Sean Hoots founded Hoots & Hellmouth in 2005, originally as a folk duo. The group soon expanded to a four-piece that blends rock, country and gospel music. They're known for a compelling live show in which they stomp on bass drums and play a variety of acoustic instruments.
More from OpenAir Sessions:
- Seratones Find An Intersection Of Gospel And Garage Music On 'Get Gone'
- HVN -- A New Band From Kid Astronaut -- Performs At CPR's OpenAir
- The Heavy Performs Stripped-Down Set At CPR's OpenAir
The Philadelphia-based band this month will release the album "In The Trees Where I Can See The Forest," its first LP in five years. Hoots says the album moves toward an R&B sound and incorporates more electric instruments.
Hoots & Hellmouth played four songs from the new album and spoke with Jeremy Petersen about the constant evolution of their sound, the music video for the single "Diction" and self-releasing their music.
Stream the session and watch Hoots & Hellmouth perform "Diction" above. Read interview highlights below.
Singer Sean Hoots on the band's evolving sound:
"As we've released records ... each one has definitely explored new areas musically, genre-wise. We've never really attempted to stay in any lane. This new record is just another lane for us."
Hoots on self-releasing "In The Trees":
"It's a little more work for sure, getting things in order and everything. But nice to be in more control of a lot of the words that are put out there and the way we present ourselves."
Songs performed:
- "Delicate Skeleton"
- "Golden Coast"
- "In Effigy"
- "Diction"
