Sean Ashe [Interview]

The guitar world is well known for its over-the-top machismo and cutthroat competitive obsessions. The upside of that dark side is that it makes artists like Sean Ashe stand out that much more. Warm, vibrant, and invigorating, Sean Ashe’s new album Flux (reviewed on TMMP here) heralds the triumphant arrival of a great new voice on the guitar scene.

In this interview, Sean Ashe and TMMP talk Flux, creativity, evolution, and more…

Your debut album Flux is due out this month. How’re you feeling now the release date’s so close?

While a typical response, I’m so excited. This is my first album, and I’m making sure I take it all in. I only get one first album! Everyone who’s heard it has said so many positive things. It’s left me feeling so excited for the future, and incredibly inspired to make more music.

How would you describe the process of writing and recording Flux?

The process of writing this album was really tough. Not in a bad way, but it was a challenge.

Initially I had to overcome a lot of self doubt (in my composition abilities) and had to go on a journey of finding my voice, as a player and composer. Which is a journey that never ends.

Some of the ideas in this album come from as early as 2011, and some from literally hours before I sent the songs off to Andreas for drum tracking. I really tried to make it more than a “guitar album,” so I took great care having each song express an idea, a vision, or an emotion.

The good news is that the more I wrote, the easier it became.  I’m feeling very optimistic for the future.

In short, the recording process was very detail oriented. Drums were quick and turned out beautifully, due to the master Andreas Sjoen, but everything else took a bit of time. I recorded and wrote all of the bass parts myself, which was difficult as I had never really played much bass.

Guitar recording took the longest, since I experimented so much with every part. Trying so many different variations, different guitars from my arsenal, amps, pedals. You name it, I tried it! In some ways I went a bit far, but since I recorded it myself and had time to do it, it was a wonderful learning experience.

What’s your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is playing drums in my basement at the age of four or so. I was really fascinated with drums from a young age, and learnt a few drum grooves by ear. I miss playing! I hope to pick up drums again in the near future.

If a Top Gun-style montage were being made of your life so far, what moments would be in there?

I’ve…I’ve never seen Top Gun. Sorry!

Over the course of creating Flux, how have you evolved as a guitarist, as a musician, and as a person?

Man…I’ve changed so much in every way, but if I had to sum it up :

As a guitarist, I have become so much more connected to the instrument.  From a technical standpoint, as well as using the guitar as an expressive outlet.

As a musician, I learned a great deal about doing what is “right” for the song and for whatever musical moment you are involved in. My ear and vocabulary has grown as well.

As a person, I’ve learned to be a lot more in the moment and to be more honest with myself. And to not take things so seriously. Music should be fun, not stressful.

Is there a spiritual element to what you do?

Not in a traditional sense, no. But, in my opinion, one of the greatest responsibilities of human existence is to expand the universe and bring new things into it. So I try to be myself and reach into my imagination, [hoping] that every note I play, and every song I make, can be unique.

Whether or not that comes across sonically is up to the listener, but it’s my goal!

Beyond the release of Flux, what does the future hold?

So many great things! With Flux, I plan on doing a few videos for it, some live playthroughs in [the] studio (featuring all instruments) as well as several music videos.

I’m making a tab book for the album too, so that’s fun. I also have plans to write and record more music, [and] hopefully release before the end of 2016.

Oh, and I’m moving in a few months to the wonderful state of Colorado, which should be an adventure in itself.  I think 2016 is going to be my most productive, and busy year. All positive stuff!

If you enjoyed this interview, read more about Flux via TMMP’s review here; check out Sean Ashe’s official website; and  follow TMMP via Twitter and my brand new Facebook page for more from the world of world-class music.

If you’re a regular reader, thanks for the support! Don’t stop, and keep going!

Posted on 09 January 2016