Seán Griffin Talks New Christmas Single, His Voice And More

Veteran rocker and songwriter Seán Griffin returns this winter with ‘I’m in Love for Christmas’, a warm, fiddle-laced reflection on love, hope, and holiday magic. As a fitting prelude to his forthcoming solo album, arriving March 2026 it seemed like the perfect time for a chat:

When did you begin songwriting?

The first song I wrote was when I was three. It was called “Mr.Sunshine” but I didn’t start writing regularly until High School.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My parents singing to me was most likely the first musical memory I had. They would sing in the car with us all the time. 

Your new single ‘I’m In Love For Christmas’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track? 

New love. I had just met my future wife in October, and it was our first Christmas together. I was slated to play on WFUV and I wrote and played the song live the  morning of the show. We were married that April. Twenty years and six children later. I finally got to record it for our 21st Christmas!

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

I recorded the track at Old Soul studios in Catskill, NY with Grammy Award winning producer Kenny Siegal.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

I had just done a live record the day before, and we just had everyone come to Old Soul the next day and rehearse, arrange and lay down the song the same day. It was just great energy and everyone contributed their best that day. We recorded most everything live together so it was amazing having six of us tracking together and keeping a whole take.

Do you have a music video to accompany the single?

Yes there is a video that I shot in LA during a batch content shoot.  I recently did one in my living room at home which will be released soon.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record? 

We recorded this on the new Neve board that Kenny had recently got at Old Soul. He has a set of tubular bells that got the perfect sound for a Christmas song. He used quite a few different mics and Danny Blume the engineer did an unbelievable job that day.

Was it a difficult song to write?

It just flowed at the time as I recall.

What does Christmas mean to you?

It holds the promise of the Christ Child, and is filled with wonder and joy.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

 a) “I’m in Love for Christmas “ is pretty happy. b) “Wrong Child “  is probably my angriest off of the record c) “Nothing” is a tune out the  world and reflect kind of song.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To have left nothing behind, and to have left nothing behind.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I always sing through an SM58 like many people, they have been with me my whole career. I have a turbo rat pedal from the nineties I still use. I like my Remo fiber skin Bodhran and my Gibson ES 135 is my main axe.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Kingston NY is home. Beautiful, historic, urban, river town.

How do you look after your voice?

I do regular warm up and cool down exercises on gig days and try to  stay in shape by doing regular exercises. I avoid alcohol completely and try to limit dairy and caffeine when I’m due to be singing.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

‘The Little Prince’ because it is my favorite book. I think it would be e great to develop themes for each of the “Grown up” characters and to create variations with the flower and the fox.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations? 

Some of my early influences were, like many, The Beatles, Elvis, The Smiths, The Clash,  The Pogues, Violent Femmes, Billy Bragg.

I currently would recommend:  Fontaines DC, The Cardinals, Johnny Society, and Missiles to Malta.

Do you have any UK/European live dates planned for 2025/2026?

I did a few London dates back in October and hope to be heading back in February/March.

Do you have any further music releases planned for the 2026?

My new album “People are Mad” is due out in late March, early April on Right Track/ Universal.

What makes Seán Griffin happy and what makes you unhappy?

 Drinking tea makes me happy, drinking too much tea makes me unhappy. Haha.  My wife and Children make me so happy. Seeing the decreasing humanity in the world and lack of real world connections is makes me sad for all of us. So go see people in person, preferably at a show.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Wyndham Garnett

Seán Griffin’s new single ‘I’m in Love for Christmas’ is out now.

Listen Here: https://seangriffin.rocks/christmas-song

His forthcoming album is scheduled for March 2026. 

Official Website: https://seangriffin.rocks/