 Sear ran the Sear Sound recording studio (in Hell's Kitchen ); known for its vast collection of vintage analog recording equipment and patronized by artists including Steely Dan, Sonic Youth, David Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, Paul McCartney and Patti Smith.Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sear moved with his family to Jackson Heights, Queens at the age of one.Sear started his long and varied career as a classical tuba player.