Out and About in South Lake Tahoe: Sean Pawling

On Sunday, 2003 South Tahoe High graduate Sean Pawling stopped by Revive Coffee & Wine to give an afternoon concert with his appropriately named band, The Sean Pawling Band.

In third grade at Meyers Elementary (now knows at the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School), Sean said he knew he wanted to be a rock star so joined the inaugural season of the Blue Ribbon Choir. Since then he has taken his talents to UCLA where he majored in music and was the trombonist in the school's marching band, and then on to USC where he got a master's degree in music.

Sean teaches music to elementary students in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and when not in school he is writing and performing. He comes to South Lake Tahoe at least once a year to perform and goes on tour when he can.

"I love being on the road," said Sean. With a new album being released in October, Sean is going on tour outside the country next Spring.

His new single, 100 Lives, will be available on Saturday, August 10 via Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music.

"It's a love song that flirts with past lives," Sean said of the single.

According to Pawling's website, Sean sets a relaxed atmosphere inspired by the outdoors of his childhood in Lake Tahoe. With a virtuosic voice and range comparable to Jeff Buckley and Jason Mraz, catchy melodies inspired by Belle & Sebastian and the Beatles, and original low brass arrangements, Sean’s music provides a unique sound in the realm of folk rock and pop.

While growing up in South Lake Tahoe, Sean said his older brother Scott was a big influence in his music. Scott would bring friends to the house to play music, including one who was a trombonist who taught the younger Pawling how to play. Another big influence on his music were his parents playing music such as Chicago.

"My family surrounded me with music," said Sean.

More information about Sean and his music, visit his website www.seanpawling.com.