Sean Edward Ghannam

Excerpts from this biography were taken from www.guitar9.com and an interview conducted by Kat Coffin which appeared in The Orlando Publication The East Orlando Sun in 2004.
Sean Edward Ghannam is a reputable, energetic guitarist/musician based in Orlando, Florida (United States) who describes his style as cosmic fusion, as demonstrated on his 2001 release, "Fusia". His guitars of choice consist of a White (yellowed with age) 1971 Gibson ES 355, a Sunburst 1980 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion, and a 73' Les Paul Custom. He regularly uses the Roland series guitar synthesizers when performing in a trio format and uses a Carvin SH-575 or a Godin LGX-SA as a controller. Ghannam started with guitar lessons at age 7 and studied for approximately one year- later picking up saxophone at age 10 which he studied and played for 3 years. At age 14 he picked up the guitar again and has played guitar consistenly since 1984, and clearly states his career goals, "I'm currently beginning Jazz studies with fusion legend Bill Connors", "I am also pursuing work in interactive audio for video games. "
ABOUT MY LIFE:
I previously worked in the Motion Picture industry for approximately 10 years after getting a BA degree from UCF's film program. The big Hollywood egos got the best of me and I had to escape! I'm currently a freelance musician, and music composer in the central Florida area. I work in an orignal progressive rock/fusion group named Sonic Playground which also doubles as a full time cover group , a variety/convention band named "Sonic", and a well established Rush tribute band named "Toronto Airport" (YYZ). I'm currently establishing myself in the gaming industry as a music composer and sound designer. Please go to www.sonicplaygroundstudios.com for samples and history.
Ghannam's musicial goals, "My music comes from the heart. It is somewhat technical and reminiscent of movie soundtrack music- but with a live approach. I want to create music that evokes mental imagery. Listeners don't have to concentrate on the music too deeply as long as they are getting imagery through listening. My goal is not so much to primarily create flashy guitar work, but rather to create a powerful feel and overall mood with all musical instruments through composing. "
Ghannam lists ongoing and upcoming projects thusly, "I plan on releasing a solo follow-up CD to "Fusia", hopefully within the next 3 years! The next CD recording project will be more of a traditional Fusion recording with a slightly different theme than "Fusia". I want to get more organic big guitar sounds, less effects, Reed Hayes on acoustic drums, and have analog synthesizers more in the background of the recording. I've really been getting into organic players like Bill Connors and Eric Johnson - so I believe that those influences will really shine through in the next project. "
Listeners have compared the playing style and/or musical approach of Sean Edward Ghannam to guitarists such as Alex Lifeson, Allan Holdsworth and others.
Ghannam states: "I am influenced by the guitar work of ALEX LIFESON, ERIC JOHNSON, ALLAN HOLDSWORTH and BILL CONNORS."
Astrological sign: ARIES
I started playing in bands with Master Keyboardist/Synth Bassist: Tony Manna, and Superior Drummer/Percussionist: Reed Hayes at a very early age. We all grew up playing Rush. John Ardelean: drummer and "Zappa" vocals (aka Porcelean) was also a strong member of our musical and recording endeavors- as well as vocalist Carl Harris. I co-founded the "Rush Tribute" band with Dave Richardson in 1992 entitled "Rushour" which later became "2112" and more recently "Toronto Airport" Rush tribute.
Some of Ghannam's influences and passions are:
practicing the guitar, collecting vintage music gear, listening to 70's Science Fiction TV show theme music! " I really like Science Fiction! I always have! Sometimes- the cheesier the Sci-Fi -the more entertaining it is!! I am an avid Star Trek Fan! Other favorites are: The Hobbit, the Six Million Dollar Man, The Time Machine (1966 movie), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, In Search of (circa 1970's), Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Conan the Barbarian, Saturday Night Fever, Logan's Run, Dr. Who, Godzilla movies, Raiders of the Lost Ark (movies). I love Video Games. I still love the Arcade Classics the best!! I grew up with computers all over the house! When we were growing up- Tony Manna and I would play video games until Mom screamed! I would also like to note that I like to act extremely goofy!"
