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Sean Griffin has been steeped in traditional Irish music since he was a child. However, Griffin wasn’t motivated to make music himself until he discovered punk and alternative rock as a teenager. After moving to New York City in 1998, Griffin formed Celtic rock band the Ruffians, with which he would go on to release three well-received albums and perform all over the Northeast. 

Now, Griffin is back with his debut single, “People Are Mad,” and a forthcoming solo album to boot. I caught up with him and learned about his background, some of his biggest musical influences, and what listeners can expect from his new album. 

What is your background? How did you first get into music? 

I grew up near Danbury, Connecticut, one of five children in an Irish-American home where both my parents were teachers. I got into music through singing at church, in school chorus, and with my family in the car. My dad sang barbershop, so that was always around, and my mother played the accordion, mostly for herself. I started writing songs and had my first band in high school. In college, I began as a voice major but later switched to composition and formed a band called Svelte. Eventually, I started the Ruffians with my brother. 

What’s the story behind your forthcoming solo album? 

I felt compelled to create it. As a father and working musician, my focus has been on those roles, but after losing two bandmates, I knew I had to record these songs or they might never see the light of day. What inspired it? The persistent feeling that it was time to capture these songs in an artistically satisfying way. 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences? 

The Clash, The Smiths, The Pogues, Blur, Oasis, The Violent Femmes-pretty much everything. 

How has your upbringing influenced your music? 

Hearing Irish music, along with 1950s and 1960s tunes, shaped me. Singing in school and having a father who sang made it second nature. It wasn’t unusual for a man to sing in our house, which helped a lot.

What is your creative process like? 

Like many, I get inspired in the moment. A phrase or melody strikes, and I scribble it on a scrap of paper or record it on my phone. I often write in the car. 

Is it different now that you’re working on a solo album versus working with the Ruffians?  If so, how? 

Yes and no. A band is collaborative, with everyone contributing, but on this solo record, working with a producer and musicians was still collaborative – though without anyone saying, “My bass needs to be louder!” It felt like a leap of faith. Not having the comfort of familiar bandmates and working with a producer was a new experience for me. 

What’s the best show you’ve ever played, and why was it so special to you? 

There are so many. Meeting my wife at a show was life-changing. Packed nights at Rocky Sullivan’s, our first big Irish festivals, and opening for Black 47 countless times were thrilling. But one unforgettable moment was a house concert in my late teens, playing unheard songs for an elderly woman. She was kind, genuinely interested in the process, and connected with me on a deep level. That kind of audience connection stays with me forever. 

How do you balance maintaining your creative vision with the need to make money? 

It’s less a desire for money and more a necessary reality. I’ve played many gigs where music is just background, like furniture – they’re happy it’s there, but it’s not a true show. 

Do you ever find that you have to sacrifice one for the other? 

Yes, and it’s a sacrifice to support your family. A small part of you dies when you adjust your vision to fit a gig’s needs, but you check your ego, accommodate cheerfully, and find gratitude in the opportunity. 

What do you hope people take away from your music? 

I hope they feel happiness, gain understanding, and find the freedom to let loose, be seen, and connect with humanity. I want them to share the joy I feel in making it. And, of course, I hope they say, “That wee fella can sing his heart out!” 

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your music? 

I made it for you. Play it loud, love it – it’s yours, too. 

To learn more about Sean Griffin and his music, visit his official website here. Listen to “People Are Mad” below.