 |
| Aaron, Clara and Brian Henningsen |
I was first introduced to The Henningsens when I had the opportunity to see them perform at a fair in Mineral Wells, WV in July 2013 and instantly became a fan. Their vocals are flawless, are incredibly gifted songwriters and are three of the nicest people you will meet. Thank you Aaron, Clara and Brian for taking the time to do this interview it is greatly appreciated.
How did the idea of starting a trio come to fruition?
We started out first just writing country music. And we went and played our very first country song at the bluebird Café in Nashville in 2007. That was the first time we had ever played together. But it wasn't until almost a year later that we decided to become a trio. We would play a lot of writers nights and we were constantly having people tell us that we should be a band and get a record deal. The most important was Paul Worley who was producing The Band Perry and Lady Antebellum to at the time.
What was the first song that the 3 of you wrote together?
It was called Just Between You and Me. It was a song from Clara's perspective to a boy explaining that God and her dad were important figures in her life.
How would you describe your sound musically?
It's sort of a modern throwback. Our songs are lyric driven in the style of classic country. We like to tell stories but our sound ranges from a very traditional country to catchy and hooky modern country with some rock.
What do you think is the key to having a successful career that lasts for decades?
We are trying to figure that out! You have to be aware of what is current but also know that you can't follow trends. Your music should appeal to a broad range of ages. So much music today is focused on only the younger audience. We have many younger fans but we also have many moms and dads, and grandparents listening.
You have had the opportunity to tour with some big name artists such as Brad Paisley, what have you learned from being out on the road with artists like Brad?
We have learned that major artist are just people like everybody else. However they have a lot of pressure on them. It seems like the ones that go far are the nice ones, and very easy to work with. They value their fans very much and also their crews. Country maybe unique in this.
You released a 5 song EP in 2013 and have been writing & recording a full length album, Can you say what the status of the album is and is there a tentatively released date yet?
We are about halfway done with the process. Somewhere around Christmas is the target.
When you are out on the road touring what do you like to do in your down time?
What downtime! Just kidding, it's actually very busy when you're on the road. A typical day would be wake up get breakfast then you have to load in equipment most of the morning. Then you do a sound check in the early afternoon. We might have a couple or three hours off in an afternoon. Sometimes we just sit around the bus and relax. But a lot of times we will be writing or rehearsing for the show. Occasionally we will get out to see some sights in whatever city we are in, normally this doesn't happen if there's a meet and greet.
What is your favorite part of being a country artist & touring the country?
Meeting all sorts of people. It's cool to know somebody on Facebook but it's cooler to know them in person. Also dad is sort of a history buff so it's neat for him to see historic sites. Aaron and Clara like to try different foods.
What song do you wish you had written?
Brian: I Hope You Dance. Clara: The House That Built Me. Aaron: All your life :(
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
For Aaron: Colonel Sanders, because he would cook me dinner.
Brian: C.S. Lewis, because he had such an ability to think through complex ideas and to see truth where it was obscure.
Clara: John Wayne, because he reminds me of my grandfathers.
What are 3 things you have to have while on the road touring?
Coffee, Oikos Greek Yogurt, Sunchips
If given the opportunity who would you want to do a CMT Crossroads episode with?
The Eagles, Mumford and Sons, Bruno Mars
Who would you like to play a show with that you haven't gotten to already?
Keith Urban
If you could write a song with any songwriter that you haven't written with who would it be?
Jimmy Webb
Favorite artists/bands at the moment (any genre)?
The Bottle Rockets, Ed Sheeran, The Lone Bellow
Last album you listened to from beginning to end?
The Bottle Rockets-South Broadway Athletic Club
Last concert you attended?
Our own. Brain: The Bottle Rockets at music City Winery, Clara: Nickel Creek, Aaron doesn't go to concerts :(
Favorite tv show/movie?
Downtown Abby, O'Brother Where Art Thou, Nacho Libre
What are a few of your go-to places in Nashville?
The Grand Ole Opry, Arnold's Meat and Three, Pucketts Restaurant
What advice would you give an aspiring singer/songwriter/musician?
Know who you are artistically and spiritually then become the best You that you can be. Make your presence known. Whether it's through YouTube videos, playing at small coffee shops, or coming to Nashville and playing writers nights. You can't be discovered if you are never seen.
