The Stalwart Lovers is a new musical project featuring Sean Curran, Ricky Maymi (The Brian Jonestown Massacre), and Justin Welch (The Jesus and Mary Chain, Elastica). The trio brings decades of experience, depth, and creative synergy to their debut release, Love Songs from a Broken Heart, released April 18, 2025.

Sean Curran’s journey began in San Francisco in 1990, where a chance encounter with Anton Newcombe (founder of The Brian Jonestown Massacre) at the Horseshoe Café marked the start of a dynamic creative chapter. The two quickly collaborated on early recordings, and Sean’s flat became a hub for Anton’s prolific demo sessions, aided by recording equipment Sean acquired while working at Guitar Center.

Though their creative chemistry was undeniable, Sean and Anton’s strong personalities led them down different paths. Still, their musical relationship remained fluid — Sean occasionally filled in on bass or guitar for The Brian Jonestown Massacre and released a single with his own band, Nebtwister, as part of the BOMP! box set curated by Anton.

As an artist, Sean has always preferred to let the music speak for itself. More introspective by nature, he often struggled with self-promotion — a contrast to Anton’s natural charisma and marketing instincts. Over time, Sean chose to step away from the spotlight, focusing on his new band, The Sickerthings, which included Tim Ong (The Rosemarys) and Spencer Burton. Their album, As Good As You Feel, was released in 2005 — the same year Sean became a father, prompting him to take a hiatus from music.

In 2019, a conversation with a mutual friend reignited Sean’s creative spark. Though the proposed project didn’t materialize, it led him to reconnect with longtime friends Ricky Maymi and Justin Welch. Despite their busy touring schedules, the three began a slow but inspired collaboration.

Over the next two years, Sean wrote more than 50 songs, eventually refining the material down to the nine tracks that make up The Stalwart Lovers’ emotionally resonant debut album, Love Songs from a Broken Heart. The record blends raw vulnerability with seasoned musicianship — a reflection of lived experience, artistic integrity, and creative reunion.

Sean is currently at work writing the second album, which he estimates is about two-thirds complete.