Published: Friday - March 7, 2008
Words by Liz "Red" Thomas
Sean Garrett (Photo: Interscope)
Famed songwriter, Sean Garrett, nicknamed The Pen by Jay-Z, is preparing the release of his debut album, titled Turbo 919, via Interscope Records.
Garrett has a long list of credits under his belt -- including penning hits such as Beyoncé's "Check On It," Fergie's "London Bridge," Nelly's "Grillz," Ciara's "Goodies," and Usher's "Yeah!" -- but now, he is finally ready to strike out on his own.
Although he's made a career out of putting the ink to paper for other artists, he admits, he's had a longing to perform and sing his own music... from his own album.
"I love when people hear a hit and know I wrote and produced it, but I love being on stage too," Garrett admits. "Performing my songs, what's in my heart, that's been my dream since I was a kid. Creating that excitement in people with music is a remarkable high, and nothing replaces it, not drugs or sex. I've been planning for this my entire life."
So far, Garrett has revealed that the hook-filled track, "Grippin'" featuring Ludacris, will be his first single, but he has a slew of material of all types of vibe that will grace his debut.
He has tracks like "Girlfriend Ringtone," which has that laid back summer vibe; the romantically-inspired "Lay Up Under Me"; the dance-driven "Pretty Girls"; and the techno-influenced title track, "Turbo 919"; as well as ballads like "People."
When Garrett explains his music, he can only describe it as original, and not like anything or anyone else.
"I don't sound like anyone else," the songwriter-singer explains. "These songs feel and sound like me. I don't hold onto the past; keeping songs meant for other artists. I don't fit their molds, and I don't want to redo what's already been done. I love what's new and fresh and exciting. I'm a trendsetter, not a follower. I want people to say, 'That sh-- is crazy!' I like to lead and I lead by being me."
He has come a long way since first signing with L.A. Reid as a songwriter in 2003. Five years later, and countless tracks and awards under his belt, his time to shine is finally here.
Is it his talent for penning songs, yes. But it's also his drive and ambition that has helped him get this far, and he recognizes this as one of the keys to his success.
"I have this saying: 'While your guns are raising, my guns are blazing.' Some people think I'm too focused, too serious. But I know that in the blink of an eye it can all be taken away. I don't want to be 10 years down the road saying, 'Damn, I should have done an album.' You only go through life once; you might as well do it the best you can," said Garrett.
Turbo 919 is not expected to drop until the Spring, but until then, his single can be streamed via his MySpace page at MySpace.com/SeanGarrettMusic.
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