Drawing from Egyptian and Greek myths of creation, Waters wrote “Cathedral Pines” on a cabin retreat in the mountains of Redfeather, Colorado. Listeners might draw sonic and existential parallels to the introspective ambience of early Bon Iver.

Lyrically, “Cathedral Pines” is a celebration of the awesome power of nature to change the way we see the world -- to uplift our vision and help us take flight on what matters to us. Thematically following up his ninth single,  “Put Up A Bet,” Waters new single, “ “Cathedral Pines” is full of warmth and subtle mystery. 

Sean Waters -- who holds advanced degrees in both philosophy and education -- says of the song: “I was coming out of a kind of depression, a kind of dumb defeatism about making art in the age of the algorithm. At a cabin retreat in between recording sessions, the pine trees spoke to me and gave me a feeling of the sacred mystery … and I felt my art in much the same way.” The sparse arrangement --with a droning acoustic guitar, subtle string bass, cathedral organ synth, harmonizing vocals -- reflect the windswept landscape that inspired the song.  “I hope have that same capacity to accept and embrace our art in much the same way. I hope this song allows the listener some moments of seeing ourselves in the light of all creation.”

"Put Up a Bet" by Sean Waters and the Sunrise Genius is a haunting ballad that intricately weaves together themes of life, love, and the unpredictable nature of fate. With heavy vocals and ethereal sonics, this track delves into the metaphorical landscape of a poker game, drawing parallels between the highs and lows of gambling and the complexities of human relationships.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist navigating through life's uncertainties, digging for silver linings amidst the metaphorical minefields of existence. Settling debts and drawing fives, the protagonist confronts the inevitable twists and turns with resilience and determination.

As the song unfolds, the imagery becomes more pronounced, with references to being "under the gun" and facing the bust of cash. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there's a sense of acceptance and defiance, as the protagonist embraces the hand they've been dealt and rises to the challenge.

The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "put up a bet and you rise," serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the odds stacked against them, the protagonist refuses to back down, facing each new challenge with unwavering resolve.

"Put Up a Bet" is not just a song—it's a testament to the courage and resilience it takes to navigate the unpredictable journey of life. With its haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, this track leaves a lasting impression, inviting listeners to reflect on the highs and lows of their own personal journeys.

This poignant ballad weaves a tale of overcoming addiction and finding redemption in the arms of another. With lyrics that echo the rawness of Neil Young and the storytelling magic of Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Father John Misty, "Easier" is a classic love song for our troubled times.

The song's journey begins in "days of wine," a nostalgic haze of self-destruction. Photographs, like fleeting memories, are swept away by the river tide, symbolizing the relentless current of time. But amidst the storm, Waters finds an anchor in the love he shares.

"Easier with you by my side," he sings, the chorus a mantra against the whispers of temptation. The single art, depicting Waters stepping back from the precipice of a ledge, visually underscores the song's theme of finding hope and strength in connection.

The melody, reminiscent of Waters' acclaimed "Flexibility Blues" and "Easy Graces," is an easy listen, belying the raw vulnerability of the lyrics. Each line resonates with the struggle and the solace, the yearning for escape and the comfort of presence.

"Pick you up from the station," he croons, a metaphor for meeting his partner at their lowest point, venturing into the darkness together. The lyrics paint a picture of a shared journey, a love that mutes the siren song of addiction, replaces the sea of despair with the ocean of another's eyes.

"Easier" is more than a love song; it's a testament to the power of human connection, a beacon of hope for those battling their own challenges alone. It's a reminder that even in the darkest nights, the starlight of love can guide us home.

"Play the Bells" by Sean Waters and the Sunrise Genius is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of introspection and longing. With its edgy pop balladry and progressive production, this track pushes the boundaries of sonic exploration while delving into the complexities of the human psyche.

From the haunting opening chords to the hauntingly effected lyrics, "Play the Bells" captivates with its enigmatic allure. Sean Waters' evocative vocals weave a tale of introspection and existential pondering, drawing the listener into a world where time bends and reality blurs.

The lyrics, adorned with metaphors and imagery, invite introspection as they explore the fleeting nature of time and the elusive quest for meaning. Amidst the swirling synths and pulsating beats, there's a sense of urgency—a desire to grasp onto fleeting moments before they slip away.

"Play the Bells" is more than just a song; it's a sonic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of conventional pop, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. With its haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, this track leaves an indelible mark, resonating long after the final notes fade away.

"Tell Her That I Love Her" by Sean Waters and the Sunrise Genius is a poignant testament to the enduring power of love and longing. With a California breeze whispering through its verses, this heartfelt anthem transcends mere melody to become a soul-stirring journey of emotion. Seamlessly blending infectious pop hooks with lyrical depth, Sean Waters delivers a performance that resonates with raw authenticity.

