Tonight MoB favorite Sean Hayes plays Shank Hall in Milwaukee along with Jenny Owen Youngs. Last year Sean Hayes Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star made our best albums of 2006 list. This year, he’s released an equally fantastic offering with Flowering Spade. We caught up with Sean prior to tonight’s show for our continuing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Flowering Spade? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

It was recorded very quickly in San Francisco at Hyde street studios. I would do two or three takes. Then choose the one that seemed best. Add some spices and mix.

In the future I would like to spend more time playing with a band maybe do some collaborating….

I first came to know your music was in 2003 when a friend loaned me his copy of Mark Farina’s Air Farina, which featured your vocals on the track “Dream Machine.” How did that collaboration come about and would you be open to doing anything similar again if the right opportunity comes along?

I am open to doing more songs with DJ’s. I would like to dress up my songs in different clothes take them out to unusual places.

Mark used to live across the street from a friend of mine who suggested we get together. I brought a copy of Dream Machine over . Mark looped the recording and added some beats. I sang one take and that was it. Folk meets House DJ.

The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

The music just is. The music business is a whole other bag. The digital age has changed how we listen to music, buy music transport music, everything. It is a great thing but it also devalues the end product because it is easier to burn music then it is to buy. It is going to keep changing so we better enjoy the ride. I like Rhapsody these days.

Speaking of the internet and your music, you recently released “No No Guantanamo” as a free download on your website. Obviously, it’s pretty clear what your feelings are concerning the situation of those imprisoned at Guantanamo. What was the point or moment when you decided you could no longer sit around and decided to use your voice to send a message? Have you gotten any positive/negative feedback yet?

I had the chant going through my head NO NO Guantanamo. When I placed the song in a western context I felt I could write it.

Positive feed back thus far.

I hate the idea of people sitting in prison not getting a real trial. If they are bad people prove in a court of law or set them free!!

Each time I’ve seen you play you’ve been playing a real nice Martin, which I always forget to ask you about afterwards. How long have you had it, where did you get it, and what model is it?

It is a Martin 00-15…I was visiting with a childhood friend. He asked me to help him pick out a guitar for his daughter. I suggested that guitar he bought it and gave it to me. Strange way to get a guitar. But it worked, I love that little guitar.

Myspace: Sean Hayes
MP3: Sean Hayes – “No No Guantanamo”