alan ross haynes: Press

NEW ROADS – Alan Haynes –
Alan’s debut CD is from the heart of Americana. Alan’s voice goes to your soul and he becomes your best friend halfway into the first cut.

"a lot of powerful material in there." -David Roth, Internationally Published Songwriter and Recording Artist

"New Roads" CD Review:
Ever reach for a CD in a moment when you're feeling sort of lost? I found Alan Haynes' first cd in just such a moment, and felt, as many friends have told me they felt, too, that he was singing me "hope."

"Back In Vietnam"
Single Release
Important work. We need these lyrics and music!
Reviewer: Vietnam activist survivor
Absolutely great music.

News Flash:
"New Roads" is the winnner of the 2007 Sven’s World Radio Golden Viking Music Award for Best Country Folk Album!
Alan is a featured artist on this California- based station.
Listen at:http://svensworld.com

why I do this - July 26, 2008
From my guestbook (with permission):

Bob Eaton
July 25, 2008
Alan - I sang "Back In Vietnam" for my Nam/Afghan/Iraq vets PTSD group the other day and everyone loved it. Simple words yet so powerful and true.
Thanks for the inspiration. You got me writing songs again.
Later Bro,
Bob Eaton
100% disabled Nam vet

Review of "Naked Demos"

Ya Gotta Have It!
author: Joe Kretschmer
This CD has something for everyone, but especially for those who love songwriting that tells it like it is, with clever wording and kick-ass music to make the point as memorable as it is entertaining. There's biting political satire that is right on, nostalgic childhood memories that will touch us all, and even a couple of good old-fashioned love songs that get the point without being sappy. This is one of those CDs that's gonna get played over and over--so store it in your iTunes so you'll still have the music when you wear out the plastic!

Re: Naked Demos CD
I recently discovered your name through the MusicSubmit website and would love to receive a copy of your CD for airplay on one of our weekend specialty shows.
Note: This would be the fourth time that Alan"s music has been featured on this broadcast station.

reviews
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Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
author: Bill Gessner
After hearing Alan's excellent new CD and having some familiarity with his earlier songs, I encourage you to invest in Naked Demos. You will get a good return on your investment. There's lots of interest and interesting-bearing songs within. Alan Ross Haynes is a very fine songwriter: When you listen to these songs the first or second time, it feels like they are already deeply imbedded in you. Let's Eat the Poor and Back in Viet Nam are modern classics! I've been listening non-stop all week.

Review of "Naked Demos":
"Alan's work just keeps getting better. I love a CD where I can hear all the words and not fight my way through overproduction WHEN the words are first and foremost...and with Alan, they certainly are...between clothespins, gizzards, and everything else, there'a a lot to hang out to dry, take a look at, and digest here." -
David Roth, Award-Winning
Songwriter, Recording Artist and Performer

Alan Ross Haynes is the Gizzardman

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Alan Ross Haynes is a witty singer and songwriter who is a true talent. He's out of studio now, his new CD Spiritual Journeys selling on CD Baby. Today he's talking with us about his work, inspirations and nicknames.


Gizzardman? I must ask. What's the deal with Gizzards, Alan?

I wrote a song called “Gas Station Gizzards”. It is a humorous but realistic portrait of the area I worked in for years as a field biologist. I am of Southern heritage and yet worked on the McGovern presidential campaign. I call myself a “redneck leftist”. The gizzard song is a metaphor for my mixed, iconoclastic views.


Iconclasit and redneck leftist? Your views are are often reflected in witty and satirical lyrics. What precipitated that tendency?

You can say controversial things with humor and get people to listen to ideas that they would quickly reject otherwise. I loved Tom Lehrer’s work, The Chad Mitchell trio, and remain a huge fan of Randy Newman, the king of tongue-in-cheek.

Incorporating tongue-in-cheek humor into performances touches off a reaction in your audiences - has it ever gotten a surprise reaction?



I didn’t expect people to dance to “Back In Vietnam.” David Roth told me that he loved to see the stunned look on some faces when I sing “Let’s Eat The Poor.”




How do you do it? What is the writing process like for you?

Painstaking. I write the lyrics first, with a musical direction in mind. I re-write lyrics many times, and again once I start singing them. I re-write for clarity, emphasis, singability, and prosody- although I am a huge fan of anti-prosody.

I know that being a musician can be draining. What do you do to recharge?


I listen to my favorite music on my headphones. I read.


In addition to playing music, you've also taught guitar. What advice would you give to musicians who are starting out?






Learn music theory. The math is not difficult. Learn the recurring patterns that comprise the structure of music. It opens many doors. Listen to many musicians for inspiration and instruction.

You had an inspired childhood growing up in a musical household. What influences would you say have most shaped you into the performer you are today?



My first influence was watching Rick Nelson on tv. I wanted to be the next Rick Nelson. I’m still waiting for it to happen (without the plane crash). Peter, Paul, and Mary had tremendous impact on my style development and direction. John Prine has been my biggest influence for decades.


Maybe you're not Rick Nelson, but you have some feathers in your cap. What accomplishments are you most proud of?


I am most proud of serving in the music ministry at the Unity Church of Clearwater for six years. I am proud to have had my music played on broadcast and internet radio stations around the world, and to have been a featured artist on some… and to have had a song played on “Car Talk”, the nationally syndicated NPR show.


When you started out, Posi-Music didn't have its own niche. As a Posi-Music artist, how have you seen audience perception change over the last 10 years?


Yes. The awareness of the existence of Posi-Music is expanding. The alternative messages are a pleasant surprise to new listeners. There is a great appreciation for excellent musicians exploring non-traditional spiritual themes.


Can you tell us what Posi-Music means to you please?

For me, Posi-Music is an affirmation of the omnipresent Goodness of God. It is an unfettered exploration of spiritual principles and how they can be applied to our daily lives. It is heartfelt inspiration, life-affirming and energizing. There is nothing like it.

Indeed, there's nothing else like it. Thank you for your time, Alan!