Singer/songwriter and musician Sid Hagan creates fully immersive soundscapes that tell stories, speak to the soul, and connect with all the things that make each of us human.
His newest album, Glaical Plateau, gets its name from the South Dakota location where he grew up during the 1950s and 60s. This is where his musical journey originated; a journey that is responsible for the emotional, intellectually-stimulating, soul-stirring songs that are crafted by this veteran musician and his team of high caliber musical talent.
Teaming up with his partner in production Paul Curreri, Sid called on Devon Sproule (vocals), Brian Wooten (electric guitars), Jonathan Mills (bass), Joe Carvell (bass), Luis Espaillat (bass), John Spittle (drums) and Tom Hampton (pedal steel, baritone guitar, mandoguitar, mandolin) to contribute their musical energy to Glacial Plateau. The album was mastered by Sid at OK Then Records.
In this interview spotlight, I was fortunate enough to get a few moments from Sid’s busy schedule for this Q&A about the new release, technology, challenges and more.
Full interview with music and links below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from a small town in South Dakota. I guess what I do is an amalgam of my influences as I started singing in bands in the late 60s. I have a wide range of influences. I mainly play acoustic guitars and do vocals. Everything from Captain Beefheart to Trane with a dab of Trent Reznor and Tool but also CSN and Johnny Cash. I think it was Pops who said all music is folk music.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964, like millions of others I was THAT’S IT! I was born singing according to my mother. It just stayed with me. I’m old enough now that it’s been part of my DNA since I was young.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Glacial Plateau turned out to be somewhat of a themed album but mostly a snapshot of the last year filled with serious health issues and an evil ex-wife. The first one was me rediscovering that I could still record after decades of not doing so.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
In my case it has helped a ton. Both of my albums were recorded in basements with inexpensive mics onto laptops and many of the tracks were recorded remotely and mixed locally. One of the bass players was from London in the UK 3/5ths of Trace Adkins’ touring band played on 3 of the tracks.
What was the last song you listened to?
TJ, this morning, as there will be an alternate mix with a totally different rhythm section later this month.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Downloads as they’re easier to store and I’d already done the other 2. I have a 2 TB outboard drive with over 3/4 of it filled up with MP3 albums. I know folks whine about lossy files but I think most people listen on their phones these days or stream in their cars. I have 3 different sets of high end monitors in my home and my music files sound great through those. I think the choices revolve around how tight one wears their panties.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp as they pay the artists more. It’s free to sign up and easy to navigate.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
You mentioned saturation. You’re so right. I have a website, Facebook page, but don’t do Twitter or Instagram. My mobile serves for calls, texts, and an occasional photo. I think I pay XFinity around $18 a month for service. Sites like yours, Stereo Stickman, Ark Of Music, Bandcamp, BIGTIME, and word of mouth from all of my music friends.
Anything else before we sign off? Thanks for doing this!
OK, I did it, you won me over…. Hope my stuff doesn’t leave ya too weirded out.
One of my favorites….I met him in 1978 in Texas while in school at Fort Sam Houston while in school there.
