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My name is Sean Padilla. I live in Austin, TX, and I make music under the name “The Cocker Spaniels.” The name comes from a conversation I eavesdropped on when I was a preteen, in which a group of my female cousins ranted about how all men are “dogs.” My cousins then named each man in the family, and discussed what breed he would be if he was an actual dog. They chose the cocker spaniel for me because I was “cute, shaggy, and loyal.” I was the only one they had anything good to say about. I'm 28 years old. I've been singing and writing songs since age five, playing various instruments (mainly piano, guitar, bass and drums) since age eight, and recording songs since age 13. I use whatever equipment and instruments I can buy, rent, or borrow at any given time. Some people call it “lo-fi,” but I call it “ballin' on a budget.” I hate over-compressed auto-tuned music. Mistakes reveal humanity, and the accidental can often sound cooler than the intentional. Don't get it twisted, though: I don't use low fidelity to cover up incompetence. I can sing, write, arrange and play rather well. I write songs inspired by the things that I, my friends, and my family go through on a daily basis. Although my lyrics are often humorous, I'm usually dead serious about the messages I communicate through my music. My main influences are Prince, Guided by Voices, My Bloody Valentine and J Dilla. If I can make music that both people who look like me and people who don't look like me can enjoy in equal measure, I'm happy. After a decade of releasing my music solely through homemade cassettes and CDRs, I released my first professionally mastered and pressed CD, “Withstand the Whatnot,” in 2004. I got a lot of good press, a bit of college radio play, and made loads of connections with bands I love (of which TV on the Radio, volcano! and Capillary Action are just a few). I went on two national tours to support it. The second tour ended with my car breaking down in the middle of Kentucky, and me retreating back to southeast Texas with my tail between my legs.
“Sometimes You've Gotta Fight to Get a Bit of Peace,” the album I finished this year, is a document of all the things that have happened to me since then. Racism, sickness, underemployment, religion, love and friendship: it's all in there. There are even strings and horns! (There are also guest appearances from members of Balmorhea, Antibalas & Grupo Fantasma.) Every element of this album, from the recording to the writing to the performances, demonstrates significant improvements in my craft. I'm proud of it, and I can't wait for all of you to hear it as soon as possible! It has been mixed and mastered, and will be officially released in early 2010.
In the meantime, I'm still recuperating from an amazing West Coast tour that I went on this past summer (27 shows in 22 days), playing as many regional shows as I can, and writing songs for my next two albums. If I'm playing live anywhere near you, come see me. My shows are never perfect, but they're always crunk. Plus, I'm a chatty guy who likes to give hugs.
Last but not least, please check out Alex Dupree and the Trapdoor Band, which I play drums for. He is one of my best friends and favorite songwriters, and it is an honor to be of service to his musical vision.
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