Interview with Songwriter, Sean "The Pen" Garrett

In a short time span, Sean Garrett has written hits for Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, Fantasia, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child, 112, Mario Winans, Donnell Jones and Christina Milian to name a few. Not to mention penning hits like Usher's hit single "yeah" and Ciara's "Goodies."

Being a songwriter is an understatement for the talents honed by the Garrett. Nicknamed "The Pen" by Jay-Z solidifies the truth of Garrett's pen and pad." For Hov to bless me with something like that just says everything. People know that Jay knows when somebody's got it," Garrett modestly states.

With that said, an interview with Sean Garrett is like an interview with 10 artists in one. I talk with Garrett to figure out his music mojo for making hits. Sit down and read this, you might just learn a thing or two...

Andrew Bess: Initially, how did you get started as a songwriter?

Sean Garrett: I was an artist in Europe. I signed my first record deal when I was 15 years old. So I always wrote my own songs. It was pretty much a natural thing with me being an artist writing my own songs. When I cam back to the states I started writing records for my solo project again. People were like, 'you should also write for other people.' And before you know it my first smash record was "Yeah" by Usher. The rest is history.

Andrew Bess: A lot of song writers pull ideas from personal experiences. Do you feel you do the same?

Sean Garrett: Yeah sometimes they are from personal experiences and sometimes I take ideas from my friends' lives. It's life. A lot of my records come from things I've seen and experienced or sometimes its wishful thinking.

Andrew Bess: Leaving a secure job as a mortgage broker to becoming a songwriter is risky. What made you ultimately make the switch?

Sean Garrett: Being a mortgage broker wasn't my life dreams. It was something I got with my college education. I was always destined to do music. Being a mortgage broker was just something to fall back on. My mom pretty much instilled that in me if things didn't work out.

Andrew Bess: You've worked with a variety of artists in the industry, who is your favorite you've worked with?

Sean Garrett: I have a lot of favorites. I enjoy working with the whole rainbow. Everyone brings something different to the table and everyone is special in their own way. I've enjoyed working with Beyonce, Usher, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, everyone in all actuality. With every artist it's always interesting and fun.

Andrew Bess: What artists have came to you asking for tracks?

Sean Garrett: After 12 number 1 records from hot 100's to R&B records to power 100's I got a lot of things coming in the future. Santana's second single, Britney Spears, Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls, Chris Brown, to Usher. I get the calls quite often.

Andrew Bess: Where did you get the nickname "the pen"?

Sean Garrett: Jay-Z named me "The Pen." And in my opinion, Jay-Z is the best that ever did it. He is the best one living to me. Not to mention Lil Wayne is doing his thing. But for Hov to bless me with something like that just says everything. The nickname says it itself. It's self-explanatory. Not only is Jay dope, people know that Jay knows when somebody's got it ya know.

Andrew Bess: Which song is most meaningful to you?

Sean Garrett: Most all the songs I do are meaningful to me in some sort of way. I think that I do specific songs for specific reasons. But my album is getting ready so people are going to get to hear me put together another set of records that takes me to a whole other level.

Andrew Bess: Besides being a songwriter, what else do you do?

Sean Garrett: I'm a singer/songwriter/producer. I do it all. I got my album that I'm working on too.

Andrew Bess: How far is your album in the works? When will that get released?

Sean Garrett: The release date is definitely a secret [laughs]. Let me just say to you that the record is 80% done and it's on fire. It will definitely be a classic album. I ain't playin' around.

Andrew Bess: What projects are you working on in the near future?

Sean Garrett: I'm always working. I'm working on Jennifer Hudson and Chris Brown right now. But I'm always working on something new.

Andrew Bess: What's next for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years down the line?

Sean Garrett: Nothing but platinum plaques on my album and on my wall. The world will really appreciate Sean Garrett giving them great albums and singles. I see myself doing joint ventures with other people in the industry and just keep the music real cut and good. I want to continue to give good music to the world that they can go out and buy.

Andrew Bess: Do you consider yourself cocky or confident?

Sean Garrett: Do you consider me cocky? [Laughs] I'm definitely confident in what I have. Anytime you start something new you are going to have people that doubt you, and when you prove them wrong it will definitely give someone confidence that can be perceived as cockiness. I put in the time, energy, heart, and love to what I do so I'm prideful to say the least. There's definitely no cockiness here though.