Seanloui
After his first single ‘W.A.I.S.T.D’ released last year, American singer/songwriter Seanloui released his second single ‘Tell Me’ on September 29th. Seanloui’s personal experience was what served as his inspiration in making this new record. Influenced by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Musiq Souldchild, Seanloui has created his own style: R&B Euro Pop. After travelling to Europe to work on his project, Seanloui made his way back to the U.S to finish his up & coming EP to be released in 2018.
When did you start writing songs?
I started writing very early in my life. Honestly I remember starting around the age of 8. I used to rewrite the songs to my favorite songs. I even sent them to some of my favorite artists. They politely declined to use them though hahaha.
When did you know you wanted to pursue music as a career? What motivated you to be an artist?
I knew honestly after I performed with my brothers when I was around 7 years old. I honestly can’t remember what song we sang to for this talent show, BUT WE KILLED IT.
It was then I knew “Yeah I think I want to do this”. Motivation? I don’t know! I think it’s more like addiction. It’s something I can’t stop thinking about all the time. It changes my mood instantly. I love thinking ways to improve and to get a point across in the most creative way possible.
How would describe your style?
R&B Euro Pop.
Tell us about your new single ‘Tell Me’. How did this song come about? Who produced it?
WHOA! That’s a story in itself! It’s about a girl I used to date. I found out she was cheating on me a lot later in our relationship. So this song is me telling her “Hey, I know what happened”.
THIS SONG HAS QUITE A JOURNEY. I starting writing this song while thinking about the situation. It was a LONG DRIVE 7hrs across the southwest of the U.S. The lyrics and melody just came to me. I then took it to a good friend of mine named Mike Almeroth who helped me solidify some of the ideas I had. THIS is where the story gets crazy, I wasn’t happy with what created so I worked and worked and worked some more for weeks on this song. Adding music parts, stepping away for a bit then coming back. STILL WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH. So check it: I was on a train and I met this random guy from Australia who I befriended and he knew this random girl in Tucson, Arizona. We all went back to my apartment and she heard the song and said “HEY I know someone who might be able to help you. He’s a friend of mine”. THUS I met my dear brother and friend Brandon Nuemiiere. Love this guy. We clicked immediately and helped produce the song even more. His ideas were amazing and we worked on several others (to be released SOON). During this time I decided that America wasn’t for me anymore. So I packed up my stuff and moved to Europe. HERE’S ANOTHER CRAZY CONNECTION. My best friend Dani (Akanksha) knew this guy who knew this girl who knew this random producer in Germany. I WASN’T EVEN GOING TO SEE HIM. It was only when my girlfriend said “take the risk and go to Berlin” while I was in Morocco that I said “OK”. In walks Kolja Dominiak. I honestly didn’t even know if it would work. BUT IT WORKED. He took already the high level stuff myself and Brandon did and brought it up even higher.
“Tell Me” is a journey within itself. Spanning two continents and four countries. I love this song. Bled for it. I created forever family/friends from it. It’s a legendary retelling its self over and over.
Listen to Seanloui’s new single ‘Tell Me’ now available on Spotify
You recently travelled around Europe. What are the major differences between Europe and the US music wise?
MAN. I think Europe just likes GOOD MUSIC. I feel like in the US we just go for the celebrities or what’s trending. In Europe I sat in a room where we played literally every type of music genre and everyone was vibing on it. I really think there’s just more appreciation for music in Europe. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like every type. America is getting there but I think they have a long way to go. Europe and the rest of the world just get it: good music is just good music.
What do you think of the European market comparing to the US?
I think it’s a perfect mesh for people who really appreciate music. There’s a notch for everything. I found out there’s a Punk Ska rockabilly band out who is packing out venues with 2k people haha. You won’t find that in America!
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve honestly been getting back to the basics: Marvin gaye, Stevie Wonder and learning how they write and craft their sound. It’s timeless. How did they do that? They didn’t have the technology like we have. I’ve also been diving into *Nsync and some of the early 90’s R&B sounds. OH AND MUSIQ. WOW what an artist. I would say 67% of my time is just listening to him. I’ve been staying away from rock as much as possible at the moment, only because it’s already engrained within me to add guitars and to take it up a notch when I play the songs live.
Would you recommend any artist?
SMINO. He’s an up and coming artist (he’s actually blowing up right now LOL). The Japanese House which is a girl fronted group from England. I LOVE HER. My boy Coyotoe Mustache is doing some things right now. He’s making moves.
What do you think of today’s music?
Ugh, there are two types of music. Celeb music and Music. I think there’s now a noticeable difference between artists that are just social media stars etc and Artists that make music. DON’T GET ME WRONG: Both are needed just because how our society works but when I listen to a song now I can tell what’s real and whats not you know? Does the artist believe in the words they are saying? Or are they just using random words, throw them together and call it music. You can hear the craft more noticeably now. It’s evident.
Choosing a music career or any kind of art career is not always an easy journey. What are the biggest struggles? How do you overcome these challenges?
Mostly has to do with the doubt that you’re not good enough. THERE ARE SOME AMAZING ARTISTS out there. It’s easy to say “Dang yea, I don’t have it”. My biggest competitor right now is me. I fight within myself almost daily. How I overcome these challenges? Besides drinking? Haha I stay focused. Criticism will come. It’s necessary. You gotta believe that this is what you were born to do. I do, it’s what makes me come alive. Why not give it my all and ignore everyone and everything else?
What are the lessons learned?
Not every feedback is good feedback. Trust your gut. You know when someone is telling the truth and when they are just wanting to hear their own voice.
Study your craft. Michael jackson was a talented guy, but he worked his ass off. Why shouldn’t you?
Stay focused. Distractions will come DAILY. Everyone will want you to sound like this or do this. You have a plan. Follow it.
Trust your heart. Those darks days are almost certain. I walked the streets of Berlin crying knowing I was out of money and I thought I was going to lose it all. But I reminded myself this is what I wanted to do. My heart kept me going during those times where no one was around.
What inspires you the most in life?
My mom man. She really believes she was created to be something great and she has proved it time and time again.
Why should I not do the same?
What do you want to be remembered for?
For inspiring people on stage. Every time I play, I want to take a minute and remind people that there’s more in common with us than what makes us different. That there are gifts and talents within us that are just waiting to be ignited. We only have one life, one chance to try. Do it with everything that’s within you.
If you had to change one thing in this world, what would it be?
Great question! Maybe eliminating self doubt? I feel that kills dreams more than anything else.
Are you working on an EP/album?
YES YES. New single coming out in November and then another one in January and then another one in March with an EP following in April. I’m going to be pumping them out.
What message do you want to deliver through your music?
It’s possible.
What lifts you up?
Stories and the humans that make up the main characters.
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