Gearedmah is the professional name of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist producer and YouTuber Sean Battle. Although this is a new project, Sean is a veteran musician who has worked in numerous bands and recording projects over the years. His debut album “Highly Derivative” is scheduled to be released later this year on Blue Fx Records.
Battle does his thing in Traverse City, Michigan but his sound is a direct descendant of the legendary early 1990’s Seattle scene. With the dark and dramatic imagery of Alice in Chains and the heavy, downtempo churn of Screaming Trees, Gearedmah’s music will strike a chord with true Grunge fans everywhere. Blue Fx recently introduced the project’s first song on their “Blue Fx Records Sampler Pack.”
“I Know” is the debut single from Gearedmah, released worldwide to all major streaming services on May 13, 2021. The tune rolls on slow, powerful and heavy groove. Sean delivers a tale of unrequited love in low, dark tenor. As the bass and drums churn out some grunge gold, smoking psychedelic wah-wah guitar leads paint the periphery of the mix. It’s a great sound featuring some really nice playing.
Check out “I Know” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. We had a chance to chat with Sean Battle about the past, present and future of his musical endeavors. Check out his answers to our 8 questions. And follow the links below to connect with the artist. Get on his socials and get in the loop on the debut Gearedmah album.
8 Questions with Sean Battle (Gearedmah)
Where are you from?
Originally I was born in California. I now live in Michigan
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been playing since i was 13…got my first guitar of my own at 14, so I’ve been playing for about 32 years
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I’m the only musician in Gearedmah, though I have worked with Mike Nova on a project called Troth.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Mark Lanegan and Chris Cornell are my absolute favorite musicians. Mark’s simplicity and Cornell’s intricacies? The poetry between the two is enough to spark a revolution or soothe you through tremendous depression.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Non-musical influence? I would say Shel Silverstein? But he’s also a musician. I really dig Terry Gilliam flicks; 12 Monkeys, Brazil and his work with Monty Python. All those guys are to blame for my insanity. I figured, “if they don’t give a fuck, why should I?
What inspired you to create this project?
I wrote this album because I took a long time off and wanted to get back to writing music
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I am already writing my next album. Recording this album has me creating songs as I just try to warm up. My main goal is to get other multi-instrumentalists… switching instruments frequently
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I’m incredibly appreciative of everything that has been happening in the last year or so. I don’t get out much, like everyone recently. Playing all the instruments, it’s not easy to play live and I can’t find musicians who wanna stick around? Maybe it’s me? I don’t like myself sometimes, so I get it.