Interview With Beau Bayou and Sabine Connection
Have you always been interested in music? What is your story and how did you start making music?
First, I would like to say that I come from a very musical family. One of the first memories in my life involved watching my dad and grandpa play music. I started to become interested in music around the age of 2. My first instruments were a washboard and a triangle that I played in my dad’s band. As I got older, I started learning how to play the accordion and drums near the age of 5. I played drums behind my dad while he played the accordion for several years, all the while, learning to play the accordion myself. I started making music after my football career was over. Music was my original love, so I started playing professionally in other bands in 2012. I started my own band after moving back home to Louisiana in 2015. Our first single was recorded back in 2018 entitled “Salt and a Lime”, and our first album entitled “True to My Roots” was recorded in 2019. Things just kind of took off from there.
What are you working on now? Any future releases we can look forward to?
We just finished our second album last month, and it should be releasing any day now. It’s called “Just Doin Me”, and it should be available any day on all media outlets
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry?
My ultimate goal in the music industry is to be recognized as a trailblazer for my genre. I want my music to be recognized not only for it’s unique sound, but also as music that can be inspiring, real, and always straight from my heart. I take great pride in my songwriting, and it would be great to be recognized for that.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
The biggest challenge in my career thus far has definitely been to have steady bookings every weekend. Now, I will admit that some of that is self-inflicted. I just refuse to play every gig for the door. I would instead like to be well compensated for my talent more frequently that I currently am.
How do you go about writing a song? Do you have a melody in your head and then write the other music for it or what’s Your typical songwriting process?
I always start the process with the words. Like I said prior, I take great pride in my songwriting. In my mind, the song has to have substance. Words are so powerful, and I want to use them to convey a variety of emotions. I am constantly listening to music, so melodies and chord progressions are always there. If I hear something I like, I will record it and play it back while singing a song I had previously written to see if it fits or if there is a good vibe there.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The Internet has impacted the music business by making artists’ music more readily available. Back in the day, artist would record a CD, and then go to the nearest mall or public gathering place and either give the CD away, or sell it for $5 or $10 bucks just to get their name out there. Now, with the Internet, there are so many avenues for artists to get their music heard. It’s a complete game changer in my opinion as far as marketing and self-promotion. One down side is the sale of CD’s has gone down dramatically because of streaming. Allot of the younger people use their technology now to listen to music, which is making the CD obsolete, and has made the cassette and 8 track a dinosaur. Yes, I do admit I still own cassettes and 8 tracks. Call me sentimental or old school lol
List some famous musicians currently on your playlist?
My current playlist consists of pretty much everything 80’s , which is the era I grew up in. Everything from Huey Lewis and the News to Hall and Oates. I also listen to what the other zydeco artists are putting out there. I am a huge fan of Steve Winwood, Bruce Hornsby, and Michael McDonald
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I was a football player for the majority of my life. I started playing football at 8 years old. I played throughout high school, and eventually got a full paid football scholarship to attend the University of Louisiana, where I played offensive line for 3 years before having to retire due to injuries.
Would you have any advice for young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
The biggest piece of advice I can give a young person is to make sure you have your own sound equipment and instruments before starting a band. Also, I would also advise them to be patient. No one becomes an overnight sensation. It will take time to find the right combination of musicians to be in the band, as well as creating their own sound that will set them apart from the rest
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
If there is anything I would change, it would be to give all musicians and bands the same equal opportunities to succeed. What they do with the opportunity is up to them. I feel like there are many artists and acts that are passed over that could be successful with the correct people in their corner promoting them
How do you feel about originality?
I am a strong proponent of originality. This is what makes an artist who they are. I feel like if an artist is constantly doing cover songs, then they are just riding off the coat tails of other artists, and not using their creativity and originality to their advantage. Doing covers, in my opinion, shows a lack of creativity and resourcefulness. That is the main reason why I write my own music, to stand apart from the rest.
Is there anything else we should know about you? or Something that you would like to add?
I want people to know that I am deeply thankful for their support. Out of all the artists there are to listen to, the fact that they chose to listen to me is a tremendous honor. I always take the time to converse with my fans. They are the most important key to an artists’ success
Links to Where Your Music Can be Purchased