Meet Sean Downey

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sean Downey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sean below.

Sean, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Talk it out – because bottling emotions is only good for soda.
Therapy – like emotional CrossFit, but with tissues.
Exercise – turns “I’m losing it” into “I’m losing weight.”
Routine – because chaos is only cute in sitcoms.
Art – scream into a canvas, not into the void.
Self-compassion – treat yourself like a friend, not like your internet troll.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Greetings, earthlings and curious wanderers! We are The Fabulous Downey Brothers—a sonic spectacle from Seattle, often labeled “Art Punk,” occasionally “Zolo,” and always “What did I just witness?” Imagine new wave colliding with oversized headpieces and a dash of satirical mischief. We don’t just play music—we lure your attention in with whimsy and charm, then drag it screaming through psychedelic corridors of torment (purely for your entertainment, of course).

For nearly 14 years, we’ve danced through the highs and lows of bandhood: mini-tours, maximal weirdness, and a few friends gained and lost in the glittery fog. We’ve opened for The B-52’s three times (yes, three), and even summoned Fred Schneider for a musical ritual. Our digital breadcrumbs are scattered across the internet like confetti at a robot prom—interviews, music videos, short films, concert footage, and photos, all waiting to be discovered like cursed treasure. Most of the main relics live at www.fabulousdowneybrothers.com.

Our latest creation? A double concept album that dives headfirst into the neon whirlpool of VR and AI, exploring how technology is reshaping society’s soul. Part one is “VR”, and its rebellious sequel is “V-Rejects”. Stream them on Spotify or whatever futuristic platform your toaster recommends. If you’re into physical media (respect), our online store has CDs, tapes, and vinyl—because reality still matters.

This band is for everyone—but if you vibe with Devo, Talking Heads, The B-52’s, or Oingo Boingo, you’ll probably jive, thrive, and high-five your way through our fabulous madness.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Creative Vision: The ability to think outside the box and embrace absurdity has been key to crafting our unique style and substance. our multimedia approach—combining music, visuals, and synchronized moves—has set us apart.

Collaboration: Working as a cohesive team, blending individual talents like vocals, instrumentation, and production, has been crucial. Our lineup showcases diverse skills, from bass guitar to projection artistry and stage lighting.

Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating the challenges of the music industry while staying true to our eccentric and techno-centric themes has required persistence and a willingness to evolve.

Advice for those early in their journey:
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Don’t shy away from being different. Lean into your quirks and let them shine through your work.
Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with people who complement your skills and share your vision. Collaboration can amplify your creativity.
Stay Persistent: The road may be tough, but resilience and adaptability will help you overcome obstacles and grow.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Our journey has been a symphony of support, with many instrumental figures helping us along the way. First and foremost, our fans have been an unwavering source of inspiration—encouraging us to keep pushing boundaries and embrace our peculiar creativity.

Then, there’s the DIY music and art community. We’ve drawn strength and knowledge from fellow artists, collaborating and sharing ideas to sharpen our skills and expand our horizons.

Also, let’s not forget the people close to us—family and friends—who remind us that being fabulously weird is a virtue, not a vice. Without them, we might have traded our eccentric helmets for something a little less fabulous.

Lastly, Fred Schneider of the B-52’s. He really took a liking to us and helped us out by collaborating on the song “Sex & Chips”. We also got to meet Fred Armisen and Sarah Sherman (SNL) who also lifted us up with kind words and support.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos by Andy Perkovich, Casey Oliver, and Josh Chin unless credited on the photo

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
What do you do for self-care and what impact has it had on your effectiveness?

We asked some of the most productive entrepreneurs and creatives out there to open up

Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
How do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping your creativity alive has always been a challenge, but in the era of work