32. Why You Don’t Need to Be a Tortured Artist to Create Great Work, with Sean Ginity
Ep.32: Sometimes the best stories in music aren’t about fame. They’re about family, resilience, and learning how to create from joy instead of pain. In this episode, I sit down with Canadian musician, songwriter, and podcaster Sean McGinity: host of his show, SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast, and former frontman of the concept-driven rock band Dome. We talk about growing up in a musical household, navigating sibling rivalry and creative camaraderie, and how loss shaped the way he now approaches art. From writing concept albums to keeping his late father’s promise, Sean shares the heart behind his music, the evolution of his long-running podcast, and what it really means to stay authentic in a world obsessed with perfection.
We Chat About:
- How The SeanGeek and Fast Fret Podcast became a way to stay connected with his brother
- Growing up surrounded by music and learning from his family’s legacy
- Turning grief into creativity after losing his father and bandmate
- The story behind Dome’s concept album We Are Machine
- Why you don’t need pain to make great art
- What it means to “geek out” on life, family, and the things you love
- His predictions for the next big wave in rock and metal
- The advice he’d give his 20-year-old self, and today’s aspiring musicians
About Sean McGinity:
Sean McGinity is a Canadian musician, writer, and lifelong creative whose love for rhythm and storytelling began in a family of performers on Canada’s East Coast. After years performing with his father and brother in cover bands and original projects, Sean co-founded the rock band Dome, known for its narrative concept album We Are Machine. Following the passing of his father and bandmate, Sean launched his show, SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast as an outlet for connection, creativity, and mental wellness. With over 500 episodes and multiple side-series, the show explores music, pop culture, and the power of family through honest, funny, and heartfelt conversations.
Connect with Sean:
Listen to the podcast: Podlink
Instagram: @seangeekpodcast
Threads: @seangeekpodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/seangeekpodcast
Bluesky: seangeekpodcast.bsky.social
Other Resources:
Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX
“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg
Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/
Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484
Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/
Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417
Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL
Music Mentioned in this Episode:
Songs:
- “Female Robbery” – The Neighbourhood
- “Knowing Me, Knowing You” – ABBA
- “House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals
Albums & Projects:
- We Are Machine – Dome
- Bros Before Gin – Sean and Todd McGinity
- Sleep Token – latest album
- Tool – Fear Inoculum
- Ghost – recent releases
Artists & Bands:
- ABBA
- The Beatles
- The Doobie Brothers
- Ghost
- Sleep Token
- Tool
- Devin Townsend
- Castle Rat
- Magnolia Park
- Poppy
- The Neighbourhood
- The 1975
- Foo Fighters
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Jim Croce
- Mahalia Jackson
- Crash Test Dummies