Today we’d like to introduce you to John Seda.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is John Seda, and I am the founder of Rising Sun Music in Tampa, Florida. My journey in music began at a young age and has evolved into a lifelong career spanning more than four decades as a musician, songwriter, producer, audio engineer, educator, and entrepreneur.
In May 2000, I founded Rising Sun Music with a simple goal: to create a professional, welcoming environment where artists could develop their craft and bring their creative visions to life. What started as a dream has grown into a recording studio that has served artists from many genres and experience levels, from local talent to Grammy, Gold, and Platinum-selling musicians.
Throughout my career, I have worn many hats—performer, producer, composer, sound designer, and business owner. My work has been featured on television, streaming platforms, and various multimedia projects. Beyond recording music, I have always been passionate about helping artists understand both the creative and business sides of the industry.
That passion led me to create the Uru Uru App, a platform designed to help independent artists sell their music, books, and artwork directly to fans while maintaining greater control over their careers. The app reflects my belief that artists should have access to tools that create financial independence and new opportunities.
The journey has not always been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I have faced challenges, setbacks, and obstacles along the way. Most recently, experiencing a heart attack reminded me how valuable time is and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact through music, education, and entrepreneurship.
Today, Rising Sun Music is celebrating 26 years in business, and I remain as passionate as ever about helping artists succeed. Whether I am producing a record, mentoring an artist, speaking about entrepreneurship, or developing new technology through Uru Uru, my mission remains the same: to empower creative people and help them turn their passion into something meaningful and sustainable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road, but I believe the challenges are what have shaped both my character and my business.
Like many entrepreneurs, I started with a vision but very limited resources. Building Rising Sun Music required countless long days, late nights, financial sacrifices, and a willingness to wear multiple hats. In the early years, I was not only the owner but also the producer, engineer, marketer, accountant, and sometimes even the janitor. Every dollar earned was reinvested back into improving the studio and serving clients better.
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the constant changes in the music industry. I’ve witnessed the transition from analog recording to digital production, the rise of streaming, and the dramatic changes in how artists earn income. Staying relevant has required continuous learning, investment in new technology, and a commitment to evolving with the industry rather than resisting change.
More recently, I faced one of the most difficult personal challenges of my life when I suffered a heart attack. It was a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant. The experience forced me to reevaluate priorities, focus on my health, and appreciate the support of family, friends, clients, and the music community. It also strengthened my determination to continue creating opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs.
The development of the Uru Uru App has brought its own set of challenges. Building a technology platform from the ground up involves navigating software development, payment processing, legal compliance, and countless unexpected obstacles. There were moments when things did not go as planned, but every setback became a learning experience that helped move the project forward.
Through it all, I’ve learned that success is not about avoiding obstacles—it’s about staying committed to your vision when obstacles appear. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and I believe those lessons have been just as important as the achievements themselves.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For more than 40 years, I have dedicated my life to music, audio production, education, and entrepreneurship. I am the founder and owner of Rising Sun Music, a Tampa-based recording studio that has been serving artists since 2000. My work includes producing, recording, mixing, mastering, songwriting, arranging, sound design, artist development, and mentoring musicians at all stages of their careers.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with artists from many different genres, from emerging local talent to Grammy, Gold, and Platinum-selling musicians. I am known for creating a professional yet welcoming environment where artists can feel comfortable, creative, and inspired to do their best work.
In addition to my studio work, I am the founder and CEO of Uru Uru App, a platform designed to help independent artists sell their music, books, and artwork directly to fans. My goal is to empower creators with tools that help them build sustainable careers and generate income from their art.
What I am most proud of is not any single recording or accomplishment. I am most proud of the relationships I have built and the artists I have helped along the way. Seeing an artist grow, complete a project, land an opportunity, or achieve a personal milestone is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is that I understand both the creative and business sides of the industry. I have spent decades as a musician, producer, engineer, educator, and entrepreneur. I don’t just help artists create great music—I help them understand how to build a career around it. Whether it’s producing a record, teaching audio production, speaking about entrepreneurship, or developing technology through Uru Uru, my mission remains the same: to create opportunities, inspire creativity, and help artists succeed on their own terms.
After 26 years in business with Rising Sun Music, I still wake up excited about helping people bring their ideas to life. That passion continues to drive everything I do.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was discovering music and realizing how powerful it could be. I remember spending hours listening to records, studying the sounds of different instruments, and imagining myself on stage performing for people. Music wasn’t just entertainment to me—it felt like a whole new world of possibilities.
As a young musician, I was fascinated by how songs could bring people together regardless of their background or language. Whether it was hearing a great guitarist, a powerful singer, or a full band performing, those experiences inspired me to learn, practice, and dream bigger.
Looking back, those early moments shaped the path I would eventually follow. They sparked a passion that led me to become a musician, producer, studio owner, and entrepreneur. Even today, I still feel the same excitement when I hear a great song or help an artist bring their vision to life.
It’s amazing to think that something that began as a childhood fascination would grow into a lifelong career and purpose.
Pricing:
- Rising Sun Music Studio Pricing Recording Sessions: $60 per hour (1-hour minimum) Studio Deposit: $60 deposit required to reserve a session (applied toward the first hour) Rehearsal Space: $20 per hour
- Free Trial: Upload 1 song free Stage 1: $3.99/month or $39.90/year (up to 12 songs) Stage 2: $6.99/month or $69.90/year (up to 24 songs) Stage 3: $9.99/month or $99.90/year (unlimited uploads)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risingsunstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingsunmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingsunmusicrecordingstudios
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsedamusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnSedaMusic/videos
- Other: http://www.uruuruapp.com
