biography

Combinator // Sean Fairchild

A foreign-born and raised singing & songwriting bassist, you could say I haven't really gone down the traditional bass player’s path. Born in Malaysia and spending years living and traveling abroad, I developed a keen taste for the musical forms and tonalities of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, aside from the more ubiquitous domestic flavors.

I studied music and Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, and began teaching bass guitar lessons while still in high school.

My focus is on my artist career as Combinator, however I remain very active in the national live music scene, performing with various groups and recording original and commercial sessions. I’ve been fortunate to have been awarded an Emmy for my work with Women in Film Seattle/ Credit Unions of Washington, and have performed at high profile trade shows, venues, and festivals across the country, as well as in Asia and Europe.

I continuously seek to broaden my horizons through employing new technology for live performances and recordings, as well as pushing the envelope technically on the electric bass. My first and most beloved teacher, the late James Michael Thomas, taught me that I should be a musician first and a bassist second - something I think about almost daily. I seek to always let the message I’d like to convey guide me, far above and beyond preconceived roles.

I currently man the helm of Fairchild Sound, an award-winning production studio and performance venture, from my home studio in the Seattle area. Please feel free to contact me for info and availability regarding your performance, recording, or touring project.