Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your musical journey and background?

Hi, thank you for interviewing me today! I grew up in a musical family, my mother sings, my father plays guitar and sings, and both of my younger sisters are wonderful singers. I grew up singing at an early age and started playing guitar at 15. Shortly thereafter, I started writing songs, which seemed like a “calling” and sort of felt like it gave me a purpose.

I studied music in college and got my B.A. degree in Music (Jazz Studies) from California State University, Sonoma in 2003 and was fortunate enough to study a year abroad in Montreal. Since then, I have been primarily performing as a solo acoustic guitarist; however, I have also performed in multiple bands over the years in the Sacramento, CA region. I have also released five albums, including a Christmas album in 2023, titled “Night Divine”.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?

I grew up listening to my parents’ vinyl and cassette tapes. Luckily, they have great taste! With that, in my early childhood I was influenced by a melting pot of amazing music, such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Leo Kottke, Bob Dylan, The Band, Robert Cray, Travelling Wilburys, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and many, many more. I was in high school in the 90’s, and there was so much good music going on at that time. I went through a grunge phase and Alice in Chains was my favorite. I also went through a jam band phase and was very much into Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Pink Floyd. When I went to college, I started studying jazz and was introduced to so many amazing artists, too many to list.
I guess the answer to your question fairly, being open-minded and listening to many different genre’s of music has provided me with a well-rounded style that is able to adapt to what I am trying to portray in my music.

Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?

There are so many artists and albums that have had a significant impact on my music, such as Dave Matthews, Bon Iver, Pink Floyd, etc. I would say that one album that really impacted me was “The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner” by Ben Folds Five. This album came into my life at a time when I had recently moved to California from the east coast and was really starting my musical journey, particularly as a songwriter. I was going to college and working at a used record store, which was a pretty awesome. I would go through all their vinyl and used CD’s and try and expand my musical horizons. At any rate, I remember playing this album, and then wanting to play it over and over again. The arrangements and production just always stood out to me as I don’t read or hear many people talk about this album, but I think it’s very underrated.

What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song? Do you have any routines or rituals that help you in the process?

Being a father of two young boys, and a golden retriever puppy, with a full-time day job, I can’t say that I have the best routine and/or ritual for writing new songs. I do try and capture any nuggets of inspiration, whether it be a simple melody, a few lines of lyrics, or a song title on my phone by way of voice memos and notes. When I have some time to write, I will sit and listen back to the ideas and determine which ones may be worth diving into a bit deeper and if it’s a solid idea, it gradually develops into a completed song. Whether or not that song makes the cut on an album is an entirely different question though.

Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?

I have a lot of songs that I’m proud of. There’s a song on my “Without You” album called “Goodbye” that I think is really a nice tune. I wrote this from the perspective of losing a loved one without having the opportunity to say goodbye. One of my favorite lines that sticks out to me is, “ There’s so many times that I regret not looking in your eyes, and all that’s left to do is say goodbye.” I was very pleased with how the recording turned out and love the vocal textures throughout. I was also grateful for the opportunity to perform this at my grandmother’s funeral service.

Could you share the story or inspiration behind your favorite song, “My Angel,” from the album “Slightly South of Stormy Clouds”?

My wife has worked as an Emergency Room nurse for over a decade, and this song is about how nurses are essentially angels. The nurses that are in the position for the right reasons are there to help those in pain and unfortunately, a lot of patients treat them very poorly overall. Nurses are subjected to both physical and mental abuse daily. It takes a lot of courage and a caring heart to do that job and it’s easy to lose sight of the “why” behind it when people treat them in an abusive manner. When I perform this song at shows, I preface it with the notion to treat your nurses with respect. They know you are in pain, help them help you!

Let’s talk about your latest release, the Christmas album “Night Divine.” Can you share the inspiration behind it and your approach to making these holiday classics your own?

I was inspired to do this album by a friend of mine that believed I could put together an album of Christmas songs done my way. To be honest, I had been stuck in a bit of a writers’ funk and this was the perfect project to allow me to be creative with music that had already been written. I decided to take the Christmas songs that really spoke to me and make them my own. It was also an opportunity to test my production, engineering, and arrangement skills. Ultimately, I learned a lot from this project, am so grateful for the opportunity, and I hope the audience enjoys listening to it!

Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances, especially the one where you opened for Nicholas David. What made that particular moment stand out for you?

I’ve been fortunate to open for a lot of amazing artists over the years, including Duncan Sheik, Tyrone Wells, Matt Schofield, Michael Chapdelaine, Zach Deputy, and Shana Morrison to name a few. I’m grateful for every opportunity and have made some really good connections along the way.
As you mentioned, there was a time when I opened for Nicholas David at Harlow’s in Sacramento about 10 years ago. This was after Nicholas achieved national success by going very far on season 3 of NBC’s “The Voice” and it was a packed house. After sound check and before the show, I briefly asked Nicholas David if he’d be interested in coming up during my set to perform with me. He asked what song I was thinking of, and I responded “The Weight” by The Band? To my surprise, he and one of his background singers (Debra G) said yes and took the stage with me on the last song of my set. While I’m sure Nicholas David may not remember me or this moment, I will never forget how kind he was to be in the moment and generous with his time with a local Sacramento musician.

Beyond music, you mentioned your love for BBQ. How does this hobby influence your life and creativity, if at all?

Haha…yes, I do love BBQ’ing; smoking ribs is one of my favorite things to do. I have a few close friends of mine, who are also fine musicians shoutout out to Mike Woodall and Mike Strickland, and we take a couple days off every year to smoke meat all day long and take a break from the day to day. We are always researching and trying new things and we’ve witnessed out skills improve over the years. It’s just a fun, relaxing, and delicious hobby!

Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future? Any specific artist or producer you have in mind?

Oh great question! I’ve got a lot, so here goes a dream lineup…I’d love to write a song with Jason Isbell that is arranged by Ben Folds and produced by Rick Rubin to include a dueling guitar solo with myself and Derek Trucks, while having Otiel Burbridge and Vinnie Colaiuta as the rhythm section. Is that too much to ask??

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?

My best piece of advice to aspiring musicians that are in the music industry for the right reasons is simply to not give up and continue to learn and grow from any missteps or failures along the way. You never know what the future holds in store. One thing I tell my boys, who are 5 and 7 years old, almost every day is “Quitters never win, and winners never quit”. Just keep pushing!!

Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?

I am currently working on an EP with my uber-talented cousin now. We’re currently working on our first EP as, “Cousin Hedges”.

You mentioned working on a new project, “Cousin Hedges,” with your cousin John B Hedges. Can you share more about this collaboration and what fans can expect from it?

My cousin John B is one of the most talented individuals I have ever worked with, and we grew up together in Delaware. About 9 years ago, I reached out to him and asked if he would like to team up together on an album where I write, he arranges, and we both would co-produce. It eventually turned out to be my best album to date, titled “Slightly South of Stormy Clouds”. Once Slightly South was released, we briefly discussed another collaboration, one that splits the writing duties between John B and me. We are currently mixing a few songs and plan to have our first EP released in 2024. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

Where can listeners find your music, and how can they stay updated on your upcoming events and news?

Anyone can find my music on all streaming platforms by searching my name (Quinn Hedges). You can also find clips of performances on my Youtube Channel (@quinnhedges). Also, you can see my upcoming events and links to my social media pages on my website, www.quinnhedges.com.

Thank you for your time today! Is there anything else you’d like to share or express to your fans and the audience?

I would just like to let everyone know how grateful I am for everyone who has spent an ounce of time support my musical journey. I cannot thank you enough!