By: Sean2 Miles

LA based producer, songwriter and artist Sean2 Miles is the hidden musical gem the world deserves to know. Coming off the release of his highly anticipated Farmhaven album, he is proving to the world that he is musical gifted in many ways. His Mississippi upbringing has kept him grounded and humble allowing him to create timeless music that is influencing the masses.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the hotshot for a candid interview below. As he openly discusses working with Snoop Dogg, the inspiration behind Farmhaven and the importance of having creative freedom as a producer and artist, it is clear that he is destined to have a long lasting impact on the music business.

Sean2 Miles Interview

Respect: Who is Sean2 Miles and where did the name originate from?

Sean 2: Sean2 Miles is a country kid from the south, Mississippi to be exact. Sean 2 actually comes from my father as I am the second Sean. Growing up in Mississippi they always called me Sean2 Miles so I just kept my real name Sean2 Miles. 

Respect: As you previously stated that you are from Mississippi, how hard was it for you to make that transition into the mainstream music circuit being from such a rural area as MS is not known for music?

Sean2: Music in Mississippi to me is kind of like blues as it is home to American music. I feel like I had a clutch by knowing where I come from so when I got in the city, I just made sure that I worked harder than my opponents/colleagues. My work ethic is what got me in the mainstream music circuit.

Respect: When did you make the realization that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

Sean2: So I actually love Michael Jackson. Growing up I used to dance and wanted to be just like Micheal and I was also in the band. I grew up in the church with my mom playing a lot of instruments, so I always knew that music is something I wanted to do seriously as I have a real core passion for it.

Respect: As you have an impressive new album called Farmhaven, that came out recently, do you mind giving some more details on the unique sound you were able to create on this release?

Sean2: Yes. Shoutout to Jarius Mozee and Frank Knuckles from the Roots. I think what made this album so special is the fact that I kept it genuine to Hip Hop. I love Hip Hop and still wanted to groove having an aggressive feel, yet pleasurous all at the same time. Like adding elements of blues and jazz in the production was important as it is what I grew up on and what real music is all about. 

Respect: Why did you feel like it was important to pay homage to your hometown of Farmhaven as it is the name of your album?

Sean2: Because now I feel like it is a breaking point for me. I am at a breaking point in my career and in my life so this is what it is. I just wanted to let it be known where I’m from because it is history from here.

Respect: How important is it to you as an artist and producer to have creative freedom in the music business?

Sean2: It is very important to me to have creative freedom especially as a producer. I spent many years catering to artists and critiquing their sound. I understand the systematic side of it. Once I started producing for myself that is when the challenges started arising because I would be like “oh no I don’t like this” and delete what I was working on just like that. But I can produce someone else very easily. I finally got comfort with myself and that is where I am currently in life which plays out in my music. 

Respect: Someone else who has creative freedom over their music is West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. What was your experience working with Snoop Dogg as I know you had the pleasure of going on a mini tour with him?

Sean2: The experience working with Snoop Dogg was so real. I think Snoop is like one of my main idols growing up. He was always so smooth. So to actually be in the room with him, I knew I was supposed to be there. I was excited for a moment and then I got over it and said “look I’m here”. So I might as well play along with the game and bring excellence along with him and learn as much as I can, but truthfully it’s been good.   

Respect: Do you mind talking about the record you and Snoop have together came about?  

Sean2: So Poppa, CEO of Doggy Style and Snoop’s cousin, came into the studio with Kurupt, Krit and I and he just told me “hey maybe you should try and do a verse”. So I put my verse at the very tail end of the record we were working on. Then I got a call from Snoop, Poppa called me with Snoop on the phone saying “look cus yo shit is tight, put that s**t second verse”. So it was like for him to pay homage to my creativity was mind blowing. I didn’t even think much of it so when it happened I was grateful. Then we followed up with a video, then a tour and most recently a radio tour with Power 106 and 92.3. 

Respect: What is up next for Sean 2 Miles as you are a producer and artist?

Sean2: One thing that is for certain is that I will never quit my day job which is what I call producing. I will always be doing that no matter what! I will also be making a couple more appearances on Vanderpump Rules on Bravo. I made my first appearance on the new season in January, and am very excited about this season as it will highlight all of me. I do videos and a lot of other things that creativity will play out on the show. I am like a chameleon. I am all about ownership, so I own all of my own cameras and equipment and I am coming through with my brand 2 Miles Hit.  

Respect: What exactly will be your role on Vanderpump Rules?

Sean2: On the show I am producing three of the cast members. I am also showing off my video production on there. 

Respect: As you have been able to find success in the music industry, is there any advice you would offer to anyone looking to break into the mainstream music circuit?

Sean2: Yes definitely. Be very relentless. Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do and trust your gut and just do it! Never give yourself excuses. Me, I am a Gemini so I get in my own head and am my worst enemy. I’ll be damned if I let anyone else stop me.

Respect: How has it been for you living in LA and feeling the shifting of energy since Nipsey Hussle’s passing?

Sean2: So I actually worked with Nipsey back in 2010 as a producer. I actually got the chance to be with him in the studio and talk to him and Black Sam. Thanks to my father who put me in the room with them, as he is also from L.A. I am honored that Nipsey is still doing his thing and snagged his first ever Grammy Awards this year. I just hate it that he is not here to see how his music is shifting the culture.   

Be sure to tap all the way in with Sean2 Miles by following him on Instagram @Sean2miles ad streaming his Farmhaven album below.

The post Sean2 Miles Talks Farmhaven Album, Creating Music With Snoop Dogg & Creative Freedom In The Music Industry appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.