Today, a song has come along that feels less like a track we listen to and more like an experience we live through. Seth Schaeffer, a filmmaker and composer from Nashville, Tennessee, delivered this with his original single, “I Found A Monster,” released July 18, 2025. For an artist stepping into the music world with such a bold vision, Seth deserves a warm welcome—because he hasn’t just released a song, he’s unleashed a full-scale cinematic statement.
The first words we hear, “I found a monster. No need to run, It’s getting closer. I’m all that it wants” set the tone instantly. There’s no hesitation, no gentle introduction. Instead, we are driven straight into the confrontation with the “monster,” a metaphor for the parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to suppress. This lyrical bravery lays the foundation for everything that follows: a declaration of self-acceptance, a refusal to bow to the masquerade of expectation, and an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the urge to finally break free.
Seth’s vocal performance makes the song so arresting. His voice carries a raw and vulnerable intensity, yet also unshakably strong. There’s a haunted quality in the delivery, like he’s singing from the edge of a revelation that makes every word hit harder. You can hear exhaustion in his tone when he repeats, “I won’t sleep,” yet it’s matched with a determination that refuses to collapse. It’s this duality, fragility and fire that makes his performance ring a bell.
At its core, “I Found A Monster” is the courage to stop coloring inside the lines, to stop hiding the way we speak, act, dress, or sing simply because “others get uncomfortable.” When Seth declares, “The younger me would hide. The older me will die. Now’s the only time I’ve ever had to be alive,” it’s more than just lyricism—it’s a manifesto.
The instrumentation and production amplify this intensity to cinematic heights. Collaborating with a team that includes Emily Hatch, Judah Schaeffer, Marco Pescosolido, Nikos Mavridis, and Vigilance Brandon, Seth has carved out an orchestral and modern soundscape. Layered within are textures reminiscent of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, giving the track its darker, industrial edge, while the atmospheric finesse calls to mind the minimal yet powerful productions of Billie Eilish and FINNEAS. It’s haunting, cinematic and alive!
Seth Schaeffer may be new to your playlists, but with “I Found A Monster,” he introduces himself as an artist unafraid of pushing boundaries, musically and thematically. This is not a timid first step into music; it’s a fearless leap into the unknown, pulling listeners with him.
Listen to “I Found A Monster” on Spotify
Follow Seth Schaeffer here for more information
