We were lucky to catch up with Sean Poole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sean , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I was introduced to music as a young child by my mother, we sang together to her record collection. Later, for my ninth birthday I received one of my most cherished possessions, my first guitar, a Peavy T-60. I quickly taught myself to play by ear. By the time I was eleven, I knew I wanted to be a professional singer and I promised my mother that I would have a song on the radio one day! She passed away a year later when I was twelve; it has been 39 years since I made that promise to her, but I still intend to fulfill it. At age 15, I created what I knew one day would be my professional logo, it is now displayed proudly on my business cards, guitar strap, and both sides of my truck.

When I turned 21, I decided to try singing karaoke in local bars to take the first step toward singing in front of people. I sang what I grew up with, the fifties, and sixties music from my mom’s old forty-fives. I was not sure if I would be good enough to go any further, and I was nervous about people’s reactions. However, from the first time I stepped in front of the mic and started to sing, the noisy crowd became quiet. I wondered what they were thinking, but when I finished my song, I received a standing ovation! This motivated me to keep singing, and soon local bars became my second home.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist/entertainer originally from Greenfield, OH. At my shows I perform a variety of genres, but my roots run deep in traditional country. I have performed at a wide variety of venues including fairs, festivals, clubs, bars, restaurants, community events, and private parties all over the state of Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. I am hoping to add even more states next year!

Presently, my focus is on song writing, and looking for song writers to collaborate with to record on my next CD. I am also working to build my presence online. You can see videos, pictures, and my upcoming shows at www.seanpoole.net. You can see pictures of my shows each week, or message me for booking on Facebook, at Sean Poole’s Music. You can also email me with bookings, or to collaborate at [email protected].

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is experiencing how music brings people together. Over years I have performed at hundreds, and hundreds, of venues and events and those are always fun, but I also enjoy using my musical gifts to bring people together in a personal way, such as entertaining my in-law’s family at their reunion, or helping my family say goodbye to our loved one by singing at a funeral.

Music people are the best people in the world to spend time with; I have a great band which I call my band family that I get to spend a lot of time with playing the music I love every week. Also, while some may call the people that come to their show’s fans, I think of them as my music family, and I hope they feel the same way. I try to be available to talk to every person that attends one of my shows. I am never too busy to take photos, or sign autographs. The people that attend, and buy tickets are why we get to do what we do. I appreciate every one of them!

I also find it rewarding to mentor other artists just starting out. I give them booking advice and even let them sing at my shows. I have met a lot of great friends that way. I do not view them as competition, we are all in this thing together.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had started out pursuing a career in music much younger than I am today, however I struggled balance my music ambitions and being a father to my young daughter. Her needs won out until she was fifteen and old enough to understand and encourage me to pursue my dreams once again. This meant that I started over in my forties in a career that is often considered a young man’s game where being marketable is everything.

Five years ago, I reevaluated where I was at in my career and decided to give it all I have. I sat down and planned and really focused on setting goals for myself that so far, for the past five years I have met. Now, this year I am starting to see things come into fruition. This year in June I experienced one of my musical highlights, I opened for one of my favorite performer’s Whey Jennings in my hometown! I released my second CD, a Christmas album that you can find on music platforms everywhere. I am currently nominated for six different International Red-Carpet Awards in Holland, in August, and nominated for a Josie Award, Vocalist of the Year, being held at the Grand Ole Opry, in October. I also just signed my first endorsement contract and have over one hundred shows scheduled this year! I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds, and next year’s goals are even bigger!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seanpoole.net
• Facebook: Sean Poole’s Music
• Youtube: Sean Poole’s Music

Image Credits
Pictures performing at the Troubadour taken by The Factory Photography.