For those people who haven’t heard of you before, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sean Michael Mulligan, and I’m the frontman for the band, The Queue. In addition to being the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, I am also the sole songwriter, producer, and do a lion’s share of our recordings in my home studio, based in Chicago, IL.
Who inspired you to get on stage and perform?
When I was about 13, my mother encouraged me to watch The Beatles Anthology when that aired on ABC back in the mid-90s. I knew of their music, but had only passively listened to their songs on the radio. Once I saw John Lennon with his black Rickenbacker 325 screaming “Twist and Shout” at the top of his lungs, I knew that was it for me. I was hooked, not only on their music, but I immediately became obsessed with the idea of starting a band, and I did just that a few days later. I had put together a band with two of my closest friends before I even picked up a guitar. I wanted to be as cool as Lennon, and watching him perform that song with that energy looked like joy in its purest form to me.
What are some of the artists/albums that have stuck with you and inspired your sound?
Oasis has been one of the largest influences on my music. Noel Gallagher’s song crafting, in particular, has always spoken to me. Where John Lennon inspired me to pick up the guitar and start writing music, it was Noel’s songs that inspired me to level up my guitar technique and hone my songwriting skillset.
I shared the same rebellious attitude and nature as both of these legends. Neither believed in playing by musical rules or theory, and both relied on gut instinct and feeling. That attitude and approach resonated with me, and I applied the same non-approach approach to crafting music: experimentation, recording, and playback. Other bands that have helped shape and inspire my sound include Gomez, Queen, Foo Fighters… I mean, it’s an epically long, cultivated list of classic rock, alternative rock, and Britpop bands spanning over the decades.
Where do you write your music? Are you someone who is always coming up with song ideas?
I write a bulk of material in my home studio with Pro Tools at the ready, but my mind is constantly streaming bits and pieces throughout the day. Lyric fragments, guitar riffs, and melodies all pop up in my head here and there, and when one grabs my attention, I’ll scribble it down or hum it as a voice memo. So to answer the second question, I am someone who’s constantly writing and rewriting nonstop.
Please tell us about the ReverbNation winning track, “Come On Brother, Come On Sister.”
The song is open to interpretation; however, I wrote it as a response to a toxic relationship that someone close to me was in that was causing a rift in our friendship. Luckily, he did see the reality of the situation and was able to leave the relationship. So ultimately, it’s a song about taking yourself out of your own version of reality, seeing the truth in what’s actually occurring in your life, taking responsibility, and making amends. It’s never too late to make the right choice, but don’t let too much time pass if you can avoid it.
What has been your favourite experience as a musician?
My brother used one of the songs I wrote, “Heart On Fire,” as his wedding theme song. He, along with his now wife, reenacted their first date as their engagement video. After all these years, it’s still an honor to be a part of the beginning of their life’s journey together.
Do you have any plans to release an EP or an album?
We’re currently in post-production and final mix sessions with my friend and engineer, Steve Kovacs, of a 6-song EP, Fire + Lies, Pt. 2, which will be releasing in early 2026.
I’m also about halfway through writing/recording a full-length album entitled “All We Need Is Now”, which I’m expecting to get completed early this upcoming year.
What is the most memorable place you have performed?
It was less of an actual performance and actually a music video shoot for a song called “Never Surrender!” which was done on the rooftop of my friend’s building in downtown Chicago. While it wasn’t a live recording or full-on performance, it was definitely the most memorable performative moment in my musical career, paying homage to the band that started this whole journey for me, The Beatles.
I have a lot of epic memories from a staple of Chicago venues, though. I think The Metro is a venue that was most notable, seeing as how Oasis took that same stage on their first American tour. You could feel the energy of all the great bands that had played there throughout the years. It was definitely an experience.
Here at Artistic Echoes, we are always on the lookout for new artists. Do you have any to recommend?
I highly recommend another Chicago-based band, The Handcuffs. Their energy and performance are always in top form, and their songs are incredible. Another one of my favorite indie bands is The Bluetones from Greater London. Excellent songs, great live performance, and are always in top-notch performance with cutting vocals.
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
I’ll be working on writing and recording more music for the follow-up LP while rehearsing and gearing up with the band for touring next year’s releases.
Find out more:
Website: www.thequeueband.com
Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/thequeueband
