The Haven Social Club

“Ahh how I LOOOOVE ‘burn.’ Simply amazing!!”
-DJ Cybo

“…grabs your attention and keeps it…”
“…carries you through a journey…”
-GarageBand.com

Self-described as ‘Melodramatic Folk-Pop,’ Despite the Blindness is the long-standing solo project of singer/songwriter James Seabrook. Dominantly acoustic in composition, Despite the Blindness mixes elements of rootsy country and alterna-rock passion into a seamless blend of textures and pop music. “I gave up creating music a long time ago. Now I try to step out of the way,” says Seabrook of his creative path. “A friend used to remind me, ‘Don’t force it. Let it come to you.’ That’s all I try to do.”

The live show is simple – sometimes solo, sometimes with accompaniment – and never just about his own creations. Carefully placed within the live performances are classic Bowie and Police gems that don’t feel out of place at all. To Seabrook, it’s not about promoting his own music. “It’s all about playing something beautiful, and if that’s my own or someone else’s, then so be it.”

This philosophy isn’t limited to the live show. Studio performances follow the similar concept of “if it’s right, then it needs to be done.” In light of this, Seabrook is quick to point out that the opportunity for collaboration is something he keeps his eyes out for. “Most of my early success was through friends and I still believe that’s how it should be.”

Of course, as with all good beginnings, Despite the Blindness starts with an ending. Through the late 90’s, Seabrook played guitar for college rock band Raven Skies. Reaching their peak in 1998, the band went their separate ways in 2000, leaving Seabrook with a large collection of new music that had yet to be tested, and studio time already booked. Seeing an opportunity, he decided to use the time to record and called the project ‘Trinity, Despite the Blindness.’ The name, inspired by author Stephen R. Donaldson, stuck with Seabrook, and has become the focus for most of his creative energies to date. “I read the passage in Donaldson’s book and it was as though someone grabbed the sides of my head and screamed ‘THIS IS IT!’ I’ve never had any doubt about it.”

And so, Despite the Blindness continues to grow. New songs. New friends. Same philosophy. The song is all that’s important. No egos or failure or pressure or sales pitch will be heard from Seabrook or anyone else that contributes. All we hear is beautiful music.

Visit Despite the Blindness’ website
Visit Despite the Blindness’ MySpace