Review Fix Exclusive: Sean Waterman Talks ‘Details’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Sean Waterman, who discusses his origin in music and new album, “Details.”

About Sean Waterman:

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Sean first became interested in playing music during the 4th grade when a music lesson flyer found its way home in his book bag. With his mother’s encouragement, he decided to strap on the guitar. After only a few months there was no looking back – – – guitar playing had become a passion. At 14 his family moved to Atlanta, GA and he continued his desire to become more involved in the creative aspect of music. Soon after the move south, he took up the pen and began composing songs of his own – giving credit to musical influences such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music? 

Sean Waterman: Started playing guitar when I was 9 years old. Didn’t really like it too much at first. Actually for the first few years I tried to quit but my mom wouldn’t let me. When I was about seventeen or eighteen I actually started writing songs and things really started changing from there. 

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like? 

Waterman: It usually starts in a practice session. I’ll be working on something and turns into something else. You take yourself down that new rabbit hole and sometimes you find a song at the end of it. 

Review Fix: What inspires you? 

Waterman: People. The everyday things that sometimes go unnoticed. Or the things that we all notice but take for granted. But mainly the things that cause us to emote. Those things that cause joy or pain. Those tend to be the things that motivate me to write songs. 

Review Fix: How has Covid affected your art? 

Waterman: It has made me more grateful to perform. I didn’t realize in 2020 the last time I got off stage that it would be over a year before I’d be able to perform again. I’m much more appreciative of the moment and can;t wait to take the stage again soon.

Review Fix: What does music mean to you? 

Waterman: It’s a way that I’ve always expressed myself. It has always been my outlet, a place where I can always go to share myself. 

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you? 

Waterman: To be honest I’ve never really been able to do that. I usually just compare it to some other singer-songwriter that people know. I just draw on so many different styles and genres, especially when I’m recording, that it’s a hard thing for me to describe. When I write a song I’m not trying to sound like anything or fit any mold. I’m just trying to say whatever it is I’m trying to say in the moment. 

Review Fix: Why is the guitar a special instrument to you?  

Waterman: I think at this point, there’s nothing in my life that I’ve done longer than play guitar. It’s hard for me to imagine my life without this instrument particularly considering the fact that I hated it so much early on. Now it is a part of me.

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work? 

Waterman: The live shows tend to be just me and my guitar. The studio albums have a lot more going on from an instrument standpoint. I am trying new things each time I am in the studio. They are quite different actually. 

Review Fix: What inspired your latest album Details? 

Waterman: I think just getting to a turning point in my life. The songs are my response to everything that has been going on. Hopefully listeners can find something to relate to on Details.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2021?  

Waterman: Start recording a followup album. 

Review Fix: What’s next? 

Waterman: Lunch. Then studio. Always staying in the music.