Sean O’Brien, otherwise known as Sean OB, counts among his inspirations not only in the likes of Buddy Holly, Jamie T and John Lennon, but also comedians Doug Stanhope and Bill Hicks. Mixing freewheeling commentary and direct songwriting, he creates clever reflections on his days, nights and struggles in between.

After picking up a guitar at 12 years of age, the Tallaght native would finish school and go on to cut his teeth in bars on the other side of the world, before becoming the leader of energetic trio Trap Door. A two-year stint wielding a six-string – and the occasional mandolin – with the Raglans led to more polished indie fare.

Launching out on his own, he released his debut EP Half Cut last year from Universal Music Ireland. It was recorded with Grammy Award producer Rob Kirwan (Hozier, PJ Harvey, The Horrors), pushing his sound forward, while not abandoning a musical motto to "keep it simple". Here at Hot Press, we named him one of our Hot for 2019 acts.

Sean says of his artistic process: “You have to get in and get a bit dirty to have something to write about. Sometimes, the bad stories are the funniest stories. Sometimes, the worst times are the best times in hindsight. You have to live. You have to meet people. You have to try it."

Catch Sean OB at The Underground this Saturday, 27 April at 9pm. Entry is free.

His most recent single and video 'Get My Shit Together' provides a perfect example of Sean's catchy songwriting and self commentary. Watch below.