Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Seay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Seay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have been married for over 60 years. I grew up in a family filled with love and adventure. My father was a doctor and my mother a teacher. My parents taught me morals and ethics. The biggest things they did right were instilling in me hard work, commitment and to take risks. My Father used to tell me “Carpe Diem” which means “Seize The Day” Throughout my life I have learned to take risks and to treat people with kindness.

Seay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello Canvas Rebel, Thankyou for this opportunity, to share my creative works and story!

I have a music and arts company, Tuscan Sun Music and work out of my recording studio, Illumination Music Studios, outside Nashville, Tennessee. We are a creative works company, record label, content creation, and we help artists and brands. Our mission is to create inspiring innovative content and be a positive resource for the arts.

I got started early on in my life, my parents were very supportive and exposed me to many things, as a child, My father was in the army and we lived in the far east. My earliest memories were of the sounds and sights of the orient, drums gongs, dancers… I studied piano and sang from an early age also, My mother recognized my passion for music and the arts and help me to have voice teachers. I have been very blessed throughout my life to have had voice coaches, teachers, mentors that guided me: Ray Hyson, Helena Shenel, Seth Riggs, Harriet Schock, Sandy Mason. After college I was accepted into a graduate program studying art in London, England at The Sotheby’s Institute. It was then my creative world opened up.

I am where I am today because I said “Yes” to many things. I took a lot of leaps and did things I’m grateful for. I’ve reallly been blessed to lived in other countries and meet so many people from all walks of life, which I feel has given me compassion towards others.

One of the questions I want to answer here is about the a person’s chosen career and challenges. I’m not sure anyone’s journey is smooth, and overcoming challenges takes courage, strength, along with discipline and hard work. One of the things I’ve learned is to discover creative ways to overcome and work with challenges, to stay curious and keep learning. Anytime there has been an obstacle in my life, there was always something I needed to learn and grow from. I’ve also learned it’s important to work and collaborate with others successfully, and with understanding and enthusiasm.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story are some of the give backs and humanitarian things I’ve been apart of that I’m most proud of.

My sound and style as a singer set me apart from others, it is very unique. It is a sound that has evolved over time and has taken on a life all its’ own, and oftentimes is larger than me. What I am known for today is a distinctive and evocative sound, my brand, SEAY. I have created vocals and music for film, television, movie trailers, and recordings in my own work and with others. Secondly, I am composer – writer which has added to my own sound and my collaborations with others. Thirdly, I’m an educator, humanitarian, and I often pay it forward, give back, and serve others and causes much larger than myself.

– This past year my music and voice have been apart of music and songs that have been for the benefit of others. I sang on a massive song “Spread Hope Send Love Around the World” with a group, The Power of One Movement, to raise awareness to mental health and suicide. Mental health is the largest pandemic today and I sang in 10 different languages and with artists from across the globe to speak about these issues today. My music is also apart of The River of Calm and The Alive Inside Foundation, special cancer headsets, easing the discomfort of patients experiencing chemotherapy. 2000+ have been distributed so far to Oncology wards across the United States.

– I also have a song , “All Around The World” has aired on over 1000 radio and syndicated stations across the globe, and the video is seen by 80 million people each year with Project Peace on Earth, Meli.tv, and the United Nations. It’s a very special song with mission of touching the heart of humanity, and has become known as a song for peace and social change.

–I had the incredible honor of working on a huge project with Indian Composer Ricky Kej with several other musicians called “Shanti Samsara-World Music for Environmental Consciousness”. The album launched the United Nations Environmental Conference, with every world leader in attendance and receiving the CD. My voice was on the title track “Shanti” meaning “peace” and the video in the opening ceremonies. It was a very big honor for me to play apart in lifting the world through music and speaking to important issues of the day globally and how music can play a role in Diplomacy.

–My music has also been at the forefront of Immersive music with renowned engineer Jeff Silverman of Palette Music. My debut Album “1 Voice” was a part of the launch of XM’s HD Surround Radio in 5.1 DTS with Sting, Ray Charles, Nora Jones, and Enya over 15 years ago. Still at the forefront, I released a Dolby Atmos Ep “Dream” in 7.1.4, 3D Binaural, and Ultra HD. The music is distributed on IAA, Apple Music, Tidal, and others and the Video for “Dream” in 3D Binaural has won Gold medals for Artistic and Cinematic excellence in Florence, Rome, Milan, Cannes, and the Hollywood Women’s Institute.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Cultivate a culture that values and celebrates the arts. Establish a cabinet post for the arts and humanities in the United States.

There is a giant misconception that the arts are not a viable profession. They are! The most immediate answer is pay the artists and creatives. The arts play a fundamental role in life, they play a vital role in Diplomacy, in the Environment, in Health and Wellness, in Education. The first thing that is taken away in the Education system in the United States is the Arts. The Arts are perhaps the most important and vital curriculum that society needs for healthy and happy people,

Supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem involves a combination of cultural, economic, and educational initiatives. Here are some perspectives on how society might best support these individuals and foster a robust creative environment:

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Grants and Funding: Governments, foundations, and private institutions need to provide more financial support through grants, fellowships, and funding programs specifically designed for artists and creatives.

FAIR COMPENSATION:
Ensure fair compensation for artists’ work, whether through sales, commissions, or royalties. Encourage fair and transparent payment practices in the creative industries.

ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION:
Arts Education Programs: Invest in arts education at all levels, from primary school to higher education, to nurture creativity from an early age. Ensure that arts education is inclusive and accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Provide resources for ongoing professional development, including workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities for skill-building.

GREATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND SPACES FOR ALL THE ARTS
Affordable Studios and Exhibition Spaces: Create and maintain affordable workspaces and exhibition venues where artists can create, showcase, and sell their work.

PUBLIC ART, MUSIC, CREATIVE INITIATIVES: Support public projects to enhance public spaces and make art more accessible to a broader audience.

DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Online Presence: Support artists in establishing and maintaining a strong online presence. Encourage the use of digital platforms for showcasing and selling artwork.
Integration of Technology: Embrace the integration of technology in the arts, fostering innovation and new forms of expression.

GREATER CULTURAL AWARENESS
Promotion of Arts and Culture: Cultivate a culture that values and celebrates the arts. Promote and attend cultural events, exhibitions, and performances to demonstrate public support.

GREATER ARTS ADVOCACY: Encourage greater advocacy efforts to emphasize the societal and economic contributions of the arts and Intellectual Property Protection:

COPYRIGHT EDUCATION: Educate artists about intellectual property rights and enforce copyright laws to protect their creative works. Ensure that artists receive proper credit and compensation for their contributions.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Diverse Representation: Promote diversity and inclusion in the arts by supporting artists from underrepresented communities. Create opportunities for collaboration and dialogue across diverse perspectives.
Cultural Exchange Programs: Facilitate cultural exchange programs to encourage a global exchange of ideas and artistic influences.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community-Based Arts Initiatives: Support community-based arts projects that engage and involve local communities. Foster a sense of community ownership and pride in artistic endeavors.
Collaboration with Local Businesses: Encourage collaborations between artists and local businesses to integrate art into everyday spaces and experiences.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES
Arts Funding Policies: Advocate for policies that allocate public funds to support the arts and cultural initiatives. Recognize the economic and social benefits of a vibrant creative sector.
Tax Incentives: Consider tax incentives for businesses and individuals that contribute to the arts through sponsorships, donations, or purchases.

By combining these approaches, society can create an environment that not only sustains artists and creatives but also enriches the cultural fabric of communities and contributes to economic and social well-being.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Firstly I believe everyone is creative, to me creativity is about self expression, Look at the lives of The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Jazz Music, Vincent Van Gogh, gardeners, chefs, creative people work very hard to hone their craft in the same way as a doctor, lawyer, or banker.

Here are some of my thoughts about being Creative;

Passion vs. Practicality:
Many creatives are driven by passion and a deep love for their craft, sometimes prioritizing creative fulfillment over traditional markers of success. Non-creatives may find it difficult to understand the willingness of some artists to pursue their art even in the face of financial uncertainty.

Embracing Uncertainty:
Creativity often involves navigating through uncertainty and ambiguity. The creative process is not always linear or predictable, and creators may find inspiration in unexpected places. Non-creatives might struggle to understand the comfort that some creatives find in the unknown.

Failure as a Stepping Stone:
Failure is an integral part of the creative process. Creatives often view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Non-creatives might find it challenging to embrace failure in the same way, as the traditional mindset often sees failure as a setback rather than a stepping stone.

Personal Investment:
Creativity is often a deeply personal expression, and artists may invest a significant part of themselves in their work. Non-creatives might struggle to comprehend the emotional attachment and vulnerability that comes with putting one’s creativity on display.

Balancing Art and Commerce:
Navigating the intersection of art and commerce can be challenging for creatives. Finding ways to monetize one’s work while staying true to artistic integrity is a delicate balance that non-creatives may not fully appreciate.

Time and Patience:
Creative projects can take a considerable amount of time to develop and refine. Non-creatives might struggle to understand the patience and perseverance required in creative pursuits, especially when tangible results may not be immediate.

Communication through Art:
Some creatives may find it easier to express themselves through their art rather than verbal communication. Non-creatives may need to appreciate that the art itself is a form of communication and may speak volumes where words fall short.

The Value of Process:
Creatives often derive value not just from the end product but from the entire creative process. Non-creatives might not fully grasp the significance that the journey, experimentation h oldfor the creative mind.

By understanding and respecting these aspects of the creative process, non-creatives can gain a deeper appreciation for the unique challenges and joys that come with pursuing a creative path. It’s a journey that often involves embracing the unknown, learning from setbacks, and finding fulfillment in the act of creation itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seaymusic@gmail.com – www.seayinthegarden.com – www.tuscansunmusic.com – www.lluminationmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaymusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicofseay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seayharshawdelgado
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/seay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/seayonline
• Other: SEAY MUSIC SITES! https://immersiveaudioalbum.com/product/in-dreaming-seay-5-1-flac-atmos-mkv-mp4/ https://immersiveaudioalbum.com/product/dream-seay-5-1-flac-atmos-mp4-3d-binaural-wav/ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/seay/45277045 https://seay.bandcamp.com https://vimeo.com/seay

Image Credits
Nora Canfield Paula Montondo Jules Delgado Ricky Kej Ed Bazel Wouter Kellerman and David Arkenstone Amy McAllister The Nashville Jazz Workshop