Sean Simmonds is on fire. The Toronto, Canada native, who now calls Atlanta, GA his home, is arguably the hottest up-and-coming artist in the game. His new project, “It’s Over”, which dropped late 2008, is steadily flying off the shelves all over the country. Described by Tyscot CEO Bryant Scott as a “cutting edge’’ talent, Sean sits poised to take the entire music industry by the reins. With a kinetic live show, stellar vocal prowess, and –ahem- Hollywood good looks, the bounds on his potential are limitless. Alvin Williams, Senior Director of Music Industry Development for Gospel Music Channel, raves that he is one of the few performers today who can both rock a crowd, and “Make you experience the Holy Spirit at the same time!”
Oddly enough, the beginning to his career was determined by a choice he didn’t make. At 17, he declined a six-figure R&B deal from a major record label, instead opting to enroll in college. Perhaps a precursor to future success in the music arena, Sean Simmonds was featured prominently in the film “Blues Brothers 2000” as a member of the choir backing music legend James Brown. Following a brief stint in a male Gospel group, he launched his solo career with the debut album “True Story”, the first of two projects to be released on Xist Records, the label he founded with his partner T. Black, in 2006. That project featured the Top 30 R&R hit “Won’t It Be”, with the video blazing the air on BET, BETJ, VH1 Soul, and notching Top 10 slots on Gospel Music Channel, as well as Top 5 honors on the Tribe U Gospel Countdown in Europe. Sean has also graced the small screen as an award presenter alongside Hip-Hop Producer Jermaine Dupri at the 2001 Stellar Awards, and an electric performance on TV One’s The Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors in 2006. His sophomore release, “It’s Over” soared to Top 10 status on the Urban/Hip-Hop Gospel charts. The video for “Unheard Cries”, an emotional appeal to victims of abuse, spent several months in the Top 20 on Gospel Music Channel, and was featured as far abroad as MTV Africa.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Sean is taking his frenetic movement worldwide, headlining scheduled tours in both the UK and South Africa. In addition to his abilities as a singer/performer, Sean has also added writer/arranger/producer to his arsenal. On the heels of his most recent release “It’s Over” (Tyscot/Xist) on which he produced and/or co-produced nearly every track, he is also slated to helm projects for several other major Gospel artists including the song “I Surrender” both penned and produced by Sean on the current gospel release ‘The Winner In Me” from R&B star and SWV lead singer Coko . Additionally, where most artists may pause to breathe between albums, Sean actually plans to release more music underground and digitally, including possible collaborations with some of the industry’s urban heavyweights. With the revamping of Xist Records to Xist Worldwide, comes the unveiling of the Xist Urban Gospel Cruise, which will solidify the entertainment group as a household name. Fast becoming known as a prolific live performer, he also plans to expand his mastery of the stage to include plays and film. As a husband and father of three sons, Sean is also planning the launch of his Double S Foundation, dedicated to the research and eradication of Sickle Cell Disease. His practical commitment to improving the world through ministry includes his role as spokesperson for advocacy groups Children Without A Voice, and World Vision.
With such an unparalleled work ethic and drive, if you haven’t yet heard of Sean Simmonds, he could very well make that impossible.