Atlanta studio ace Sean O’Rourke has been plugging away in the trenches of the local scene for over twenty years. Having also toured with Mother’s Finest, The Derek Trucks Band, and Aquarium Rescue Unit, O’Rourke is a seasoned road warrior. His persistence paid off when he landed the sweetest gig in town with the Atlanta-based, award-winning country/pop group Sugarland. Fronted by singer Jennifer Nettles and singer/songwriter Kristian Bush, Sugarland has captured practically every music industry award imaginable over the past year, including the American Music Awards trophy for Favorite New Artist, a category that covers all genres.

Sugarland’s debut LP, Twice The Speed Of Life, went double platinum, and their latest, Enjoy The Ride, has crossed over into the Billboard Hot 100. O’Rourke has recently signed endorsement deals with Ludwig, Sabian, and Pro-Mark. The band recently completed their first major headlining tour as well.

Late last year Sugarland played the CMAs and shot a video for the single “Settlin,” a song O’Rourke describes as, “basically a heavy 2 and 4 backbeat gig with 1 and 3 on the kick drum, which I love. Playing with Mother’s Finest really helped me develop my deep pocket groove. I’ve learned to love the space between the notes.” Advertisement

Mike Haid