Hoover Dams
(Alternative)
(Alternative)
Johnny SexFuk and the Fleshrockets
(Rock)
(Rock)
SweetFire
(Rock)
(Rock)
Sunday Aug 24, 2008
Orchestrated | Interview
Sean Foley O’Meara started Orchestrated with the intention of it being a small, side project from his other band, but it quickly developed into a full time pursuit. Moving to a solo project from a full band is a nerve racking experience. There is insecurity in being completely exposed as a solo artist as there are no other band members for support; the solo artist is completely vulnerably and, understandably, O’Meara was reluctant to have the songs he wrote and composed on display. Having your soul so completely on display takes courage and O’Meara eventually just had to throw himself head first into the solo music scene. And we are so glad he did.O’Meara has difficulty pinning his music to any one genre. Forced to describe the sound of his music, he likens it to a combination of acoustic, indie, and ambient experimental music. Even with this lax description, he rarely sticks to it. “When I have a medley or chord progression that I think is interesting or beautiful,” he says, “I run with it.” In other words, anything that feels right, regardless of its genre, is what O’Meara uses in his music.
In his solo career, O’Meara has recorded all his songs himself, but he has been a member of several other bands and, for the most part, recording has been a pleasurable experience. Regardless of the amount of fun it can be, there is always a certain level of stress associated with recording. There were many times that he and the band would leave the recording studio and not have enough money to get home because they’d spent every dime on recording. In the end, though, it was worth it. Hard times like these, however, are essential because they weed out the artists who don’t have what it takes from the devoted artists who are willing to endure the trials and tribulations of the music industry.
Money, above all else, is definitely the main concern for independent artists, especially artists hoping to tour. O’Meara stresses that it is important to remember to pinch your pennies when you do happen to raise enough money for touring. With the cost of hotels, food, and gas, there is little room for luxury. But, for O’Meara, missing out on the luxuries like ordering out and cable T.V. are small potatoes when it comes to doing what he loves.
Live shows are what O’Meara loves most about making music. “I love to see the reaction that people have when I’m playing my heart out to them,” O’Meara says. “I prefer a small venue with a lot of people packed together because it makes me feel all warm and welcome.” O’Meara puts his phobia of germs and sickness aside for the chance to play small venues with a big feel.
Though Orchestrated is for now strictly a solo project, O’Meara has considered expanding it into a full band, for both creative and personal reasons. A demo with a few guest appearances is currently in the works as well as a tour of smaller shows around South Shore, Massachusetts. Keep your eyes and ears on alert for Sean Foley O’Meara’s newest contributions to the ever-expanding world of music.