
ABOUT
“His exploration of the human condition echoes Scott Walker, with his unique, delicate vocals and intricate playing forged in a contemporary Intimate setting”
- Keith Ames, The Musician Magazine (MU)
"Sweet, evocative, soulful"
- Tania Deaville, The Brighton Argus
Step into the captivating world of Seany Clarke, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller whose musical journey traces back to the days when he recorded his demo material alongside former Boo Radley's bassist and drummer Tim Brown and Rob Cieka.
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Hailing from the vibrant shores of Brighton, Seany's music blends aspects of folk, soul, and folk rock, resonating with an earthy, intimate sound and raw authenticity as he explores the depths of the human condition. Infused with individual flair, Seany's compositions invite listeners on a heartfelt journey through the intricacies of life.
“His exploration of the human condition echoes Scott Walker, with his unique, delicate vocals and intricate playing forged in a contemporary Intimate setting.”- The Musician Magazine (MU)
Drawing inspiration from musical legends such as Curtis Mayfield, Elvis Costello, Paul Weller, and John Martyn, Seany Clarke has crafted songs that transcends genres and captures the essence of his artistic vision. His percussive finger-style acoustic guitar serves as the driving force behind his down-to-earth melodies, setting the stage for his evocative storytelling.
In January 2023, Seany released his single, "Busy O (Kickin' Me Some Ass)," a glimpse into a vivid dream of redemption and revenge. The track is part of his latest album, First Aid Kit, which debuted on February 17th, 2023, showcasing Seany's growth as an artist and further solidifying his place in the music industry.
The journey to this point has been a rich tapestry of musical collaborations and introspective compositions. In 2021, Seany unveiled his single "Have You Had Enough?" on BBC Music Introducing the South's Track of the Day. With its enchanting string arrangement reminiscent of Vivaldi, the song beautifully captures the struggle of breaking free from the monotonous grind of daily life. “It speaks to that moment when one takes a deep breath, realizing they yearn to chase their dreams instead of being confined by the demands of others”.
Seany Clarke's previous releases, such as "When the Craving Comes" (2021) and "Breathe" (2020), delve into equally profound themes. "When the Craving Comes" (masterfully) explores the addictive nature of smartphone usage, using a metaphorical love-hate relationship to illustrate the emotional rollercoaster of our digital obsessions. On the other hand, "Breathe" takes a bold leap, infusing its folk and soul roots with shades of Curtis Mayfield and the elegant strings reminiscent of the Style Council. This empowering anthem serves as a clarion call for equality, passionately advocating for a world free from the deep-seated injustices of race. Both songs showcase Seany's exceptional ability to merge profound messages with captivating melodies, creating a harmonious blend of thought-provoking lyrics and soul-stirring music.
Stepping back in time, Seany's earlier works revealed his affinity for delving into the intricacies of the human experience. His album Familiar Strangers (2019) garnered praise for its keen exploration of relationships, mirroring personal experiences through the lens of irony, pathos, and playfulness. Meanwhile, his debut long player, I Can Resist Anything But Temptation (2016), drew inspiration from Oscar Wilde's masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray, delving into the themes of misplaced desires, disillusionment, and self-destruction. The album was hailed as "classy 21st-century pop with a soulful undertow."
Seany Clarke's musical journey has been intertwined with notable collaborations and live performances. As a co-writer, singer, and guitarist for Catskills Records' soul-funk outfit Hardkandy, he played a pivotal role in their Last to Leave album, earning praise for his outstanding soulful vocals. Furthermore, Seany's musical endeavors extended to his role as the bass player and lead guitarist for Gut Records' indie band Chungking, amplifying his versatility and range as a musician.
Seany Clarke has graced major stages across the United Kingdom and Europe, both as a solo artist and as a member of esteemed bands. With every note he strums and each lyric he utters, Seany Clarke unravels the intricate tapestry of life, inviting us to explore the depths of our shared human experience.
PAST REVIEWS
“Outstanding soul vocals” (for former band Hardkandy)
– The Telegraph Magazine
“His exploration of the human condition echoes Scott Walker, with his unique, delicate vocals and intricate playing forged in a contemporary Intimate setting”
– Keith Ames, The Musician (Journal of the Musicians’ Union)
“Sweet, evocative, soulful”
– The Argus
“Classy 21st Century pop with a soulful undertow”
– soulandjazzandfunk.com
“Sly, Curtis and even Prince are all present in spirit as the vocal lilts above notes we’re personally capable of reaching this side of puberty”
– Brighton Source
“He delivers an intriguing take on 21st-Century life”
– Keith Ames, The Musician (Journal of the Musicians’ Union)