Sean Haefeli Shares “Battle Cry”
Sean Haefeli is an innovative pianist-vocalist, lyricist-composer, distinctively modern and yet, traditionally skilled. He represents a new breed, schooled in jazz, soul and hip-hop, able to execute with an emcee’s sense of flow, a singer’s melodic sensibilities, and a jazz pianist’s deft improvisations.
Born in Indianapolis, Sean studied piano from a young age, later branching out as a vocalist. As a university student, his musical training led him to Chicago, where he delved into the city’s expansive artistic landscape, performing on the spoken-word, hip-hop and jazz scenes. He went on to produce and release three albums while based in Chicago, each taking the listener on an eclectic and personal journey, eliciting references from Gil Scott-Heron, to Bobby McFerrin and Myka 9.
An adventurous spirit, after visiting Berlin, Sean became captivated by the city and spontaneously decided to move. Since, he has performed across Europe, been recognized by international tastemakers, such as Gilles Peterson and Lefto, and distinguished himself through a diverse range of collaborations, notably Jazzanova and The Polish Ambassador.
With his fifth album, Flying Broken Form, Sean continues his sound exploration, coloring the work with synths, powerful background vocals, poetic lyricism, and evocative harmonies. Bridging the gap between the classic and cutting-edge, commanding a distinctive skill set and compositional flare, Sean inhabits a space all his own.
Alongside his artistic career, Sean curates a monthly event, Verses & Vibes, at Kasheme, in Zürich. In this capacity, he enables artists to tell their stories and share work in a personal, extended format. Providing a rich alternative to the artifice of highly-crafted personas, he reflects: “Even as an artist, I only now realize how much we lack spaces to represent ourselves more authentically. Going forward, I hope to be involved with more spaces and projects that facilitate honest exchanges, creativity and empowerment.”