Henry Hall

The dimly-lit Arlene's Grocery may have been rather empty yesterday afternoon (tough to fill up a NYC venue on an early Tuesday pm!) but it held several intriguing, strangely beautiful acts, booked by NYC promoters Siren Sounds. First up was the Brooklyn six-piece Captain Baby whose heavy guitars and warbled vocals conjured a darkly electric atmosphere, like something out of Gotham City. The Asher Rogers-led band also displayed a warmer side, though, their drum-pulsed last track (presumably from their debut album 'Sugar Ox') being catchy and even sexy. Next to take the disco ball-fronted stage were fellow Brooklyners Rosy Street. Down to frontman Kyle Avallone's skinny black jeans and deep vocal rasp, the rock quartet was something out of filmmaker Jim Jarmusch's universe, its ominous yet serene tracks of thin guitars and tumbling drums creating a spectral warmth. Afterwards came Henry Hall, a beguiling singer-songwriter whose hometown on his Facebook page amusingly states: "JFK//LAX." Along with his bassist Robby Caplan and drummer (apparently Nate Mondschein), Hall broke into the guitar-fuzzed songs (off his eponymous EP released earlier this year) that intriguingly sunk mellow R&B in hard rock, his virtuosic voice at times recalling Jack Black and at others Destiny's Child and always commanding the room. Philadelphia-based rock trio Ron Gallo closed the afternoon with classic rock force, its thunderous guitar cuts (off a forthcoming album) fondly recalling Led Zeppelin and Cream while proving, as many of the songs from the previous groups did, that thrilling, committed music can occur at all hours of the day. - Zach Weg - The Deli

WORDS BY KIERAN COYNE '16

Yesterday, Henry Hall ‘14 released his first solo EP. For fans of Grand Cousin, this self-titled debut presents the long-awaited opportunity to hear what Henry sounds like - and what he chooses to sing about - when he’s all by himself. Grand Cousin fans will know that Henry takes on this kind of neurotic character when he sings, this guy who’s always suffering from some combination of worry, self-criticism, and obsession. That character, so loveable for talking about the embarrassing parts of himself that the rest of us like to hide, lives on here. And, while it’s up for debate how much of that character is created and how much of it is really just Henry himself, he has certainly grown alongside the now postgraduate, real-world-living Henry we know. In fact, he offers more of that strangely located, unexpected lyrical wisdom now than ever before. In the EP’s opener and definite highlight, “Fake Words,” he says, “oh my mom doesn’t know about me / that’s because I don’t tell her a goddamn thing,” figuratively slapping himself on the head for only now realizing, ‘oh yeah, I probably have been a little distant.’ Henry learns these little things about himself, and without dressing them up at all, puts them into these songs that we find ourselves relating to in a way that’s almost scary. And, of course, it isn’t just the lyrics themselves, but the palpably frustrated, innocent, and vulnerable delivery of those feelings that’ll have you suddenly second-guessing in your own issues, relationships, etc. Yet, while Henry might induce a little personal questioning, he also reassures you that for now, it’s all O.K., because we’re still learning, right? And oh yeah, musically, the kid is absolutely on fire. - Method Magazine

TEXT: ARIEL JACOBSON '15, FILM EDITOR

You may remember Henry Hall '14 as the lead singer of Wesleyan band, Grand Cousin, or as the director/actor/singer in his Honors winning thesis film, There's Nothing Wrong with Me.

For all you Hen-atics out there, I have good news-- Henry is working on his new EP and, taking a cue from Queen Bey, he's got some videos to go with that falsetto goodness.

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of working on his latest music video for his track, Fake Words in Mt. Kisco, NY. The premise of which had some unique inspiration. Erin and Emmett (pictured above), have been best friends since they were born, which was only 10 years ago, but still. The Fake Words music video marks their third fake wedding to date (Let's all collectively say "Aw,") but this is the first time they've had Henry Hall as their wedding singer.

With Jack Coyne '13 directing and the help of other grads like Annalora Von Pentz '14, Spencer Burnham '14, and Elijah Cone '14, shooting went pretty damn smooth. You can expect the music video's release in about a month or so, but to hold you over until then look above for a sneak peak courtesy of Oliver Citrin '14. - Method Magazine

Since releasing his vibey single “Fake Words” last week, Henry Hall ’14, of Grand Cousin fame, has been on the move navigating the New York music scene and post-grad life. I chatted with Hall to discuss his solo career, the Wesleyan music scene, and his day job as a CIA agent. Check it out after the jump.

Since leaving Wesleyan and the dissolution of Grand Cousin, how has your musical style changed or progressed?

Well, I’ve fully Benjamin Button’d since graduation and am now a wise yet grumpy toddler, which is kind of strange. Other than that though, my new stuff features a lot more vocal work (harmonies, etc.) and some synth additions too. I love the Grand Cousin stuff and I’d say my new music is kind of an extension of that, moving in a direction that’s more personal to me with lyrics and instrumentation.

In your experience, what have been some of the key differences of navigating post-grad life as a musician in New York, as opposed to advancing through the music scene at Wes?

It’s a lot different playing shows and getting out there as a musician in New York City versus Wesleyan, as you can imagine. I do definitely miss just writing a new song and being able to play it immediately that weekend at a sort of informal show with not too much pressure. That’s such an awesome element of the Wes music scene. Things are always relaxed and fun. There’s a lot more planning and variables that you have to take into account here. Honestly, though, it’s just really hard to find a good Usdan brunch in New York City. That’s the main difference.

What were some of your favorite musical experiences you had at Wesleyan and how have they influenced or informed your career so far?

I played so many great shows at Wesleyan with Grand Cousin— every one was special its own way. I always loved playing shows at Earth House and at Music House (R.I.P. Music House). We had a lot of fun doing those shows. Very crowded and sweaty. One time Daniel Ramos ’16 was at one of our shows which was extremely profound. I’ll never forget that. I got a lot of experience playing live at Wesleyan and I feel like I have everyone who was involved with putting on those shows to thank for facilitating that.

What was the process of creating “Fake Words” like? You mentioned that some Wes-alums were involved. Is there a “Wesleyan Mafia” in the Brooklyn alt scene, as Village Voice once claimed?

“Fake Words” I just wrote all alone in my room, which is how I write pretty much all of my songs— that sounds extremely depressing. I put together a demo for it and then pretty soon after, we recorded the studio version and made a music video. Tons of Wesleyan kids live in New York and I definitely feel like there is a recognized post-grad Wes community here. Everyone is very supportive and down to help out with each other’s creative projects. Everyone who worked on the “Fake Words” music video was either a Wesleyan student or a Wesleyan grad. Even the little kids who star in the video are current CSS majors.

On that subject, has it been tougher to build buzz for yourself now that you aren’t a part of a small community like Wesleyan? How do you strategize to market yourself and increase your exposure?

I’m just beginning to start that strategizing now. There are so many different ways to get your music out there nowadays, what with all the morse code and pigeon carriers, so I’m so thankful I get to be a Wesleyan affiliate moving forward in the music scene here in NYC. The association with the small community of Wes definitely helps to make things feel more manageable. Thanks y’all.

Since you have released a single, “Fake Words,” what is the next move for Henry Hall?

Well, I have another music video and single coming out in the next couple of weeks, an EP coming out in mid-March, and then I’ll probably continue my assassin work with the CIA. I mean, my managerial job at a local sports bar. Stay tuned! - Wesleying