Some artists have staying power because they naturally evolve with the changing musical landscape. Others struggle against the current, and it’s their defiance that defines them. But Sean Hayes doesn’t fit into either of those categories. What sets Sean apart is that his music is not guided by what’s going on in the world of music around him, it’s guided by what’s going on inside of him.

It seems every record presents a different theme, a different vibe, a different lyrical focus. If you were to listen through his entire catalogue of music, Sean Hayes would give you songs of love and heartache, life and death, stories of the past and warnings for the future. The musical journey will find you venturing from vaudeville to the heart of country. But, throughout, the constant is the distinct vibrato and tone that belongs only to Sean Hayes.

While his music may be relatively new to me, Sean Hayes is by no means new to music. The 43 year-old has seven full-length studio albums under his belt. His songs have been heard in television shows, commercials, as well as the benefit compilation Big Change, put together by Natalie Portman for the anti-poverty organization FINCA. Sean himself even appeared in the 2008 film “Evolution: The Musical!”

Since discovering Sean a few months ago I’ve tried to find out as much as possible about him and the music he makes. While he’s been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, and a few minutes on the internet will generate a few informative interviews, there isn’t much out there on Hayes. That’s why I was so excited when Sean agreed to take a few minutes and answer some questions for us.

9 Questions with Sean Hayes

Beacon: You’re not a new face in music, but a lot of people are just now finding you. Which of your albums would be the best introduction to your music?
Sean: “Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star” – Recorded in a garage by one of my favorite musicians Etienne de Rocher. It was a very organic unexpected recording experience.

Beacon: Tell me one thing you did while making Before We Turn To Dust that you’ve never done before in the recording process.
Sean: We did  more coloring of the sound in the mixing process. Working with Eli Crews in the mix was a treat. He is a real sharp fellow.

Beacon: How has your approach to song writing changed from Alabama Chicken to Before We Turn To Dust?
Sean: I think fundamentally my songwriting approach has not changed much. I just sit with an instrument and bang away till something comes out then try to remember it. What changes is my life situation. During “Alabama chicken” I was playing more old time music. Lived in a house full of people. Just getting by working in bars serving drinks or singing songs. Living at the bar…

With “Dust” I was listening to more soul and hip hop. I had my own little space to go work in,that was awesome,it is gone already. Had access to a piano as well. So what really changes for me is the space I have to work in. That informs the methods.

Beacon: You’ve recently become a father. How has that impacted your songwriting?
Sean: Definitely hard to make time to write. If I pick the guitar up my son comes over takes my pick and puts it in the sound hole! May be I will become a better finger picker.  It has always been tricky finding time.

Beacon: I’m hearing your songs more and more on television. When are we going to hear an original Sean Hayes tune on a movie soundtrack?
Sean: I call that “the Royal Tenembaum moment” I would love that! I am not on a label and do not have a publishing deal so the music is on a very slow train to people’s ears. It’s amazing that it’s found it’s way this far!

Beacon: The photo for the “Miss Her When I’m Gone” single is awesome because you look like Keith Richards. Is that a compliment or an insult to you?
Sean: Keith Richards is a pretty amazing looking person but I think he has a much better excuse for why he looks the way he does!

Beacon: Who is the one person that, if they said they were a fan of your music, would validate you more than anyone else?
Sean: I try to not worry about  validation one way or another. That said I’m sure if Bob Dylan said “lately I’ve been digging this guy Sean Hayes” I’d feel pretty high for awhile.

Beacon: When you’re on the road, what city feels most like home?
Sean: New York.

Beacon: What restaurant do you miss most when you’re on tour?
Sean: At this point the only thing I miss is my family. I miss my son just thinking about going on tour! But I love to play and can’t wait to get out there.