Sean Lippin Unveils "Frenemies" and Connects With Us to Reveal the Creative Journey Behind the Track
- STAFF
- Aug 6
- 6 min read
By: Staff
“Frenemies” is an electrifying anthem that perfectly blends raw emotion and playful irony with unstoppable energy.
Get ready for something fresh and undeniably captivating! We connected with the bold and boundary-pushing Sean Lippin, the mastermind behind Frenemies, a track that’s bound to have you rethinking the dynamics of modern relationships. This song brings an energetic blend of raw emotion and playful irony, offering listeners a taste of what’s to come from an artist who’s unafraid to challenge conventions. With its infectious vibe and clever lyrics, Frenemies is both a punch in the gut and a wink at the world.
Curious about the creative process behind the track? Read on as we dive into Sean Lippin’s world, exploring the inspirations, emotions, and stories that shaped this bold new release.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Sean Lippin, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q: The song is delivered so beautifully with a creative, layered, and multi-faceted approach, and the vibes are incredibly infectious. What’s your process for shaping the sound? Do you chase a feeling, or does it materialize in the moment? And are you working solo or with a team?
A: Hey! Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me. I typically write music and lyrics on my own. My process looks something like this: when I’m messing around with chord progressions and melodies, I try to take a stream-of-consciousness approach—just singing whatever flows naturally. I let my gut and instincts guide me based on what the music is pulling out of me. Once I have a solid draft—say, 70–80% done—I’ll take the song to the stage. Performing it live always helps refine and shape the message. That clarity hits within seconds: either “Wow, that’s definitely working,” or “Yikes, that was a train wreck,” at which point, back to the drawing board I go.
Q: "Frenemies" is built around the idea of people wearing a "fake smile." In today’s world, where social media often promotes perfection, do you feel more people can relate to this theme now?
A: Absolutely. I was actually hesitant to perform the song as written at first. But once I started playing it live, the crowd response was fantastic—and I knew I had to get it into the studio and release it. Sadly, a lot of people these days operate with personal agendas, and we’ve got to be alert to what role we play in someone else's motives. Social media definitely amplifies this. Modern artists aren’t just musicians anymore—we’re also influencers, which is part of the larger picture now.
Q: Do you typically draw from personal experiences when writing music, or was this song a shift from your usual process?
A: I think it’s impossible not to draw from personal experience. We listen to music to connect—and that’s something AI will never fully replicate. “Frenemies” gave me a chance to channel some real frustrations about a specific person into something creative. Usually, my lyrics lean toward empowering, joyful, or even humorous tones. But this one was more personal—though still delivered with some tongue-in-cheek flair.
Q: What does making music do for you emotionally or spiritually? How would you describe the feeling when you’re in the creative zone?
A: I turn into an absolute emotional wreck when I’m songwriting. It’s super vulnerable—like diving deep into my own experiences and psyche. When I’m in the zone, the chords or melodies just loop endlessly in my head. I’ve been at dinners with friends and had to excuse myself just to hum an idea into my voice memos in the bathroom—no joke, haha. The idea fully consumes me. It’s overwhelming sometimes.
Q: Can you tell us more about your live performances? What kind of energy do you bring to the stage, and how does a song like "Frenemies" translate in front of an audience?
A: Playing original music in front of engaged audiences is the ultimate reward for me. I do a lot of cover gigs, so when I get the chance to perform original sets, my whole energy shifts. I really tap into my artistic persona and showcase my true self—something I work hard to refine. “Frenemies” lands well with crowds. Before I play it, I usually ask if anyone’s ever had a friend stab them in the back. There's always a reaction. And if not, I’ll joke, “You must have perfect friends—can I have some?”
Q: If you had to describe the song in one sentence to get someone interested in listening, what would you say?
A: Keep your friends close and your “Frenemies” closer...
Q: Your performance of the song feels so high-energy. Are you really angry underneath, or do you almost pity them and just laugh it off?
A: Great question. Honestly, I mostly pity them and laugh it off. The song’s meant to be cheeky, not super serious. It’s a cathartic release, sure—but it’s delivered with a smirk.
Q: "Frenemies" captures such raw and personal emotions. How do you feel after performing it—does it bring catharsis and relief, or do the feelings resurface?
A: It definitely brings catharsis and relief. I love playing this one live—especially because audiences always get a kick out of the final chorus. ;)
Q: Was "Frenemies" always meant to have that tongue-in-cheek, quirky vibe, or did you ever experiment with a more serious or angry version of the song?
A: Funny enough, the original version of the song was actually about going to the dentist. But that didn’t really resonate with anyone—go figure. So I rewrote the chorus and it evolved into “Frenemies.” It always had a bit of a goofy edge to it, but performing it live really helped shape the final version.
Q: Is this story based on your own experience, or is it inspired by someone else’s situation?
A: It’s definitely based on personal experience. I was meeting up with a buddy of mine at a concert and—well, the rest is written into the lyrics.
Q: Do you have a favorite song from your early years that you’d love to cover in the studio, one that still feels deeply connected to who you are today?
A: That’s a terrific question. I have this pipe dream of recreating the album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel live in its entirety. Wouldn’t hurt to lay down a track or two from that record in the studio someday... ;)
Q: Many artists face challenges. Have there been moments when you questioned whether to keep going with music? What kept you on your path?
A: Definitely. Every career artist hits those moments. It’s natural to question your path, especially when you run into roadblocks. I’ve had to ask myself, “If not music, then what else?” And honestly, imagining myself doing anything else—silencing that part of who I am—feels impossible. That’s what keeps me going. Gotta feed the fire.
Q: Let’s build a summer playlist around "Frenemies." What three other tracks absolutely need to be on it, and why?
A: “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles – because it’s bright, catchy, and totally feels like summer.
“This Life” by Vampire Weekend – it’s got a breezy, ironic energy I love.
“Sample in a Jar” by Phish – it’s playful and timeless, and I think it rounds out the mood perfectly.
Q: What are your top three dream venues to perform at?
A: Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, and SPAC.
Q: Outside of music, who or what has had the biggest influence on your personal growth or artistic perspective?
A: Going to Italy in 2023 really changed my perspective. I haven’t traveled internationally much, but being there made me realize how deep and rich human history is. Walking around Rome and seeing a random structure from 200 BCE—it’s wild. There’s so much culture and art over there, and it really shifted how I think about creativity and legacy.
Q: After hearing this song and reading this interview, what do you want people to remember most about you?
A: That it’s okay to keep a sense of humor, even when life feels chaotic. We live in a wild, disjointed world—don’t take it all so seriously.
Q: Lastly, what’s next? Can you share any upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We’d love to be the first to spread the news!
A: Thanks again for your time! I’m heading back into the studio this summer to record more original music. Definitely stay tuned—more fun stuff is on the way! :)
Sean Lippin, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Sean Lippin’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