You have your own independently produced CD out now "Fusia". Tell me about the project.
Check out "Fusia" at Guitar Nine Records
I started the music and the idea for the eclectic Fusia recording project in 1996 and it took until 2001 to finish it! Of course I was working full time in the motion picture industry at the time as well! I have always been inspired by Alex Lifeson and Rush-and 70's instrumental jazz/rock/fusion. Those main musical influences are what prompted me to create the concept for the Fusia project- along with my love of science fiction based television and film. The project ended up being my first solo CD - also featuring long-time comrade drummer, Reed Hayes, in the studio doing live tracked electronic drums. The Fusia CD is available at Guitar9.com.
You are a graduate of UCF. Tell me about your degree and your switch to music.
I have a BA degree in Animation and Motion Picture Technology from UCF-- which is basically a BA degree in communications-applicable to most communications fields. I went to film school with the guys who made the innovative "Blair Witch Project" movie. I started out doing traditional and computer animation- but later switched to live action production- which ended up being my area of expertise for the last ten years- working with countless production companies from all over the world-, working with countless famous celebrities making tv commercials, music videos and occasional television shows and feature films. I also had a small career acting and doing some extra work in feature films, some television and music videos. After 10 years I decided I'd had enough and grew tired of the constant high levels of stress in the movie business. I returned to what I was doing in the early 90's in college- working as a pro-level musician. That pro-level status started after I founded the Rush tribute band "Rushour" in 1992 with the first "Geddy", Dave Richardson. This band later began to tour the eastern US in 1994. "Rushour" later turned into "2112" and toured the US with various member changes until 1998. I left the Rush tribute band in 1995 to pursue the motion picture industry full time, after graduating from UCF.
In order to have a career "making music" you have to be involved in many other projects on many other levels. Aside from your work with Sonic Playground and Toronto Airport, you are also involved with other bands/musicians and teaching. Tell me about that.
I also occasionally play lead guitar in the Jeff Coffey Band - which is a great project. That group mainly does big events and live showcases. It's a great vehicle for excellent songwriter/singer Jeff Coffey. The Jeff Coffey Band has opened for many famous groups and it has been a great experience. Jeff and I have also appeared on FOX TV as well as live radio broadcasts. Jeff has appeared on national prime time TV such as NBC's Star Tomorrow. I also have many musician friends that I like to work and record with- most notably, local guitarist/singer/teacher Craig Zavett. I also give private guitar lessons part time to students of all ages and levels in the North East Orlando area. I also operate a private studio, Sonic Playground Studios, founded in 1996 and do freelance sound design and original music composition for all entertainments/media industries- including video games, radio and television.
I would like to get more information on Sonic Playground Studios... (www.sonicplaygroundstudios.com)
Sonic Playground Studios was founded in 1996 by Sean Edward Ghannam. Sean Edward Ghannam started out in the Motion Picture industry doing film production in 1994 and has worked with many big name clients including: Acclaim, Konami, Nickelodeon, Bayer, Adidas, Nokia, Lawsons, Harcourt, LaBatt Blue, WFTV9 Orlando, PGA, Universal Studios, Tide, Macy's, Olympic Maximum, Islands of Adventure, Major League Baseball, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Reader's Digest, EuroDisney, Make-A-Wish, Top Flite, Precept, Marshalls, Century Cellunet, Ford, Budweiser, Upper Deck, Golf Channel, America's Most Wanted, Toyota, No Fear, Spray & Wash, AAA, Circus of the Stars, Sports Illustrated, MI Homes, Jordache, Lee Jeans, Stove Top Stuffing, Val-Pak, Howard Johnsons, Walt Disney World, MGM Studios, Promoflor, Blockbuster Video, Action Man, NFL, Daytona 500, Wiz of OZ on Ice, Disney Christmas Parade, Coach, the Waterboy, From Earth to the Moon, Powersoft, Florida Tourism, Maxfli, Grace Under Fire, LUVS, Badcock, NBA, Pepsi, MTV, Tylenol, Titleist, Buick, Chrysler, Sea Quest, Wet n' Wild, Scholastic, America's Funniest People, HBO, Wake Tech Surf Products, Jordan Klein Productions, The Florida Film Festival & more..