From the opening chords, the listener is transported to a sun-drenched highway, as Waters' vocals weave a tale of yearning and reflection. The chorus, with its infectious refrain, serves as a rallying cry for lovers separated by distance, each word dripping with sincerity and passion. Against the backdrop of palm trees and ocean waves, the song's message becomes universal: love knows no bounds.

But it's not just the lyrics that captivate; it's the subtle nuances woven throughout. The inclusion of phone messages adds a layer of intimacy, drawing the listener deeper into the protagonist's world of missed connections and unspoken desires. With each verse, the emotional stakes are raised, until the final crescendo leaves the listener breathless with longing.

In "Tell Her That I Love Her," Sean Waters and the Sunrise Genius have crafted a modern classic—a song that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever loved and lost. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the California sound, and a reminder that, no matter how far apart we may be, love has the power to bridge any distance.

“Not Just Yet” is the fifth single from Colorado indie-folk rockers Sean Waters & the Sunrise Genius.  ‍

Conceptually, “Not Just Yet” celebrates the mystery and excitement of sex, celebrating pride, female empowerment, and love as love. We were imagining a psychedelic bar scene in black and white, with that special someone in full color.

Like Waters’ previous releases that were lauded as “richly layered,” “ethereal,” and “offering comfort and solace,” “Not Just Yet” steadily builds to a catchy electric guitar and synth driven hook, perfect for lovers and those wishing they could be at the club, at the show, having that one person get close enough to tell them, take me home, but not just yet.

From KMS Reviews: "The new release of Sean Waters & the Sunrise Genius feels really familiar to me for some reason. There’s something attached to the music that transmits a really great amount of ‘it’s okay, buddy. Sit down and let me tell the truth’. The backing tracks build a warm, and even more important, relaxed atmosphere that invites you to just groove along slightly while listening to the melodic vocals do their thing. These vocals feel authentic, warm and relatable. In a way, it feels like the track is one of your closest friends.

For me, the secret ingredient of ‘Not Just Yet’ is its honesty. There are no unnecessary special effects to find in there. The music is done handmade and with just the right amount of tracks to fill the room, but not overload it. The sound feels warm and chilled, with nothing in there to disturb the soft groove, but with enough energy to let the sound shine with that slight energetic amount of fun shimmer. In other words: this is the perfect sound for late autumn evenings."

“A solemn touch...there is surely something special here” - Beatspeak Music‍

“A fun, ambient, slo-fi pop jam” - Music Mecca‍

“Dark, aquatic approach” - The Revue

“Aching, reaching, but somehow not dark” - Independent Music Reviews ‍

"Tremendously emotional” - Alt77‍

“Ethereal” - underrated‍‍

Written and recorded from the inside of a Corona Cocoon, "All The Time" is a reckoning with mental health through art, and a deep call for hope and love across the oceans of time and space.With avant-garde production from Denver producer/engineer Tyler Lindgren, "All the Time" takes Waters' chill indie-folk to future-past sonic extremes.

Minimalistic and ethereal, this alternative rock / chillwave forward summer-bummer has drawn comparisons to M83, James Blake, Portishead, and slo-fi 2010s indie pop.In collaboration with Syncopate Media, this is Waters' fourth single with the Sunrise Genius.‍

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“Flexibility Blues” playfully stretches into the realms of California folk-pop, zen singer-songwriter, and chill Colorado Americana. Masterfully produced by Justin Andres (Eric Burdon and the Animals) “Flexibility” was sonically inspired by both Surprise-era Paul Simon and Hiss Golden Messenger psychedelia. Acoustic guitar and ambient synths; a major-key, feel-good, Rocky Mountain high.

The song takes the blues motif of losing the one you love into a quirky anthem for misfits refusing to fit into existing social ideals. and into a plea for mental health in an age where “We’re all just animals / Living in the internet.” The vocals, like the lyrics, are fun, feel good, and stress free.

After the successful DIY release of “Easy Graces” in May 2020 (the song reached #7 on the Submithub Popular Rock/Guitar Charts), Waters, 38, is still waking up to his mission to spread joy through music,. And in a way, “Flexibility Blues” bends Waters’ experience as college-level philosophy instructor into his life as a feel-good folk folk-pop troubadour.

Waters wrote “Flexibility Blues” in 2007, while he was studying the Buddhist philosophy of not-self, doing psychedelics, the same year his regional jam-rock band Wasabi was voted ‘Best Jamband’ in Denver’s Westword.

