Music Industry News

Nashville-based rising indie-rock star Sean Cunningham has today released his much-anticipated, introspective debut solo album Whatever That Is.

The 10-track record fuses lyric-driven indie-rock with modern pop, to create a wide range of dynamic tracks – from gorgeous stripped-back acoustic songs to epic, layered anthems. Having experienced stardom early in his career with New Zealand band Atlas (whose chart-topping single ‘Crawl’ set a new record for the longest-running Number 1 hit in Kiwi history), Sean Cunningham is an artist who remains willing to reimagine and rediscover himself over and over again.

The record opens with critically acclaimed title-track single ‘Whatever That Is’, the coming of age anthem that won hearts across Aotearoa and placed in the NZ RadioScope Charts – spinning on stations like More FM and The Hits. The song is also undoubtedly resonating with audiences around the world, as it has been added to 144 Spotify playlists in its first month, and the official music video is being featured on CBS Sunday Morning prime time in the United States. Also featured on the album, is the artist’s utterly infectious singles ‘Habit’ (The Edge) and ‘Honey Bee’ (Hauraki). There’s no questioning the success that Sean’s debut solo body of work is destined for.

Taking the spotlight as the artist’s newest hit single is ‘Lonesome No More’ – which features the artist’s warm and expressive vocals, layers of bright guitars, and a driving rhythm section that tell a compelling story. “I penned ‘Lonesome No More’ in the wake of my sobriety journey. It’s a raw, autobiographical piece delving into my struggles and patterns at that time in my life,” reflects Sean. “Yet, with time, the song’s significance has evolved, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound gratitude I hold for the people in my life who have stood by my side.”

Whatever That Is was produced by Sean Cunningham and Friends, featuring Joey Liechty (The Gray Havens, Claire Kelly) as co-producer and sound engineer for song ‘Whatever That Is’. The album was recorded at Magic Eye Studios, The Pantry and Starbird Sound in Nashville TN. A powerful diary of the artist’s life over the three year period in which it was written, the record features collaboration from some of Sean’s closest friends, with additional co-writing on the record from Christian Trich, Samantha Lynagh, and Caitlin Eadie.

Through the challenges of losing his father, the pandemic, and more personal upheaval, Sean Cunningham is adamant that Whatever That Is is not a record about loss, but about “coming to grips with reality, and resilience.”

“This is my whole heart in 38 minutes.”

Check out all things Sean Cunningham below:
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Photo credit: Emily Otnes