Seán McGowan
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Seán McGowan

Southampton, England, United Kingdom | SELF

Southampton, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Band Folk Punk

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"Review: Seán McGowan's EP Launch at The Joiners"

The place was buzzing with anticipation and excitement as I pushed my way to the front. My date couldn’t do the same as he was on crutches and had to take a step back, but I wanted to be right in the thick of it. The crowd erupted with euphoric cheering as Sean and Dean sauntered on stage. If they were nervous they certainly didn’t show it. After politely introducing themselves and thanking us all so much for coming, they launched in to the first song. As ever, the incisive and thought-provoking lyrics were perfectly executed in a rough, raw and passionate fashion and it incited a feeling in me that can only be described as the title of the E.P. – ‘McGovernment’. This is what it was all about; it wasn’t just a title or a name…it was a movement, a feeling, the people’s music. I sang my little heart out with just as much vitriol and zeal as Sean. I may not have been as musically in tune, but the belief was there.


Courtesy Chris Meany
I looked back at my abandoned date; how could I enjoy this without singing by his side? It wasn’t necessary to be right at the front – I could feel this way standing with him and hopefully help him feel this way too. Turns out he didn’t need any help as he was just as mesmerised and taken by these lads as everyone else was. They had such a way of filling the lonely stage with their thoughts and beautifully acoustic style. I have no doubt that their impressive stage presence would carry on to an arena sized venue; they somehow make you feel like you are the only person in the room and they are performing just for you. Of course, the room was actually heaving with excited people, singing and shouting along.

It just goes to show that something as seemingly important as Facebook likes is actually a load of bollocks. With just a couple of hundred in the bag, it was obvious that this really meant nothing – that venue was rammed and there was no way that every single one of their fans and supporters was there. The set went by in a blur of fervent singing and cloudy drunkenness. Ending with the song ‘This Old Town’, my favourite lyric brought tears of sheer pride to my eyes “…and now tonight she looked so nice, down by the docks, lit up by the ferry lights…” Admittedly the beer may have aided that girly emotion, but I was proud of these talented guys.


Courtesy Chris Meany
I wanted to congratulate Sean and Dean on such an inspirational set but they were quickly poached by other avid fans and family members. So the rest of my night was occupied by slurring my words to random strangers about how impressed I was and letting my date enthusiastically help to sell the E.P. “I sold seven – I even sold one to someone who had already bought one…I’m a legend!” We then left the fantastically successful launch to party the night away…with Sean’s Mum.

Best. Launch. Ever. - Mintsouth


Discography

McGovernment (debut EP), self released in October 2011.
The People's Music EP, self released in October 2012 - Rob da Bank has recently been playing tracks from the EP on his Radio 1 show.

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Bio

Influenced by the likes of Paul Weller, Billy Bragg, Jamie T, The Clash and The Pogues I write all my own songs. I'm just 19 but 2011 was a big year for me when I supported many great bands including The Delays, The Men They Couldn't Hang and also Shed Seven.

I made my festival debut last year and ended up playing over 15 festivals including the Camden Crawl, Bestival, Blissfields and more.