Insider Sessions
Hoots & Hellmouth
The Insider Sessions with Erika Iverson
Hoots & Hellmouth photo by Anne Galante
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The Insider Sessions are inspired by the emotion, power, and soul that go into one, simple song. The aim is to get closer and more personal to the music and the art. The acoustic sound, I believe, is perfect for this. It allows you to hear only instruments, only voice, no background fuzz, and nothing channeling the noise but our own ears. The artists will choose their own place to play, sometimes in a van, sometimes on a bus, sometimes simply in an alley way; either way each session is authentic and personal. So take a look at these artists, some are from Iowa, some just passing through, and as you'll sometimes find, just getting started. Listen and enjoy the sounds that erupt throughout our beautiful state.
~ Erika Iverson
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There is something mysteriously enticing about Hoots and Hellmouth’s music. Each song is a story of some sort and usually describes the trials of life that people find so monotonous, yet when Sean Hoots puts these day to day anomalies into song it becomes a hand-painted portrait, or a magnificent mural outlining all of humanity’s history on the side of some city's brick wall. The music is accessible, heartfelt, honest, and has more meaning in one verse than most albums have in 10 songs. I met up with the band when they were playing at a benefit for conservation in York, Pennsylvania. The band is originally from Philly so they weren't too far from home. We shot the interview in the theater green room before they went on stage and as I stood recording I don't recall ever watching someone play with so much heart. Sean sang each song with as much gusto and love as he did when he was in front of a hundred people on stage. There is no doubt that Hoots and Hellmouth are a force to be reckoned with.
~ Erika
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Erika Iverson is a Music reporter for InsiderIowa.com. Some of her old favorite artists include Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bill Withers, The Who, The Doors, Buddy Guy, Cher, and Stevie Nicks, to name only a few. Other passions include going on adventures, eating healthy, studying philosophy, backpacking with her dad, and shopping with her mom.
