Sean Hayes: A 'Flowering' Career in Bloom

San Francisco singer-songwriter Sean Hayes sometimes gets lumped in with the "freak folk" movement that has spawned the likes of Devendra Banhart: As with Banhart, his rootsy pop-rock songs radiate a shaggy, free-spirited charm that rarely seems attached to any particular era. But his five self-released albums are unencumbered by affectation, instead radiating the unpolished warmth that's helping to make Hayes a rising star.

Now in his mid-30s, Hayes is no newcomer to the music world. But he's creeping into the national spotlight thanks to his fine new album, Flowering Spade. Hayes recently sat down to play some of his songs, as well as discuss his ideas and inspirations, his distinctive singing voice, and his attempts to invoke magic in his music.

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