The Third Eye was able to catch up to Sean Meachen, the guy behind the sax, to talk about his introduction to music, his journey, and his current destination with his two bands, The Busker and The Ranch.
What gave birth to your love for music?
Basically, being raised in an enviorment filled with music. My dad loved T-Rex as a kid, and I personally grew up listening to Whitney Houston and Ronan Keating. I’m not complaining as it gave me admiration for the cheesier side of music, but he should have definitely put on some T.Rex, AC-DC or Zeppelin! Love for music comes from listening to it a lot, and that’s what I did.
A saxophone…not a common instrument nowadays! What made you choose it over other instruments, and what makes it so special to you?
To be completely honest, I started off playing the bass when I was 17 till about 19. Then, life circumstances got me into a position where I had more time on my hands. Picking the saxophone at that point was a matter of me liking the instrument, due to its aesthetics and its definitive stamp on most Jazz and Funk tunes around. What makes it stand out for me is its versatility when it comes to being a lead in so many different genres of instruments. Also, going from being in the shadow with the bass to becoming a lead instrument is something quite overwhelming which I fell in love with.
How is the saxophone incorporated in today’s music?
Well, the past 2 years or so have been quite a resurgence for the saxophone as it has been encorporated with a lot of electronic tunes. Personally, I think electronic tunes defeat the purpose of being a musician to the complete sense. Yes, you are still composing, but you lose that special touch of artistry relative to when you have the actual instrument in your hands. Having said that, I obviously respect everyone and the various musical genres available today. Jazz, funk and hip-hop are all nice playing fields for a saxophonist though.
If you had to choose another instrument to learn how to play, what would it be?
I would say the baritone saxophone, having started the tenor recently and already playing alto and electric bass. I think the baritone has the melodic elements you can get from a sax but you get the powerfull low-end you get from a bass instrument. It’s all one big adventure so i can never really say what will come next but there will be one for sure !
What can you tell us about your projects, The Busker and The Ranch?
First and foremost, The Busker was a project started off by Dario Genovese and Jean Paul Borg, both musicians which I have come to respect and love as they have become my best friends throughout this journey together. Throw into the mix a brilliant, pitch perfect bassist in, David Grech, and the band was a home for me to unwind, learn and develop as a musician. Initially, I was shell-shocked as the tunes where not down my alley in terms of what I listened to, but they grew on me and we all gave our little pinch of seasoning to the concoction, and I have to say the upcoming album is something to be reckoned with. I would like to say that the Ranch is not my project; rather, a trio which consists of Benji Cachia, Kyle Drakard and Dean Montanaro. Sean Borg (trumpet) and myself are session musicians who gig, reherse and just have an all-out blast with them. They are however brilliant – it is wierd to compliment a band you are somewhat a part of but it is honestly one of the most inspiring things I have done to date with such a wide spectrum of sounds and feelings which comes out of that Trio, Simply Brilliant. Everyone should look out for their upcoming album which is currently being recorded at Temple studios. Caution, they are f****** crazy.
How are blues, folk, and 60s pop types of music received by music lovers?
To be honest, Blues, I would say, is the more popular of the syles mentioned. Through The Busker, I have learned that there is more to music than the simple funk lick and crunchy rim shots on a snare. Folk and 60s pop are two beautiful styles which are very much under-appreciated in today’s music industry. The Busker are aiming to make these three styles into one with our own little touch of magic, we are really looking forward to this.
What should people expect from your upcoming gigs, and what have they witnessed at your most recent gig at Django’s last Saturday?
Uptempo, vibrance and fun. We don’t want people to think of us as a ballad band. We want everyone to know that we are here to make a point. We are an up and comer that is closer than anyone knows or gives us credit for. We don’t exactly shy away from a crowd we actually thrive on it so don’t be afraid of showing up.
Any last comments:
Well, I would really like to thank everyone I have ever played with for any constructive critisism as it’s thanks to them that I can keep evolving and keep becoming a better musician. Finally, I want to thank Benji Cachia (The Ranch) for all the little tips and lessons; he is truly one of the biggest inspirations in life beyond just music, along with David Grech (The Busker), Alan Portelli (Cusp, F-Trio, Pio), Mark Farrugia (KazinSka) and Carlo Muscat.
