Pack Heroes: Sean Gaiser

Musician, Entrepreneur, Family Man, Best Friend. Hero.

"It was Friday, January 15, 2016. Charlie had asked me to create some custom music to align with his new Greyson line. I had just arrived at Greyson HQ in the Hudson Valley with producer Jarrett Nicolay from Mixtape Studios, and we set up the studio immediately. What came next was a 36 hour creative blitz resulting in 7 new demos. Charlie and I worked together - sketching visuals of how each song should be laid out. The fact that he did not play an instrument only added to the creative flow. He provided a fresh perspective to the songwriting process anchored in a very visual design sensibility. We discussed our lives, our families, our goals, and our heroes. We also discussed what it meant to be a hero - how to become a hero. How we could each become a hero in our own right. We kept the lyrics simple and did not overthink things - just caught a vibe. We took a short tv break on Saturday to watch Morgan Hoffmann sink a putt for eagle. Then we went on a winding sunset drive through "The Dead Forest". The next morning, Spiritual Sunday, I drove home and listened to our demos. I loved them, but I knew something seemed to be missing, and so I shelved the project.

About a year later, my third child Dolly was born. At three months, she was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating disorder labeled Canavan Disease. At first, everyone told me, "I'm so sorry". It was all very hard to understand. Through it all, my wife Ruthie and I chose to disregard all negativity associated with Dolly's diagnosis and projected abilities. We chose love, everyday...all day. Now at age 4, having blown away all expectations, my sweet Dolly has taught me what it really means to be a hero. It's simple. All it takes is the willingness to make true sacrifices for the ones you love. Anyone who can do that is a hero.

Dolly provided the inspiration last year for a new song- "I Will Never Be OK". I wrote it in about 15 minutes, and I knew immediately that it was the missing puzzle piece to those old Greyson demos. In December 2019, I hit the studio with producer Eric Taft and finally wrapped up "The Dead Forest".

I eventually released it on Spiritual Sunday - Dec, 29, 2020.

What's shocking about this album is that it is all about Dolly, and Charlie and I wrote it before she was even conceived. I listen back in awe, wondering how we nailed it so perfectly. That one special person who comes into your life, and finally, once and for all, makes you a hero. Thank you Charlie. Thank you Ruthie. But most of all, thank you Dolly. You are my hero."

About Sean Gaiser: Sean is founder of GIGS Studio, a creative community dedicated to sharing music and the art of expression through music in all forms. He has created and shared an academy for learning, workshops for extended learning, and a live events space for celebrating through music. His own passion for music has led him to released two albums, available to listen on Spotify. Sean has a beautiful family; his wife and three children are the center of his world. Greyson founder Charlie Schaefer was Sean’s college roommate at Duke University, and they are best friends to this day. Sean Gaiser Family