Sean O’Keefe is a Chicago-based producer, mixer, and engineer known for his dynamic approach to alternative rock, pop punk, and emo. With a career spanning more than two decades, Sean has played a vital role shaping the sound of some of the most influential bands in the scene. His production credits include landmark albums and songs from Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T’s, and Real Friends, among many others.

Sean first gained widespread recognition for his work on Fall Out Boy’s breakout EP, “Evening Out with Your Girlfriend,” and their debut full-length album, “Take This to Your Grave.” His ability to capture raw energy and fuse it with radio-ready polish helped define the early 2000s pop punk and emo wave. The success of these releases helped launch Fall Out Boy into the mainstream and established Sean as a go-to producer for the next generation of rock bands looking to make their mark.

Over the years, Sean has built a reputation for adapting to each artist’s unique vision while bringing his own sense of clarity, emotion, and cohesion to every project. His work on Hawthorne Heights’ “The Silence in Black and White” and Plain White T’s hit single “Hey There Delilah” further demonstrated his range. He is equally comfortable producing high-energy rock songs as he is with delicate acoustic tracks, always putting storytelling and songcraft first.

As a drummer by background, Sean brings a thorough understanding of rhythm, groove, and arrangement to his production work. This musicality helps him bring out the best performances from the artists he works with, whether he’s in the studio engineering a session, helping craft vocal melodies, or mixing a final master. His hands-on, collaborative approach has made him a favorite among bands looking for a trusted partner in the creative process.

Sean’s influence can be heard across a wide variety of genres, but he continues to stay deeply rooted in the alternative and pop punk landscapes. His ability to keep up with the evolution of modern rock, while still honoring the emotional intensity of its roots, makes him a valuable figure in both current and throwback scenes. In recent years, he’s been involved in projects from realigned legacy acts to rising stars carrying the emo revival into new territory.

In addition to his studio work, Sean has shared his knowledge through educational appearances, mentoring artists and young producers, and pushing the boundaries of what independent rock production can sound like. His passion for music is evident in every project he touches.

Whether he’s behind the mixing console or producing from the ground up, Sean O’Keefe continues to shape the sound of modern rock with integrity, energy, and a timeless sense of musicality. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted songs and emotionally resonant production.