Feature: Sean Kennedy Decodes ‘The Person in the Mirror’
Can you talk about any specific themes or motifs that run throughout 'The Person in the Mirror?'
Of course! ‘The Person in the Mirror’ is all about self-evaluation. I wrote most of it during my sophomore and junior years of college. I went into it asking myself, “What has gone on in my life that brought me to this moment?” I was thinking a lot about the passing of time and growing up.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for 'The Person in the Mirror?'
I actually wrote this record completely alone. I made the demos in my college dorm and I recorded it in my home studio over breaks. I had gone through a bit of writer’s block early on, but then something clicked, and I started writing a ton. I really needed to write. I felt like I was in a very liminal space entering my 20s. This album was me working through those feelings.
Which song(s) do you like the best and why?
I really love every song on this album so much. They’re all so incredibly special to me. But right now, I’d say either “Eighteen” or “The Story of My Life.” They’re the bookends of this record, and they really embody its themes.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I started putting music out when I was 15. Throughout high school, I released a bunch of independent albums, and 2 years ago, I got signed to Rexius Records. I’ve been doing this for a while now, but ‘The Person in the Mirror’ is my first album with my label. I’m so proud of it.
What are some common technical challenges you faced during production, and how do you address them?
It was hard not being able to go to the studio every day. I’m in college, so I wasn’t home for months on end. I had to bring a mic with me to school so that I could record all of my ideas. I was so scared that if I didn’t, I might lose them.
