Meet Sean Moran | Live & Studio Keyboardist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Moran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career in music because music has always been the language through which I best express myself: specifically through the piano. From the moment I first touched the keys of a piano, I felt an instant connection, a certain level of peace and focus. As a somewhat rowdy and energetic child, the piano had a way of containing what seemed like untamed energy and redirecting it.

Music, for me, isn’t just a hobby or a passion; it’s a calling. It’s the way I process and interpret the world around me, the emotions I can’t articulate, and the experiences that shape me. Pursuing a career as professional musician was a natural progression of this lifelong relationship with music. Put simply, there’s nothing else I could do with my life.

There’s something incredibly powerful about music, and specifically piano/keyboards. It’s such a versatile instrument: capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and sounds. There are so many interesting ways these instruments can be used to express feelings and energy: ranging from a soft and natural acoustic piano to a screaming analog synthesizer.
As a pianist, I have the privilege of harnessing this power to connect with artists and serve audiences.

Moreover, pursuing a career in music isn’t just about fulfilling my own creative desires; it’s about sharing my own experiences with others. Whether performing on stage, teaching students, collaborating with fellow musicians, or writing music, my role as a keyboardist is incredible gratifying.

Of course, the path of a professional musician isn’t without its challenges. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. But for me, the rewards far outweigh the risks. The opportunity to devote my life to something I love is a privilege I wouldn’t trade for anything.

In essence, I pursued a career as a professional keyboardist because music isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than sharing that part of myself with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a keyboardist, I strive to have my own identity both in playing style and sound design. The goal is to achieve a level of uniqueness: for someone to listen to an album and think “oh yeah, I recognize that synth tone anywhere!”. This is exactly how I feel about my biggest inspirations: for example, I only need to hear 2 seconds of Billy Joel’s piano playing to know it’s him on the keys. I work tirelessly to push boundaries and create experiences that captivate audiences: leaving a lasting impression is essential as a musician.

Another thing I am very self-aware of: it’s very easy to adopt someone else’s style as a musician: as you transcribe music from “the greats” (in the piano playing world, people like Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson). It’s easy to go down the wormhole of playing exactly like them. While it’s essential to learn the ways of others, it’s very important to keep it separate from your own style. This is something I’ve worked my whole life to cultivate. I used that knowledge to inform my style, but not define it.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. Like many musicians, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way. From navigating the competitive landscape of the music industry to overcoming self-doubt and creative blocks, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Despite setbacks and rejections, I refused to pack it all up. Instead, I used these experiences as fuel to hone my craft even further. Through dedication and determination, I’ve been able to carve out a niche for myself in the industry (at least, that’s the hope!)

Another lesson I’ve learned is the power of collaboration and community. Surrounding myself with musicians, mentors, and supporters has been instrumental in my success. By fostering genuine connections and nurturing relationships within the music community, I’ve been able to learn from others, gain valuable insights, and open doors to new opportunities. The ability to socialize or network with anyone is essential.

Ultimately, my journey as a keyboardist and musician is about more than just making music—it’s about sharing my passion, my creativity, and my soul with the world. And I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Alright here’s the itinerary, in no particular order:
1) We’ll start with things that are close by: I’ll take this hypothetical friend of mine to the Echo Park Lake. The park has come a long way in the last few years and is now a great place for a casual walk! From there:
2) We can walk up to the Echo Park Strip on Sunset Blvd. Here, we will hit the farmers market, and a few thrift shops (quintessential Los Angeles experience)
3) At some point, we will take a painstaking long drive to Malibu (it’s part of the LA experience to sit in hours of traffic!) and go to Corral Canyon. This is pretty little mountain range: there’s a short hike at the top and a little cave that used to be Jim Morrison’s hideout!
4) In terms of restaurants, we will have to go to Bacari in Silverlake, and this little taco stand in Historic Filipino town (a niche little spot with some crazy good tacos).
5) Lastly, we will go to 41oo in Silverlake for drinks. It has a large outdoor area, which is always fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and grandparents, who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout my journey in pursuing a career in music. From the moment I expressed an interest in music, they provided me with the encouragement, resources, and opportunities I needed to pursue my passion.

Their belief in me, even during moments of doubt, has been a constant source of motivation. Whether it was attending countless late night shows, investing in my musical education, or simply reminding me to keep my head up, their support has been invaluable every step of the way.

I am also grateful for the sacrifices they made to ensure I had the best chance of succeeding in my unconventional path. We are currently separated from one another as I reside in LA and they are in my hometown in New Jersey. My career path has forced us to endure a long distance relationship, but they have never pushed back. Even though our current situation is less than ideal, my parents, to this day, have only supported my journey.

In addition to my parents, I would like to acknowledge the music professors and mentors who have played a huge role in my musical journey. As a USC Thornton graduate, I had the privilege of working with the most incredible faculty in the world. Their expertise and mentorship have shaped me as both a musician and person. I would not be where I am today without them, and I am incredibly grateful.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the friends and family, who have supported me along the way. Their encouragement and enthusiasm have fueled my determination and inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my musical endeavors.

To all of these people and more, I extend my heartfelt thanks.

Website: https://www.seanmoranmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmoranmusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-moran-19b0631bb/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3iMIIxlxva9eCeAsMup6BA

Image Credits
The portrait photo was taken by Jordyn Kinsley! Her instagram is attached below.

https://www.instagram.com/jordynkinsley?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==