Shannon Hayden's father realized something about his daughter at an early age: she was destined to be an artist. Maybe it's the kind of thing that was easier for him to spot, since he himself is a visual artist. Instead of focusing on a strict, cello practice regiment (Shannon had that covered on her own), her father set out to teach how to live the life of an artist.
Step one: build a house. Well, actually... a farm. They built the farm, that Shannon still lives in today, from trees on their Southern Illinois property. Shannon also learned how to install solar panels and, by default, how electricity works. This skill has come in particularly handy when wiring up her recording studio (housed at the farm too). Of course she's the recording engineer. And of course most of the food she eats is grown just outside her front door (it is a farm after all).
Shannon has done well with her father's lessons. She uses the farm as a home base and artistic retreat. She's transformed her award-winning, classical cello playing into something completely her own. Even though she's bowing the strings of her instrument, the sound is altogether different.
On her latest album, You See the World, Shannon Hayden channels her love of noise-punk bands, like Melt Banana, and textured drones into songs full of tension and release. Listen for yourself on the track we have for you here: "Accelerator."
Music is Music is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
