Soulful, rock n’ roll country artist, Jeffrey Halford who fronts his band The Healers, recently released a new single, The Devil Is Our Man.
Jeffrey Halford and The Healers’ new song, The Devil Is Our Man, has an Americana-Roots Rock sound flared with some grit. Halford and Don Zimmer, President of Floating Records, collaborated on the new song to express their frustration with the current administration. Halford and Zimmer have collaborated before on a successful record, West Towards South, which reached number two in Europe and garnered by Rolling Stone Magazine and Goldmine Magazine in the United States.
The Devil Is Our Man is a gospel infused rock n’ roll experience with Hannah Halford and Kira Kessel, also known as “the floating angels,” picking up the background vocals. In accordance with his previous songs, the raw energy and organic instruments on the track drive the sound. The song is a cry for unity and change during this unprecedented period in American history. This is most certainly a wake-up call.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jeffrey about the music, the technology, the newest challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music would you generally classify yourself to our audience since Americana and Roots have a different vibe to them?
I came from Texas to Los Angeles and then to San Francisco Bay Area, but I always thought the music coming out of West Coast was unique. At the time, Buffalo Springfield, The Doors CCR, Leon Russell were all in LA at that time. These are the initial artists that got me started, and then I went way back and found the old blues and the old country of Hank Williams, John Lee Hooker, etc.
I call our music rock ‘n’ roll country -soul. Not exactly sure what Americana means it embraces a wide range. I am on the bluesier side of it.
What led you to playing music and what motivates you to keep playing and recording?
It was the songs and to try to play some of those great songs I first learned when I was younger. The first song was Baby Let Me Follow You Down and then I learned some Jimmy Reed, which for me, was real simple stuff to play.
I then learned Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones which was incredibly fun . Then after that, came Eddie Cochran and Chuck Berry which was fun! They never sounded good by me so I started writing my own songs so the challenge of being an artist kept me going by seeking that simplicity and seeking the great lyric and seeking the great riff and seeking that unknown color. That’s what drives me.
How is “Devil Is The Man” different from your previous songs? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with this release?
This was a tune co-written with Don Zimmer. We’ve had a good partnership with his record label, Floating Records and his mastermind genius on things. He started off the lyrics and we agreed on the message. We wanted to send it out as a siren call for change.
Same approach but we put gospel back-up singers which includes my daughter and Kira Kessel, who are very young (19). They brought a great energy. The track also features Rob Hooper on drums. He and I put an incredibly nice caveman feel on it.
Name one or two challenges you face as an independent musician in this over saturated and digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Currently, I am unable to tour or play a gig because of Covid and at the same time, royalties are minimal. However, the Floating Records Team and Miles High Productions teams have given me great visibility to remain optimistic during this time.
What was the last song you listened to?
Key West by Bob Dylan
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s? Is there a reason for your preference?
Vinyl all the way. It’s tactile. I really dive into the artist this way. I’ve got a record player in my living room, and it’s the only way to go for me. My vinyl record West Towards South is available at JeffreyHalford.com
Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is great for the listener. It would just be great if they would pay the artists more respectfully. I’m learning about the others, but I keep to focusing on my writing and promoting my music properly. I would like to believe these companies want to support the artist more.
Follow the artist on Instagram, buy directly from the artist, and/or try to see them live. That’s where it’s at.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more of your music?
You can check out my website, and Floating Records website
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyhalford/
Check out my band page, Jeffrey Halford and The Healers, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyhalfordandthehealers/
Thank you!
Anything else you’d like to say to our audience?
I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my music and chatting with me.
With the recordings I’ve done most recently in the past couple years, there have been a lot of great magical moments and I hope that you will take the time to listen! When it all gets better, come on out and check out one of my live shows. Cheers and best to you all!