A list of project celebrities he's worked with in the film industry include: Tracy Byrd, Regis & Kathy Lee, , Shaq, Faith Hill, N-SYNC, Ernie Els, Shania Twain, Stephanie Bentley, Lari White, Terry Clark, Articolo 31, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, Nick Price, Jimmy Buffet, Dawn Sears, Tiger Woods, Joey Reed, Mpress, Sara Evans, Ronald Isley, Strings, R. Kelly, Mark Lowry, Roy Schieder, Wesley Snipes, Dan Cortez, Daisy Fuentes, Tom Hanks, Craig T Nelson, Katherine Helmund, , Anthony Hardaway, Le Click, Horace Grant, Bruce Willis, Adam Sandler, Michael Jordan, VeJay Singh, Bering Strait, Konishski, Tracy McGrady, Glen Rice, Steve Buschemi, Foreigner, Mark O'Meara, John Walsh, Liv Tyler, Henry Winkler, Tawny Kitane & more..
Sean is a musician and composer of 20 years. He's toured the USA in live rock bands, acted in TV comercials, feature movies, music videos and currently has his first solo CD "Fusia" (c.2001), a rock-jazz fusion successfully selling on the internet. With a B.A. degree in Sound Design, 3D Computer Animation, Traditional Animation, and Film/Video Production from the University of Central Florida, Sean has thorough knowledge of interactive media and the arts, and flaunts a solid entertainment industry background. In 2002 Sean Edward Ghannam made the transition from the Film Industry into the Video Game Industry.
Who were some of your influences in music?
Progressive rock: Alex Lifeson and Rush, (of course), Fusion legends: Bill Connors, and Allan Holdsworth, Texan guitar virtuoso: Eric Johnson. Also Kazumi Wantanabe, Tomita, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, Andy Summers (The Police), The Edge (U2), Steely Dan, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, 70's television theme songs, and soundtrack music- and many more. Early in my playing I was influenced by popular early 80's guitarists Van Halen, Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads, Jeff Beck and also went through my Skynyd, Hendrix and Satriani phases.
Any specific date set up yet for the Sonic Playground debut CD release?
I'm estimating November/December 2008!
Was your CD recorded in Orlando? Who is the producer?
The CD is being recorded in all of our home studios (combined!).-- using the same software! The CD is going to be produced by Sonic Playground and Steve Hardy. (http://www.rockmixer.com/) Steve has Platinum Credits, numerous Grammy Award nominations and has built an impressive discography, including multi-platinum records such as Carlos Santana's "Supernatural" and Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life, Vol.2" (both Grammy winners!). Also known as a creative rock and jazz mixer, Steve's work has been showcased on records by Cassandra Wilson, Ronny Jordan, and indie favorite Mars Needs Women. Steve's skill as a Pro Tools engineer has been put to good use by Prince, John Petrucci, Joe Bonamassa, Vertical Horizen, Rob Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Richard Marx, Whitney Houston, and Pink..and many others.
Sonic Playground is also a Rush tribute band that plays under the name Toronto Airport. Will you be playing at Rushcon again this year?
Toronto Airport has performed at Rushcon 3 in 2003, Rushcon 4 in 2004 and Rushcon 6(2112) in 2006..( Rushcon is the annual international Rush convention held in Toronto, Canada, www.rushcon.org)
How would you describe the bands' sound?
Sonic Playground is a mix of Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Funk and Jazz. It's a direct descendant of 70's Progressive Rock and Fusion.
When was the band formed? How did the band members get together?
