Glom on Riffs, Moving to NYC, His First Show Noise Complaint & Breaking Into the Music Industry

Sean Dunnevant of Glom has built a reputation as the guy with the riffs. From the very beginning, Glom has been a riff-driven band, and now Sean is fully embracing that identity by sharing riff videos online and having fun with the inevitable comments claiming he "stole that riff." In this episode, Sean explains why, after decades of music history, it's almost impossible to write something that doesn't remind someone of another song. Originality isn't as simple as it used to be, and we dive into what that means for modern songwriting. We also talk about how Glom has evolved from its earliest days, why Sean always seems to have an endless supply of riffs ready to go, and the realities of touring in today's economy. Rising costs, cancelled shows, and changing venue priorities have made life much more challenging for independent artists, with many bands focusing on major cities like New York and Philadelphia instead of smaller markets. Sean also shares his thoughts on whether social media is still the best way for bands to get discovered or if it's becoming oversaturated. He reflects on moving from Baltimore to New York City with his fiancée just before the COVID-19 pandemic, why he always felt NYC was where he belonged, and the opportunities that came from taking that leap despite the uncertainty. We also revisit Glom's first show, where a fashion event complained the band was playing too loud, and discuss the business side of music, including how an entertainment lawyer Sean met while working retail helped him navigate representation after Glom's first viral moment. Since then, Glom has continued to grow, signing with labels and landing bigger tours while Sean keeps doing what he does best—writing riffs. From songwriting and the music business to touring, social media, and the future of independent artists, this conversation covers it all. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know your favorite Glom riff!