Steampunk Music Project

Okay, so I would like to inform you all that Mr. Sean C. Cook has been a songwriter, as well as a visual artist for quite sometime.It started out with me emulating my New Wave heroes in the Eighties, then evolved into my love for gothic, synthpop and industrial music in the Nineties. Then, I grew up and realized my fat old behind is not destined for rock stardom, but artistic individuality.

I am in love with the visual aesthetic of steampunk, you see. I won't go into a definition of steampunk for you, but I will remark on the genre's hands-on approach to art, creativity, tinkering, and do-it-yourself ethic, which allows an old bean, such as myself, the opportunity to create great works within this realm and still be a relevant artist.

Although there have been countless visual artists that have forged this brave new world into existence, there have been very few music artists to do the same. Here is the very short list of artists to have accomplished the musical side to steampunk admirably...

1. Thomas Dolby: Remember "She Blinded Me With Science" in the Eighties? Yeah, that guy. Only that song was not even his greatest song. Mr. Dolby has many songs that take the best of electronic music and blends it with folk instruments, and multiple eras from the past. Don't believe me? Then Google "I Love You, Goodbye," or the podcast of his live performance of "I Live In a Suitcase." Hell, even his album covers are steampunk. Thomas Dolby was steampunk before anyone else even knew what it was. AND...Mr. Dolby lives by the steampunk principal of hands-on creativity, because he has built himself a self-sufficient music studio from an old boat that is completely powered by wind and solar energy. Oh, and he invented the technology for the ring tones on your cell phone.

2. Doctor Steel: This madman has brilliantly created a persona that embodies steampunk, both visually and musically. His character is a mad toy inventor turned musician that is bent on world domination through the medium of FUN! His music merges Vaudeville with Industrial, and his live shows are full of puppets and mayhem. Take a look at his Doctor Steel Show online.

3. Abney Park: These good folks are down to earth and also embody the steampunk vibe.Imagine the cast of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen performing movie soundtrack inspired pirate music and you would be close to Abney Park. This band is not only one of the nicest bands you'll ever meet, but one of the most visionary.

Now that I've written you all a nice little (little, my butt!) essay I will say what I meant to say an hour ago...I, myself, am on a musical journey to create something decidedly steampunk. I call my musical alter-ego Artful Todger, which is a tasteless name playing on both era and British slang. Artful Todger is synthpop married to classical and folk intruments. Lost? Okay, maybe this will clear things up...Imagine Depeche Mode songs created with mostly banjo, sitar, and violin.

At any rate, I welcome you all to download a free mp3 of my song "Snowblind" from my Soundlick page http://www.soundclick.com/artfultodger on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.Consider it my gift to you this holiday season.