Raised on a diet of The Clash, The Jam, Specials, Billy Bragg and other such politically-charged, punk-ignited British pop, 24 year old Southampton-born troubadour Seán McGowan has been playing up and down the UK for six years, and DIY released three EPs over that time (given away / sold on a “pay what you want”basis at shows) after catching the ears of the music industry at 2013’s Great Escape festival.
An appearance on Billy Bragg’s Left Field stage at Glastonbury that year saw Seán exposed to his biggest audience yet, and touring / playing shows with artists the likes of Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Rifles, Beans On Toast and Frank Turner.
In early 2014, Seán started piecing together a new record with Sam ‘Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly’ Duckworth at the controls, at Sam’s own Amazing Grace studio in London.The first fruits of the sessions were two slices of teenage Southampton life entitled ‘Come Unstuck’ (featuring Frank Turner on backing vocals) and ‘Swings & Roundabouts’ released as a double a-side 7” through Sunday Best. The remainder of 2014 was on the road, touring with Get Cape... all over the UK and Rob Lynch in mainland Europe.
2015 saw Seán once again on the road solidly, touring with Skinny Listerand subsequently embarking on his first ever headline tour in December to packed rooms across the UK. The release of 'Look Lively' EP set McGowan up nicely to build into 2016 which proved to be rather exciting; supporting Recreations and Grace Petriein the first half of the year. The second half saw the release of his single 'No Show'accompanied by a small full-band sold-out UK tour.
2017 followed the pattern with another twelve months of heavy touring for McGowan, including his first ever main stage festival appearance at 'Common People,' sold out headline shows, and a UK tour with Billy Bragg to round out the year.
With ink now dry on a contract with Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner / Beans On Toast / Will Varley) his the first release with the label now under his belt (the EP “Graft & Grief”) and his debut full length album “in the can” and due for release late spring 2018, It's all coming together for the Southampton boy. He's got the ball and he's running with it.
