Working with Artists to help make MUSIC & ART a sustainable career
Have you ever discovered a band whose music feels like it taps into something deeper?
Dublin's own Living Things is just such a band, known for their genre-defying sound and a message that resonates with life itself. Let's dive into what makes this collective tick, drawing insights from their own words and their upcoming performance details.
The origin story of Living Things is uniquely tied to a global moment we all experienced: lockdown. It was during this stifling period that the desire to feel alive sparked the idea for the band's name. Segun Akano (Drums) and Morgan Baker (Guitar) were living near each other and started jamming just for fun.
Quickly, they crafted songs that needed vocals, which Segun sent to Selu (Lead vocals). The chemistry was undeniable, and they soon had five tracks ready. Booking a recording session with Sean Montgomery Dietz (bass/keys & producer), they found another kindred spirit, and Sean joined the band by the end of that session.
The lineup today consists of these four musicians: Selu on lead vocals, Morgan Baker on guitar, Segun Akano on drums, and Sean Montgomery Dietz on bass and keys, who also handles production.
The individual histories of the band members contribute significantly to their unique sound. Morgan grew up in Atlanta, starting with classical violin but later discovering Led Zeppelin and the blues scene in high school before settling on electric guitar in his late 20s.
He plays guitar with an intensity that stems from a childhood fear of his father confiscating his instruments. Segun was raised in Lagos, surrounded by church music, Fela Kuti, and local Fuji musicians, building his musical foundation on homemade pangolo drums. Selu hails from Kildare, starting with singing and keys in church and getting serious about music in his teens.
A trip to Nigeria at 19 to promote his single introduced him to Afrobeats, which redirected his vocal style away from RnB and Rock. Sean spent his first decade in Los Angeles before moving to Ireland and picking up guitar and then bass at 12. By 13, he knew music would be his life's work.
He remembers his grandmother teaching him church hymns and his mom playing music, with taping the intro to The Rockford Files inspiring an interest in synthesizers.
Despite these varied backgrounds, the decision to make music together was driven by mutual respect as musicians and people, and a "sympathetic resonance" between them.
Living Things' sound is a fascinating blend, described as Dublin’s genre-defying soul rebels, fusing afropunk energy with progressive grooves. They unite sonically through their various cultural backgrounds and a genuine curiosity about each other.
You can often identify their sound through specific elements: lots of reverb on the guitar, a solid growl from the bass, a steady groove from the drums, and the soul of their singer.
A song can start with anything – a riff, lyric, theme, drum beat, or chord progression – but it's always finished as a group. They navigate creative differences and balance individual ideas through discussions over cups of herbal tea while seated on meditation cushions in the garden.
This ritual also helps them decompress after intense shows or studio time. Sharing personal challenges, staying vulnerable, and being honest are also key to keeping them grounded.
The themes dominating their lyrics and music are deep and holistic. They look at life holistically, appreciating how cosmic forces speak through them as music. A core theme is seeing love in its highest form, unconditional love for all beings.
Essentially, the concept that we are all living things is the starting point for their creativity and connection with their audience. They aim to convey the message that life is precious and vibrates in all beings and things.
They address themes like higher consciousness, environmentalism, spiritual connection in relationships, and understanding collective, generational, and individual trauma. For Living Things, the balance between entertainment and deeper commentary isn't a negotiation; they practice seeing them as one and the same.
Outside of music, the band members share passions that feed into their collective creativity, including a desire to disrupt the Irish music industry and affect positive change across the art world.
One of their proudest moments is when people try and fail to classify their music. Their first release, “Sometimes it's so Easy,” was a significant turning point, jolting them into the reality of being an originals band. Its positive reception gave them confidence to continue.
They've faced major life challenges together – break-ups, job loss, housing issues – but have channeled these into their music, maintaining faith that what they do is important.
Currently, Living Things are busy! They have two more tracks from their debut session set for release. They are constantly writing new material and working on collaborations within their community. They also have short tours planned in Italy and the Netherlands later this year.
Looking ahead five years, they aspire to play big stages and festivals, do regular tours (including in Nigeria and other far-flung places), and most importantly, reach and inspire listeners to keep putting skillful karma into the world. They are even putting together their own festivals, believing standard festivals don't serve artists or fans well.
Living Things prioritizes curating real-life experiences and uses social media primarily to encourage fans to meet them in person. They are deeply influenced by their audience and how listeners react to their performances.
You can stay connected with Living Things and their music on Instagram @_livingthings__
Living Things will be a key part of the upcoming Out of Order – Vol. 3 event. Presented by Tune Hoppers, this night at Fibber Magees Basement in Dublin promises a journey from intimate acoustic sounds to powerful Afro-soul grooves and ultimately, DnB mayhem.
Living Things are a powerhouse Afro-soul band that will "ignite the room" with their electrifying live experience. They are scheduled to perform as part of a dynamic lineup that moves through different genres throughout the night.
Catch their performance on June 19th, 2025, starting at 9:00 PM .
Use Promo Code : LIVINGTHINGS (€4 Discount Code)
The event is a celebration of live music in all its forms, perfect for those looking to be moved, groove, or get lost in the rhythm. Tickets are limited, so securing yours in advance is recommended.
Getting to know Living Things reveals a band deeply connected to their message, their music, and each other. Their performance promises to be a powerful expression of their unique sound and vision.
