Sean Michael Sullivan

Sean Michael Sullivan is an Iowa singer-songwriter working at the crossroads of alternative folk and Americana. His 2023 release, Torn, Falls and Thunder, pairs close-mic’d arrangements with plainspoken lyrics that trace Midwest landscapes, family ties and an unflinching journey through mental-health struggle into recovery. Onstage Sean’s voice and songwriting are the differentiators: about half of every set is original material, supported by passion-driven, acoustic covers. 
Sean is the lead singer and guitarist for Meadowbrook Circle, a harmony-rich Americana and alternative folk band from Iowa.

Meadowbrook Circle

Meadowbrook Circle

Meadowbrook Circle’s debut self-titled release introduces a striking new voice in modern Americana and alternative folk. Featuring tight, harmony-rich vocals and introspective storytelling, the two-song release showcases Read more

Meadowbrook Circle’s debut self-titled release introduces a striking new voice in modern Americana and alternative folk. Featuring tight, harmony-rich vocals and introspective storytelling, the two-song release showcases the band’s signature blend of Midwest roots, acoustic warmth and emotionally honest lyricism. “The Center of You” and “I Don’t Know Your Name” echo the sincerity and melodic clarity of artists like Iron & Wine, Mandolin Orange (Watchhouse), The Avett Brothers and early Jason Isbell, balancing raw vulnerability with layered instrumentation and a timeless, pastoral sound. With delicate mandolin textures, grounded bass lines and a vocal blend shaped by family connection, Meadowbrook Circle delivers songwriting that is reflective, melodic and deeply human. This debut release offers a powerful introduction to a band that brings authenticity, craftsmanship and beautifully interwoven harmonies to Iowa’s growing Americana landscape. Additional instrumentation includes steel guitar performed by Simon Cropp, adding depth and warmth to the release’s Americana texture.

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Torn, Falls & Thunder

Sean Michael Sullivan

Torn, Falls and Thunder (2023) captures Sean Michael Sullivan’s Americana and alternative-folk voice in a set of intimate, lyrically driven songs. Sullivan threads Iowa and Missouri landscapes through stories of Read more

Torn, Falls and Thunder (2023) captures Sean Michael Sullivan’s Americana and alternative-folk voice in a set of intimate, lyrically driven songs. Sullivan threads Iowa and Missouri landscapes through stories of resilience, heartbreak and the hush after a storm, foregrounding his candid struggle with mental health and recovery. Paul Perkins’ banjo provides gentle leads with Sean's steady acoustic guitar, leaving space for words that feel handwritten - plainspoken yet poetic. The arrangements stay uncluttered and close-mic’d, like a living-room session that happened to catch the right take. It’s a front-porch record at heart: reflective without dragging, tuneful without gloss - weathered, welcoming and unmistakably Sean Michael Sullivan.

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