journey is filled with both challenges and rewards. An inconsistent schedule can be stressful at times, so time management is an important part of what I do. 

Not always knowing exactly where to focus energy with regard to music licensing, performance, film work, rehearsals, & writing individual lesson plans for 20 to 30 students can feel a little like a juggling act sometimes, especially when you add in life’s everyday tasks to the mix. 

Since music can be a hobby for some, finding like-minded individuals who are willing to treat it like a job & make the same sacrifices as you can feel like a challenge as well. 

Just keeping at it day in & day out creates a sense of normalcy, & once you accept that there are difficult elements involved, those elements just become part of the process. 

The landscape of the music industry is constantly evolving, requiring musicians to adapt to new technologies & trends. Flexibility & openness to change are essential traits for navigating this ever-changing field. 

The satisfaction of creating music & connecting with audiences & students makes it all worthwhile though. 

Despite the demanding schedule, stress of touring, film deadlines, lesson plans, & occasional writer’s block, the support of fellow musicians & loved ones keeps me going. 

I wholeheartedly believe that a supportive environment is the key to any musician’s longevity & success. 

Ultimately, the personal growth I feel & the impact of my music on others make the struggles of this path both meaningful & fulfilling. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve found that diversifying has helped me to navigate the waters of being a musician. I have a few different fields I work within. 

I’ve been a performing musician since I was 15 years old & have had the opportunity to share the stage with a wide array of extremely talented musicians. 

These days I find myself in the studio a bit more writing music for film & music libraries who sell & license my music on my behalf. 

I really love the creative process of being on a team of people who share the same artistic vision. 

Directors & producers of films I’ve worked on almost feel like bandmates to me in a roundabout way. We all want the project to do as well as possible & we all have a job to do. Nobody wants to let anyone else down, so we all pour our everything into it. 

Teaching music lessons has been a staple for me as well. I’ve been a music teacher for 27 years now & interestingly enough, I have students all over the world playing music in a number of capacities. 

Some students have gone on to teach, some are on tour, some play for the sheer enjoyment of it. I even have a student who recently got a write-up in Billboard Magazine & is currently performing weekly on the NBC show called The Voice. 

I’m so proud of all of my students no matter what path they choose. 

https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/anya-true-flawless-blind-audition-the-voice-1235623122/?fbclid=IwAR10F7vX1RuV8WwOjkPZrXbIUPiAbqx8QxkbTi-2OUhM9ldxYCbrf5o3EVo 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh6DVVp39vA 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
At its core, music is a form of self-expression. It has allowed me to share my thoughts, feelings, & experiences with the world. 

Embracing authenticity, finding my own unique voice, & staying true to myself are invaluable lessons I’ve learned through my pursuit of creating music. 

Personally speaking, pursuing a career within this industry has required some serious self-discipline & dedication. 

Whether it’s practicing for hours on end, managing a busy schedule, or just staying focused amidst life’s inevitable distractions, developing discipline has been the key to achieving my goals. 

I’ve found that my willingness to keep pushing forward despite obstacles & setbacks has been extremely helpful. 

Learning to bounce back, staying motivated, & continuing to keep striving forward has been essential for my growth. 

In an industry filled with uncertainty & competition, a sense of gratitude for every opportunity & accomplishment keeps me grounded. Above all, the supportive individuals along the way have brought joy & perspective to the path my career has led me down. 

I honestly think destination-based thinking can make people be really hard on themselves for not being where they think they should be. Patience, dedication, & trying to enjoy the process has provided me with what I believe to be a healthier mindset. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lonelyseaproductions.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTUR8P2Mnf3P7WsyxmiI-dA
• Other: https://play.reelcrafter.com/seanwalsh/africansafarireel