It would take another 12 years, 100 songs, and 1000 shows around his home-town of Fort Collins -- a rural-leaning University-town close to the Wyoming border -- to make the connections needed to bring “Flexibility Blues” into existence, when, in 2018, his demos intrigued L.A.-based producer Justin Andres (Eric Burdon & the Animals, Little Monarch) and he was invited to come track in Los Angeles. With a dream-team of L.A. Session players, they produced three singles, working with references to the Father John Misty, the Beatles, and Hiss Golden Messenger.

Bloggers have written:

“Chill and ruminative Colorado americana” - Indie is not a Genre, (USA)

“What we liked in " Easy Graces " is this mixture of genres and souls of rock and blues, without forgetting americana with a kind of indie-pop and alt-rock touch.” - Direct Actu, (France)

“Feels like a walk in the woods on a warm sunny day … the voice shines like a diamond ... soft, emotional and exciting at the same time.” kms reviews, (Germany)

“Moon Down,” produced by Justin Andres (Eric Burdon and the Animals, Little Monarch), is the second single from Colorado Indie / Alt Rockers Sean Waters & The Sunrise Genius.

For Waters, the song testifies to his belief that music and art are essential services — a timeless way of connecting to the deepest parts of our humanity and to each other in times when some may be trying to pull us apart.

“Moon Down” extends this idea of connection outward, contrasting natural metaphors with our current hyper-connected social media reality of 2020.

Waters opens the song with “Moon down, coming from your eyes,” and ends with “See the sun rise again,” playing with the themes of rebirth and re-connection, suggesting that there’s a way — beyond the feed — to cultivate a deeper connection between all of us and the world we inhabit.

Along the way, he investigates his own responsibility and vulnerability to love, singing in the second verse: “Came to disconnect the screens / Give ourselves a better dream / Said you mean that much to me.”

The song, a classic-sounding indie rock ballad, was written over a year ago as a love song, but, for Waters at least, has somehow found relevance in today’s tempestuous social climate.

To bring these ideas big ideas to life, producer Justin Andres pulled from his experience with Eric Burdon and the Animals and assembled a dream-team of Los Angeles players. Subtle synths, Hornsby-esque piano lines, and Dan Kalisher’s searing slide guitar pushes the track into the “classic rock” realm of early West-coast psychedelia.

With genre-bending hints of Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, the Arcs, the Jayhawks, and the Record Company, “Moon Down” feels somehow both classic and contemporary.

“A lot of my music, as an extension of my life, is a kind of existential faith,” Waters says. “That’s the whole idea of the ‘Sunrise Genius’ moniker — I’m saying that the sunrise itself is the genius, that the the music, like the promise of a new day, offers benefits when we give ourselves over to to a love much bigger than ourselves.”

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Sean Waters, raised by northern Colorado hippies, was a child of both compassion and alcoholism: and both these threads come through in his debut single “Easy Graces,” which he recorded in Los Angeles with Justin Andres, the live music director and bassist for rock-and-roll hall-of-famer Justin Andres. Masterfully produced by Andres, “Easy Graces,” infuses Waters chill and ruminative Colorado Americana with a kind of indie-pop edge of L.A. alt-rock. The lyrics nod to both Bob Dylan and Tom Petty; the groovy, indie-folk ambient rock soundscape nods to Father John Misty, Hiss Golden Messenger, and the softer rock of Cage the Elephant.  
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Lyrically, “Easy Graces” is a promising debut for a road-tested singer-songwriter, exploring the challenge and grace of addiction and love, breaking up and staying together. It’s a song about what we keep and what we lose in recklessness, a love story that, according to Waters, “also touches on our current use of social media to prostitute our addictions.”  

There’s a kind of snarky but humble spiritualism here, an exploration of grace as acceptance, and “the paradox of being together even though you’re physically and socially and emotionally apart.” Perhaps that’s why the song, which was recorded over a year ago, still has some relevance in today’s social distancing movement.

“Everything has come to mean something else, or at least it’s showing a new side of itself in this societal brush with death -- this COVID-19 situation,” Waters explains, “and ‘Easy Graces’ is no exception: it deals with being separate and still together, of carrying someone with you even though you can’t be with them physically, of the perseverance of love, while at the same time, how an addiction to alcohol, or sex, or even our identities themselves leads you “to a height you find alone” that you can only fall from, “finding you’re gone” from the togetherness and humility and society that being a human is all about.  

This track was recorded in January 2019, almost a year before the live debut of Waters’ live band, the Sunrise Genius. With Sean Waters on Acoustic Guitar and Lead Vocals, “Easy Graces” also features Justin Andres on Bass, Electric Guitar, Synths, Backing Vocals, Kiel Feher on Drums and Percussion, Luke Miller on Keys, Organ, and Casey Calmenson on Backing Vocals, “Easy Graces” is a layered labor of love, an exercise in the easy graces of an artistic life where, above all, you’re true to yourself.