Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Golightly.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Like many musicians, I got my start in the church. I played bass and sang in the band, and picked up an ear for music along the way. As a younger man, I did a lot of street performing- busking as it’s called – and toured by bicycle across the west. Alongside my music, I’ve been a student of cultural anthropology, archaeology, and the art of communication. Now, I’ve put down roots in Flagstaff, where I write and perform with a myriad of musical groups all while releasing a bulk of my material as a solo artist.
In my time I have developed a great love for American music. I think it is one of the few spaces where the multicultural dream after America is nearly realized. Most folks say my style is country, Americana, or blues – and if you know a thing about music, you know these sounds have drawn upon traditions that reach as far as the Scottish Highlands, West Africa, and of course, the Indigenous music of Turtle Island. It’s humbling to consider oneself as an artist in this greater context, and it’s an honor I doubt I’ll ever live up to.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, thank god. If it had been smooth, I’d have a lot less to write about. Music has carried me through heartaches and loss, hard times, and poverty. Days on the road have left my body broken and my pockets penniless. I’m not special. Everyone struggles. I’m just lucky enough to practice a craft that can serve as medicine, turn pain into pleasure, sorrows into song.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I write, sing, and get on stage. I think I’m most proud of my stage presence. I feel comfortable on stage like I can talk to everyone in the crowd from an honest place. Some people have told me that they’ve come away from my performances with a sense of having been connected to me, the audience, to something greater. Some of my ancestors were preachers, and I don’t think being a musician is that far off. What makes me different than many musicians is that I have that awareness. Live music can facilitate a spiritual experience, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I’m also proud of my songwriting and my ability as a co-writer. I’ve helped many other artists workshop their ideas into cogent songs, and I love engaging in the creative process with other artists.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My best advice on networking is to show up. Accept the invite. Be there, even if only for a moment. Say yes as often as you reasonably can. If you’re there for others, they’ll be there for you. Beyond that, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst anyone can say is no.
Pricing:
- Private Performances – $1000-3000
- Writing Workshop – $50/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: scgolightly@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.seangolightlymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seancgolightly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seangolightlymusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnZ8qz0vhYOKpnM-RPTsCw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/433x1zfqZJMTuOjr1pUoRd
Image Credits
Danee White
