Q&A With Allen Stone and Sean Hayes!
Two of my favorite artists in our lineup this year are Allen Stone and Sean Hayes. Both of these artists have inspired me, moved me and entertained me endlessly. Luckily, they were both kind enough to answer some questions for us and I’m sure glad they did!
Q&A Allen Stone:
-We are very excited to have you at Beaverstock this year and in particular we are looking forward to exposing your music to a new audience. This will likely be the first time many of our attendees see a live Allen Stone show, what should they expect? Is there a certain excitement you get from playing in a new venue/area?
Whenever I get the opportunity to play my music it is my desire for everyone to leave feeling as happy and fulfilled as possible. My attempt is always to create moments with music.
-I know you grew up in the small town of Chewelah Washington, and I can relate, having grown up here in Templeton, which was roughly population 5,000 when I was a kid. Is it different playing in smaller communities as opposed to playing in bigger cities?
I enjoy playing all sizes of communities. There is always different colors of energy in different sections of the globe but I’ve yet to experience any truly indifferent crowds.
-It’s my understanding you are currently working on a new album that has been recorded at your family cabin in Washington and also in Sweden. What can you tell us about the new album and the approach you took to creating it?
I have been searching for my signature sound for the last few years. I was so entrenched in old soul revue in my last records approach its been a journey attempting to find a sound to call my own.
-Having played Letterman, Conan, Live at Daryl’s House, Bonaroo and more it has been very exciting to watch your career take off. At what point did it hit you that music was something you could do for a living and that your music in particular was being noticed in a big way?
It’s an ongoing realization at this point. It’s all gone by so fast that its hard to realize and define. Meeting and connecting with Quincy Jones was a big moment for me.
-I have read that you are not the biggest fan of music made with computers and I would have to say I agree with you. What is it about real musicians playing instruments in real time that is so special to you and what you do?
Art is art. It is pointless to debate who’s is more proper than others. If it makes you happy then it makes you happy. However, I do believe that computers and technology have become a crutch for a good percentage of the artistic community.
-Our festival this year is a benefit for TEF, the Templeton Education Foundation, which works to improve our local school district, the same one my brother and I both attended. I’m sure you have played many benefits over the years; do you notice a difference with benefit concerts as opposed to traditional shows?
Every show is its own entity. Its own energy. It’s impossible to compare the two. As long as the folks performing on stage do so with an open and grateful heart the shows will go well.
-What comes to mind for you when you think of playing at a winery? I know you have played lots of breweries over the years (lagunitas etc). Is the wine drinking crowd different?
I love a good party. You can usually find them at breweries and winery’s.
-Allen, thank you so much for your time, on a final note are you and the band wine drinkers? Do you have a favorite wine? We sure hope so!
I am no expert on wine but I do love a good merlot.
Q&A Sean Hayes
-I have been a big fan of your music for years and have seen you play in Chico and San Francisco and have always been blown away by the sincerity in your live performance. For the vast majority of people at this festival who will be seeing you for the first time, what should they expect?
Some song singing, some guitar playing, some drum banging. Folk into Soul music!
-Both times I have seen you play have been in small intimate venues, how does the feeling change for you when you play an outdoor festival venue? Do you take a different approach?
I think small venues are more about the lyric. Big spaces tend to be about the beat.
-Your last album “Before We Turn to Dust” is one of my favorites you have done and is quite different from your other releases. Can you describe the album and the feel you were going for? Have you started working on another album?
I worked with the piano for the first time writing a bunch of those songs. Also had my first son on the way and then born while writing and making that record. That changes everything!
-You have been performing for over 20 years now, what does the future have in store for Sean Hayes? Do you feel pretty rooted in San Francisco or could you see yourself moving to the country someday?
I moved north to Petaluma over a year ago. Heading to the country.
-Recently you were on tour with Beats Antique, opening as a solo act, what was that experience like? I know they have a pretty elaborate stage presence, was it a good fit?
I enjoyed a chance to get in front of crowd of people who have never heard the music I play. I was a strange cocktail before the main course.
-Last but not least, as you know we are a winery, are you a wine drinker?
I do drink wine. One of the best parts of playing music is getting invited to so many great spots. Wine and music! Looking forward to coming down!
We are very excited to have you play this year and can’t wait to see what you have in store for our community!
Luke
