Interview with Sean Staples as told to Andrea Read.
How and where did you begin your musical career? Who were some of your most inspiring teachers? Do you come from a family of musicians?
I’d have to say my first musical inspiration was my father. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad sitting at the end of his bed playing guitar and singing from a binder of cover songs that he’d handwritten the lyrics to. There were many nights he’d be sitting with my sister and me and we’d fall asleep to him working through Neil Young’s “Sugar Mountain” or John Prine’s “Dear Abby.” I don’t think you can overestimate the importance of music and instruments just being around the house. It becomes something you feel like you can be a part of as opposed to something that just happens on the radio or television.
Tell us about the musicians and musical traditions that most inform your own music.
Over the course of my 30 odd years doing this, I’ve been excited and inspired by all kinds of different music and musicians. When your interest drifts from one style or artist to another, elements of where you’ve been always travel with you. If I were to put on a record right now, it might be John Coltrane or Black Sabbath or Lucinda Williams, or the Staple Singers or Tom Waits or the Stanley Brothers or any number of artists I’ve been moved by. I’d like to think there’s bits of all our influences in what we make.
How did you make your way to Somerville? What are some of the things you love most about living here? What are your favorite spots to eat, or hang out.
I first moved to Somerville in 1989 and settled in Union Square in 1995, where I’ve been ever since. I moved here because it was inexpensive and quickly discovered an incredible music scene, and the community it fostered fed and inspired me for years. The gentrification of the city has changed that. Many of the people who were central to the music and art scene have been forced out by prohibitively high rents and real estate prices. Somerville is not the artist-friendly city it used to be.
You recently traveled to a music festival in Viet Nam. Tell us about that, and about other memorable places you’ve traveled to play.
I was invited by my friend Alastair Moock to perform with him at the HOZO International Music Festival in Ho Chi Minh City. It was a wonderful festival and an amazing time in a part of the world I never imagined going to. Getting to tour overseas is special because you’re something of a cultural ambassador. In my experience people are generally grateful that you’re sharing something beautiful from where you come from and frequently want to reciprocate. As a result you see a place in a way tourists typically don’t. I’ve toured Norway and quite a bit in Europe and the U.S.
Where do you turn for inspiration – visual art, film, literature, dance, other musicians, nature?
I’ve always been moved by other musicians and songwriters. With the discovery of the Somerville/Cambridge music community in the mid 90’s, my primary inspiration became musicians in my own neighborhood. Some of the best songwriters and musicians I know I’m also fortunate enough to call friends.
What have you been reading lately? Or watching? Or listening to?
I’ve always loved books, especially authors who can write a sentence so beautiful that it’s disarming. I’m a fan of Murakami, Annie Proulx, Steinbeck. During the isolation days of the pandemic I rediscovered Stephen King, who I loved as a kid. Great stories and a work ethic to be admired.
What do you love to do when you’re not playing music?
Spending time with friends. Probably listening to music together.
How do new songs come to you?
Good question. No idea. Usually there’s a lyric that makes itself known or a moment that inspires a line or two. But one the seed of the song is on the page it takes focus and commitment to actually shape and finish it.
What advice would you give to young musicians, or artists in general?
Do it because you love the work. Don’t do it to be famous or loved. Take inspiration from and celebrate the people you meet on the way. Be kind and humble. You may find that the community you’re part of is as important as anything that is created by any one member of it.
Sean will be performing at Atwood’s Tavern in Cambridge with the Royer Family Band on Feb 13th, 20th, and 27th.
