When I got the press release from Rock Ridge Music, I realized I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Most kids grow up amusing themselves with G.I. Joes, Tonka Trucks and Sunday morning cartoons. Kevin Hammond, however, was raised in a household of musical instruments. He taught himself guitar as a child and began to hone his songwriting abilities as a teenager. Unsatisfied with his life in retail sales, Hammond quit his day job, traded in his car for a van, and became a musical nomad. The committed leap-of-faith was enough to garner the attention of New York’s A&M/Octone Records which has Hammond’s debut album slated for release this fall. The album’s lead single, “Broken Down,” showcases Hammond’s distinctive ability to bounce between feathery falsetto and full-bodied modal register.

The captivating contrast is both addictive and sure to distinguish Hammond from the pack. It is a mixture of unique talent, hard work, and dedication which has poised Hammond to be America’s next breakout singer-songwriter and yet another world-class artist in a string of A&M/Octone successes. Now check out his XXQs and see what all the buzz is about.

XXQs: Kevin Hammond

PEV: How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Kevin Hammond (KH): I’ve always thought of  my voice as an instrument and  how to find new ways of expressing circumstance and emotions through different sounds and inflections. While experimenting with new ways to use my voice, I believe I’ve stumbled upon vocal techniques that are rarely heard by any of today’s current artists.

PEV: Growing up, what kind of music where you into when you were younger that got you into music? Was anyone your main influence?

KH: growing up, my father had thousands of vinyls and was always playing a new one that he had picked up somewhere… he also is a musician himself and had a collection of a variety of instruments in our basement which would be where I would escape to  from time to time. Living in such a large family of 7 children including myself, it was very helpful having  a place to escape to and to let my imagination come to life through sound. my greatest influence was not a single person but rather   having the knowledge of so many different sounds and emotions that could come from music. i believe that music is emotions in search of words.

PEV: Having played in the business for a good time now, what was it like when you first started out?

KH: starting out as a musician usually means someone began with a decision fueled by faith in knowing that when preparation meets opportunity, progress will come. Struggles and trials are bumps on everyone’s road, no matter what line of work. When I first started out I didn’t know much at all about the business, and at times I still feel I don’t, but you’ll never get out into the sea if you don’t step onto the boat.

PEV: Do you remember the first time you thought to yourself during your career – “I am really onto something!”?

KH: I believe there are two ways to look at life, (with a prideful heart, or with a humble heart) I don’t think anyone is exactly one or the other, I believe we all look at life through the eyes of both  in different areas in each of our individual lives. I used to look at the world through eyes of pride, but love from others and learning to be humble has taught me to enjoy all aspects of life, weather I am here or there, weather I am doing this or that, I have enjoyed the whole ride thus far, but, its only begun.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Kevin Hammond show? 

KH: Well, I can guarantee that my performance on stage is equally as solid as any recording that my fans and friends have heard, and by seeing me live, I think they’ll understand me as a person more, and know that I am genuine and just a normal guy like everyone else.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

KH: I think the first thing that comes to mind when I step on stage is, man, I shouldn’t have eaten that burger 10 min before I went on, I feel like I have to burp.

PEV: What is your take on today’s “mainstream” music?

KH: Well, what is mainstream? I think every artist is different in there own way and all have something to offer, I think what makes a song mainstream is just the way a song is written which anyone can manipulate. It’s a way to make songs more listenable and easily liked by a mass audience, if you ask me I think people who can write mainstream songs are genius because they take their own style and sound and sculpt it into something everyone can enjoy.

PEV: Tell us about your debut album slated for release this fall. What can fans expect from this work?

KH: I believe my album will be a unique, yet very true and honest piece of work that will distinguish me from the rest, but also will be very listenable by audiences of every age.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?

KH: I think everyone wants to be understood, some express it through building a house or a chair, some express it through painting, I express my need to be understood through music. I want people to know me and know that I care and I want to give hope and to help and comfort people when they need comfort. Once people know that I care, then they will care about what I know. my best ideas come from observance.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about Kevin Hammond?

KH: I don’t eat dairy products?....

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

KH:  Yes, it took a lot of serious life changing decisions, but when you know you gotta do something or you’ll regret it… you gotta do it!

PEV: What one word best describes Kevin Hammond?

KH: Love.

PEV: You quit your day job, traded in your car for a van, and became a musical nomad. With that, how is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst parts?

KH: Well, there’s always a struggle, but there is also something learned in every struggle, you can make anything a good thing. I love playing music, I love being on the road and playing my songs to new people everywhere. I love talking to new people and making new friends/fans, I’m just glad I can be doing what I love, and that others are also benefiting from my songs in many ways.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

KH: Yes! I would love to play and travel in the UK and also AUSTRAILIA! Man that would be fun.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

KH: My friends and family are very thankful that I’ve been introduced to so many new things and that music is taking me new places I might have never gone.  My family has always supported my music and stood behind me, even when they thought I was making crazy decisions (like living in a van)… but it’s all worked out so far and I believe it will only get better.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

KH: I like hanging out with my family and friends I have a lot of siblings and they are all my good friends... I also like to sketch, draw and paint.  I’m no match to my sister Erin Merry who is a very good painter though.

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

KH: Actually I have two one of my good friends Ryan Collins (great artist) also Paper Tongues (amazing band).

PEV: If you weren’t playing music now what would you would doing for your career?

KH: Probably construction or installing hardwood floors (laughs).

PEV: So, what is next for Kevin Hammond?

KH:  I’ll be finishing up my album in this next month in New York and  playing shows out there... getting ready to start touring again possibly this summer.