Seán Griffin
by Randy Radic
Singer-songwriter Seán Griffin, who has fronted punk-rock outfit The Ruffians for 25 years, recently released his single, “People Are Mad,” title track from his upcoming debut solo album, a deftly crafted set of surf-punk jams, boozy Irish laments, and garage rock.
“People Are Mad” takes the oft-mumbled phrase and turns it into a mantra summing up today’s world. The video depicts Griffin in a Victorian cemetery in Kingston, New York. All the headstones reveal the inevitable resting place of everyone, perhaps explaining the reason for the madness of people and the chaotic status quo.
I spoke with Seán Griffin to discuss the inspiration behind “People Are Mad,” the video, and his creative process.
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Randy Radic: What inspired your new single and music video, “People Are Mad?”
Seán Griffin: The state of the world and human nature. It goes without saying we’re all a little bit crazy, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. It actually started as a text exchange with an old bandmate, and before long, it turned into a song.
My buddy Luke Carquillat directed the video. We shot the whole thing in an old Victorian cemetery in Kingston, NY, start to finish in one day. It was a blast.
Which artists have influenced your sound the most?
So many. The Clash, Social Distortion, The Pogues, and The Pistols were big for me. I could talk about singers I love all day, from Elvis to Johnny Cash.
Did your sound develop naturally, or did you steer it in a certain direction?
Both. I think we all have this “blender” in our brains that mixes everything we’re exposed to. But during the refinement process, you sometimes push it somewhere new on purpose.
For someone who’s never heard you, how would you describe your sound?
Hot Dad Rock. Haha. A mix of Irish punk, psychobilly, alt-country, sci-fi surf, and garage rock ’n’ roll.
Why do you make music?
Because I have to. And honestly, what other job lets you act like a maniac?
What’s your songwriting process like?
It’s changed a lot over the years. I’m often on the go or driving, so singing and writing in the car has become a thing. Usually, it starts with a turn of phrase, and then the melody drops in to help move it along.
Who’s impressing you in music right now?
Oasis is on top of the rock scene at the moment. I’ve been into Fontaines D.C. and The Cardinals lately. I love that bands I’ve always followed are still out there gigging, that fires me up too.
If you could start your music career over, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t force it. Work around the problems. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, so keep grinding. And don’t forget to look up and actually enjoy the moment while you’re in it.
How do you define success?
Food in the fridge, bills paid, clean socks, and happy kids.
What’s next for you?
Pushing this single and the other tracks from my upcoming release and getting out there to play shows and connect with people. ◼
