Perfect Imperfections

By: Gina Smith

     Accomplished drummer, renowned song writer and music producer, Sean Forbes, also known as the “musician on a mission,” has torn down the barriers separating the music industry and the deaf community. When he was a couple months old, Forbes ran a high fever, and although it was never properly diagnosed, it’s believed that he became deaf as a result of spinal meningitis. Forbes is now the co-founder of Deaf Professional Arts Network (D-PAN), a non-profit organization that translates popular songs into American Sign Language music videos.

     An impeccable role mole, Forbes shows that being deaf is not a disability, but instead a set of different abilities. To those who experience self-doubt, he demonstrates that with the right drive and mindset, any obstacles can be overcome. 

     “There were so many things growing up that enabled me to participate in music,” said Forbes in an interview with Ability Magazine. “Every time we would go on a family vacation, my mom would play all the oldies from the ‘60s – the Beatles, the Eagles, the Rolling Stones – and would drive and sing along. I would read my mom's lips to follow what was happening in the song, and I’d put the side of my leg against the speaker so I could feel the rhythm and keep the beat.”

     Music has always played a significant role in Forbes’ life. At the age of five, he decided he wanted to be in the music industry. Though his parents were musicians, they were not fans of the genre of music he wanted to pursue and did not support him.

     “The world is run by those who show up,” said Forbes, “and I’m showing up.”

     Forbes has been signed to a contract by Ferndale-based WEB Entertainment. Principals Jeff and Mark Bass were the first to discover and produce Eminem (Jake Bass, their son and nephew, writes with and produces Forbes). He became the first deaf performer signed to a major song publishing deal, with Broadcast Music International (BMI).

     “When I went to college, I started to realize a lot of deaf and hard-of-hearing people love music. Not only that, but I met a couple of people who played musical instruments,” said Forbes. “When I started to see that all these deaf people love music, I felt like I had to do something.”

     Forbes’ next venture is bringing his music to clubs, using lights, screens with lyrics and vibrating floors to cater to the hearing and deaf communities. He’s also committed to helping the deaf artists’ communities through D-PAN. His music reflects the message that nothing can stop someone who’s determined, especially someone who’s being the best they can be.

     For more information on Sean Forbes, go to www.deafandloud.com.