Sean Simmonds is a Christian urban and hip hop music mogul who is on fire. Songwriting, producing, singing and acting keeps him busy in between running a record label, being a husband, father and a humanitarian. The Toronto, Canada native, who now calls Atlanta, GA his home, is arguably the most creative and fastest rising artist and executive in Christian music.
Sean’s career has been a steady build over the years and he is now on a fast track forward as a result of faith, hard work and determination. He also continues to boldly speak truth in the midst of all that has shaped and shaken in his life. This has laid the foundation for God to place doors of opportunity all around him. “If you come to a certain place that you know you wouldn’t be without Christ, you will worship Him in the truth of knowing where He brought you from,” explains Sean. “If it’s something you’ve worked hard for and lost or felt a lot of pain, your experience will dictate your outward cry to God.” This has been the conduit for Sean creative talents.
The beginning of his career was determined by a choice he didn’t make. At 17, he declined a six- figure R&B deal from a major record label, instead opting to enroll in college, where at the age of 20 he had a life changing experience: he fathered a baby born out of wedlock. When all looked lost that was when God took a strong hold of Sean and repositioned his purpose and spiritual direction. He experienced a conviction and decided that his calling was to spread the message of the gospel.
A precursor to future success in both the music and television arena was Sean’s feature in the film “Blues Brothers 2000” as a member of the choir backing music legend James Brown. Following a brief stint in a male Gospel group, he launched his solo career with the debut album True Story, the first of two projects released on Xist Music, the label he founded with his business partner T. Black. True Story featured the Top 30 Billboard hit “Won’t It Be”, with the video blazing on BET, BETJ, VH1 Soul, notching Top 10 slots on Gospel Music Channel, as well as Top 5 honors on the Tribe U Gospel Countdown in Europe.
His sophomore release, It’s Over (Xist Music/Tyscot Records) soared to Top 10 status on the Urban/Hip-Hop Billboard Gospel charts. The video for the single “Unheard Cries”, an emotional appeal to victims of abuse, spent several months in the Top 20 on Gospel Music Channel, and was featured as far abroad as MTV Africa.
Sean’s producing and arranging skills sharpened and emerged on projects for several other major Gospel artists including credit for “I Surrender”, both penned and produced by Sean for R&B star and SWV lead singer Coko’s The Winner In Me project. Sean is also at the producer helm of Hip Hop innovator, The Ambassador’s 2011 release Stop the Funeral.
Sean also garners production credits for all original music for the soundtrack for the upcoming movie STAND. Sean gathered an all-star lineup for the soundtrack - Canton Jones, Jessica Reedy, Coko, Shirley Murdock, Mali Music and a slew of others. STAND, the movie, was written, produced and directed by his partner T. Black for Xist Films which is another entity under the Xist Worldwide umbrella.
Sean has continued to expand his artistry to include plays and film. He makes his starring debut in the movie STAND (scheduled for a 2012 release) along with Shirley Murdock, Willie “P-Dub” Moore and Courtney “JR” Peebles.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Sean is currently in the studio working on his third solo album The Genesis slated for a Spring 2013 release. Sean calls The Genesis his manual. “I’ve gone through some things professionally, spiritually and musically and I want to share it with the people and become a tool or voice to those coming into this ministry,” he enlightens. “There is still an industry behind this and although you call what you do ministry, there are still people and gatekeepers that are keeping it stuck in a place or mold. I want people to learn what they are involved in and at the same time, make sure you allow God to be the full captain of your ship in all of the work you must do in this walk of faith.”
Sean took his movement worldwide, participating in the 2011-2012 “Misfit Tour” with label mates The Ambassador, Da’ T.R.U.T.H and SoundWalk Music Recording artist Mali Music in both the US, UK and Africa.
As a husband and father of three sons, Sean is also planning the launch of his Double S Foundation, dedicated to the research and eradication of Sickle Cell, a disease his mother is currently stricken with. His practical commitment to improving the world through ministry includes his role as spokesperson for advocacy groups Children Without a Voice, and World Vision.
With such an unparalleled work ethic and drive, you can call him a mogul, the quintessential artist or a man on a mission. He is that dude! He is Sean Simmonds.
