It seems like all we're lacking here at TCUC is a telescopic lense for our camera and a callous disregard for peoples privacy, because beyond those things we've got all the credentials of a true celeb obsessed chronicle. First Brad Sucks, now Sean Fournier and next up? Elvis perhaps, or Chinese Elvis, whichever one it is who sings in that pub down the road from me. Anyway, for now we'll stick to projecting our loving vibes at Sean Fournier who is, arguably, the most successful adept of the free music arts; especially now that he's reached the pinacle which is an interview on TCUC...

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TCUC: Unlikely as it is that someone hasn't heard of you given your status in the Creative Commons world could you give us a quick rundown on who Sean Fournier is?

SF: I am a singer/songwriter from Connecticut. I am unsigned and proud of it. I have no team of agents or anything. There are 2 parts to my music: Me and my fans. I do my own songwriting, recording, producing, website/album artwork, and marketing.

TCUC: And, without slipping into 'what genre are you' style categorisation, which musicians always seem to hate, how would you describe your music?

SF: I've heard many descriptions. One that I like is, 'soft yet edgy". Gary Allen from the Charlie Daniels Band said, "He reminds me of an early Paul Simon that has no job opportunity for a Garfunkle." My grandmother says my style is "love songs". Without actually naming a genre I would say that my music is Jason Mraz meeting Jack Johnson in a house with Tom Waits peering in through the window.

TCUC: Your free album 'Oh My' has been incredibly successful so far with 126,000 listens on Jamendo alone, not to mention its spread through all the other outlets you've used for promotion, plus you're still actively trying to get it out there for people to listen to, do you feel like you've 'made it' as a musician? Or is there more left to do?

SF: I feel very satisfied with where I am right now. I am by no means this huge mainstream artist, but I think the music industry is shifting and artists no longer have to be signed to a label. With the use of the Internet, the power has begun to shift to resourceful unsigned artists. So with that said, then yes, I do feel I've 'made it'. I have signed licensing deals with VH1 and MTV by myself and that, to me, is something that I am very proud of.

TCUC: As well as being an online hit you've also done extensive live shows, how've you found the experience of performing to a crowd? Something to look forward to? Or just an interlude between the song writing and creation?

SF: Playing shows is a ton of fun! I love connecting and interacting with fans. I mainly play colleges in the Northeast and it's cool to allow people to hear my music in a different way. I've made the choice to not become a touring artist with the interest of my future wife and family in mind. I do not want to have a family with their father always on the road. So shows will be a fun thing to look forward to here and there.

TCUC: With 'Oh My' you invested a lot of time, effort and resources into promoting it and getting new listeners, has it been worth it? Is self promotion a viable model for you or are you still keeping half an eye out for that big commercial release?

SF: It has been more than worth it. If it weren't for 'Oh My', I never would've signed those licensing deals and most of all, never would've gotten my music out there as much as I did. My fanbase practically grew tenfold. My biggest dream for my music right now would be to be featured in a movie or on TV.

TCUC: You've said that you've got enough material together for a new album, when will it be emerging into the light of day? And what can people expect from it musically?

SF: I am currently recording another 6-track EP. It will hopefully be seeing the light of day early 2010, realistically. Musically, fans can expect to hear a little acoustic songs, piano, even a slight hint of hip hop. I like to change up styles, so I can guarantee each song will be a little different.

TCUC: And, to satiate the fans who hate parting with their money, will your next effort be another free release?

SF: I'm still deciding on that one. I need to somehow support the album financially. I have a few ideas in the works of how I'm going to manage that. I have found that it's much more fun to give things away, but we'll have to see!

TCUC: From the point of view of the free music community yours is undoubtedly one of the biggest names but you've also gotten a lot of mainstream attention, not least from MTV, which is pretty impressive, do you feel that you'll one day reach the point where you'll move away from the Creative Commons and free music scene to do more within the traditional music world?

SF: At this point, no. I think the traditional music world isn't all it's cracked up to be. I love giving 'Oh My' for free. I just want people to hear it. That means much more to be than being signed with a label. I just love making music and I want people to help me spread the word. If I can somehow make cover costs and still make it easy to get my music out there, I will be happy.

TCUC: You've undoubtedly got your own online following going on but do you feel like part of something bigger? There are an increasing number of musicians putting out their work for free, some coming from an established career in the commercial world and most just starting up, is there a sense that you're part of the movement that's emerging here?

SF: I definitely feel like it's part of something big. I think it's going to separate the music industry into those who are out to make money, and those who just want to get their name out there. Don't get me wrong, I would love to make money on my music, but I feel I have to get my music out there even more so. Maybe one day people would donate to the cause or something.

TCUC: Have you got any particular favourites particular favourites from the free music world?

SF: I thought it was cool that Coldplay gave out a free live album called, 'Left Right Left Right Left'. Went to one of their concerts and I received it. I thought they were pretty cool.

TCUC: What's the ultimate goal for Sean Fournier? Where, in a few years time, would you ideally be with your music? Yachts full of groupies and mountains of cash or still dealing with the fans on a more personal level?

SF: I would love to be able to have such a following that I could record albums at my house, release them, cover my costs, and get featured on soundtracks.

TCUC: What's the process like when you're making music? Are you out and about searching for inspiration or is it a bit more closed off and personal?

SF: Alot of my inspiration either comes from personal experience, or I put myself in the shoes of someone going through something. I also write about chasing dreams and even a little on life/death.

TCUC: You've cited the likes of Coldplay and Damien Rice as favourites before, any others who've helped inspire your music? Or whose music you just love?

SF: Sufjan Stevens and Aqualung always remind me that you should just make music any way that you want and be yourself. That truly inspires me to do my own thing and be proud of what I do.

TCUC: And to finish up here, anything you want to say to The Creative UnCommons readers or your fans in general?

SF: I would love to thank The Creative UnCommons for this opportunity, and to everyone else, please download and spread the word of my free album. I really appreciate the support.

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You can download Sean's album 'Oh My' here, as well as checking out what he's up to. And you can join the ranks of trendy types and those on the bleeding edge of stuff by adding him on Twitter.