I have had a musical relationship with drummer Reed Hayes since we were 14 year old kids. We grew up jamming together along with Keyboardist Tony Manna and we've been in and out of bands together since then. Reed and I have been in various original bands and cover bands together since 1986. I decided to stop freelancing in the film business around the end of 2001 and was deciding on what career direction to take next. I was pretty set on getting into the video game business full time doing sound design and composing music-- which is something I still pursue. Meanwhile, Reed had met Chad a few years ago and was in a working cover band with him for a few years. The cover band eventually split up around the same time I stopped working in the film biz- so they contacted me to fill in for them- and what eventually grew out of that was a new Rush tribute band named Toronto Airport, and an original band named Sonic Playground. Chad was a perfect fit to rekindle the Rush tribute band- and was the missing link that Reed and I had always wished we had in the form of an original band--a Progressive Rock/Fusion trio in the mold of a band like Rush.
How did you get started in music? When did you decide you wanted to be a musician?
I have always been fascinated by music and musicians- It's something that was in me as far back as I can remember. I used to watch "Hee Haw" with Buck Owens and Roy Clark and see them tear it up on the guitars- that made a big impression on me at an early age. I also loved to watch the Lawrence Welk show with my grandparents. This really exposed me to many musical styles which I still appreciate to this day. I started guitar lessons at age 7- that lasted a year. I picked up the saxophone at age 10 and played for about 3 years. At age 14 I picked up the guitar again and have played ever since.
What creative stimuli do you draw upon when writing songs?
I love listening to 70's fusion, classic jazz and creative art rock-- this music puts me in the mood to be creative---- (damn the cookie cutter songs and cliches'!!!!) Any deep music or imagery that promotes emotion in me is really a great stimuli.
Is Orlando a good place for an artist like you to try to make it in the music business?
Definitely not! not many people really understand what I do here... this place is still in the dark ages as far as appreciation for the arts and culture....but I don't really care. I make the music that I'm passionate about and that's really all that matters in the end. Maybe one day... (years...away)..Orlando will be a cultural place. Orlando needs more live jazz clubs so people here can learn about and appreciate music as art.
What impact on the music business do you think music reality TV shows perform?
They have helped to destroy any credibility this business has as an art. It's a big mockery--- it's sickening... it's just not about the music anymore and it pisses me off.
How has the internet effected the music business, primarily with emerging artists?
I think the internet is GREAT!! I love it-- obviously it's one of the best ways to find out about undiscovered music and promote yourself as an artist. The potential is just incredible!
What's next for you (other than the CD)?
More writing and practicing-- I'm always practicing, trying to get better. I'm always writing new music whether it's for the band or just for myself and other side projects. I will continue studying Jazz Guitar with one of my main influences- fusion legend Bill Connors. Bill lives in Manhattan but it's worth it to go up there once every 12 to 24 months for a "master class" study and jam session!
My wife's sister is a famous television and radio celebrity, ..so I may try to get my music out there through some of her connections! (it's who you know, as they say). Actually I have been in touch with the producers of her new show and hopefully I'll be writing the music for the next season of her reality show. I don't want to say who she is right now for privacy/personal reasons.
What has been your most memorable moment in your musical career so far?
Wow! That's tough!! I would say-- the Rush tribute band going to play up in Toronto, Canada for the first time for the international Rush convention, 2003 (that was a big thrill!)-- doing the Sunfest festival in 2003 in West Palm with The Jeff Coffey Band was a great experience as well...Sixpence, None the Richer played just before us and we played right before Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and there were many other great bands playing after us during Sunfest 2003: The Yellowjackets, John Mayer, Nick Carter, Shaggy, Spyrogyra, Tonic, James Brown, Bob Dylan! When I played regularly with the Jeff Coffey band we opened for bands such as Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult, Styx...etc.
Sonic Playground opening for Glenn Hughes at the Hard Rock Hotel Velvet Sessions was very memorable! That was our first gig as Sonic Playground!!! (ok...those are the top three!)
ROCK ON!! (heheh!)
SONIC PLAYGROUND - ORIGINAL PROGESSIVE ROCK/FUSION GROUP CLICK ON IMAGE TO GO TO MAIN WEBSITEDIV