Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
My latest release was a cover of “Blue Christmas” that will be released on my upcoming album, “Night
Divine” which includes a collection of holiday songs. This song, made popular by Elvis Presley in 1957,
provided a great platform for me to “make it my own”, which I feel I have been successful in doing. I’m
very pleased with how my rendition turned out, with more of a cozy campfire sing-along feel. As I
recorded, arranged, and produced the entire album, I was able to follow my instincts throughout the
duration, and I’m proud of how things turned out. Since I played all of the guitar parts and sang all of the
backing vocal sections, I was able to shoot a video of me performing…with.. ummm…myself, which
turned out great and was a lot of fun to make. The video is currently available to view on YouTube if you
search “Quinn Hedges Blue Christmas”.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you
tend to explore in your music?
Songwriting has always been an organic process for me, so my approach is typically when the inspiration
arises, I get to work. In terms of themes to my songwriting, I tend to use songwriting as a form of therapy,
so my songs tend to help me sort through any issues I am going through at the time. I’m extremely
fortunate to have a wonderful family, stable income, and my health; however, I’ve always found it more
difficult to write “happy” songs in the past. Releasing “Night Divine”, a holiday album, has been a great
vessel for me to detach myself from my tendencies as a songwriter.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial
appeal?
Being a true indie musician, I have been extremely fortunate to be in the position to remain as creatively
free as possible. As with most artists, there’s a part of me that would love to receive some commercial
success; however, I don’t typically drive my songwriting to cater to that direction.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
I believe the most challenging thing for me has been to spread the word and build a fanbase outside of
the region where I typically perform. As new technology comes into play, I try my best to stay on top of
new technology and social media, but there’s always a learning curve, which can also present a
challenge, especially if you don’t see the results that you are hoping for.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence
your creative process?
Collaboration is a must. I currently am collaborating on a project with my cousin, John B Hedges, and
we’ve been able to work well together and provide each other the opportunity to have our personal
creative voices heard in a respectful and productive positive way. Collaboration ultimately makes you
grow as an artist and as a person. As my 7 year old son (Liam) would say, “Teamwork makes the dream
work”. The ability to collaborate with like-minded artists allows you to go into new projects or ideas with an open mind, which is so crucial to growth.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your
audience?
Technology and social media play a huge role! I’m learning as technology is progressing and trying my
best to stay up to date. Admittingly, I have a lot more to learn and am constantly trying my best to walk
that fine line of remaining relevant, while also not turning away potential new or old fans that have been with me for quite some time by over-posting, etc. The use of email services, such as Mailchimp, has been absolutely crucial to remain in contact with my audience.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
There are so many artists that have an impact on my musical style. In terms of songwriting, I have been
influenced by Dave Matthews, Ben Folds, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Andy Shauf, and Jason Isbell to name a
few. In terms of my playing, I have been heavily influenced by artists like David Gilmour, Derek Trucks,
Leo Kottke, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and so many many more. I could go on forever and I 100% am
missing some very crucial names as well. I know that’s quite a random hodgepodge list, but that’s what
makes music so unique right? Preferences and perspectives tend to create a melting pot of styles that
ultimately end up being quite original.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and
build a dedicated community around your music?
I tend to post regularly on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with news, events, and
performances. I have found that keeping an email list and sending out monthly newsletters has been the
best way to build a close relationship with my fans. Issuing those newsletters provides an avenue to be
personal and provide insight into my life, which has been hugely rewarding for me, and hopefully has
been a pleasurable experience for those on my list.
(If you would like to be added to my email list, please let me know at info@quinnhedges.com)
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on
you and your music?
I have been fortunate enough to open for some amazing artists such as Matt Schofield, Duncan Sheik,
Zach Deputy, and Nicholas David to name a few. I’ve also done some performances on live TV, which
have been exhilarating performances. I also perform for sick children a couple of times per year that has
proven to be extremely rewarding.
Some of the memorable moments that have had a lasting impact on me and my music haven’t
necessarily been live performances in front of an audience, but more impromptu jam sessions with
amazing musicians. Realizing that I can hang with and communicate musically with a few “world-class”
talented musicians has had a positive lasting impact on me.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption
and its impact on independent musicians?
I feel it’s very convenient for the listener to be able to check out to any album by any artist at the drop of a hat. I’m not going to lie, I pay for a subscription to a music streaming service, and it’s awesome as a
listener. As an artist, it has never been more easy to get your music out there for anyone to hear. The
struggle I feel is that the music, upon released by a truly independent artist, is a needle in the haystack in
terms of it being heard. It’s a give and take. In terms of the changing landscape, I feel music is mostly
consumed as singles, as opposed to full albums. It seems like the ‘concept album’ is mostly a thing of the past…however, I’m still a huge fan of the ‘concept album’ and try to think about a full album’s arc and
story when releasing my music.