Kevin Hyfantis
KNOXVILLE — Local singer/songwriter Kevin Hyfantis is in high demand. Describing his last release “Carnival Authority” as a musician’s album based on the high praise it consistently receives from fellow songwriters seems to be a fair assessment as Hyfantis’ enrollment in other acclaimed acts around town continues to grow. Amidst the juggling of other projects and tours, Hyfantis prioritizes the recording of his follow-up to “Carnival Authority,” an EP to be released later this year.
In addition to frequent gigs in solo format and with his backing Bishops Band, Hyfantis has contributed instrumentation to Taylor Brown and Company and Jonathan Sexton’s Big Love Choir, with whom he tours and has begun collaborative songwriting efforts. Hyfantis has said in the past that performing behind other songwriters gives him perspective in his own craft. This year he has added another act to his resume, joining The Black Cadillacs as a semi-permanent member. When asked what makes him such a popular recruit, Hyfantis credits his easygoing nature and like-minded songwriting ability, which is evident as his role in the writing duties of these acts has increased.
“I love playing with the Black Cadillacs, and those guys have been very gracious to me,” Hyfantis acknowledges. “They are about to get into the studio with Scott Minor, and they have asked me to come play some piano and such on the record. As far as live shows, they have basically told me that they want me to play every gig with them that I can, and I’ve been finding more time to play with them. I really believe in what they do. We have also talked about writing together, but we have yet to actually sit down and make it happen.
“All these guys I play with have started as friends that appreciate me not only as a keyboard player or whatever but as a singer and songwriter. That’s what I am at heart. I’m not sure why they ask me to play with them, but I suppose it mostly has to do with having fun and getting on well.”
His own backing band, which consists of Shaun Schuetz, Josh Hobbs and Nate Donegan along with revolving guests, has performed only sparsely as Hyfantis’ frenzied schedule lends itself more to the logistic ease of solo, acoustic shows. But he expects this to change upon recording new material. With plans to record at Rock Snob Studios in the coming months, Hyfantis will utilize his extensive music connections, using an array of guest musicians chosen on a song-specific basis. In his quest to attain quality, he will record as many as 10 to 12 songs from which only five will make the final cut.
“I am not putting any deadlines on this project,” says Hyfantis of his growing concern for production value. “I want to take my time and use multiple musicians — see who fits what song. This will not be a Bishops Band record, but all of those guys will be involved. The rotating cast is simply to try something different and because there are so many great players here in Knoxville and in Nashville that I know will add their special touch and make whatever tune it is that much better.
“I am planning to record at Rock Snob here in Knoxville under a no pressure/no deadline situation. I have a ton of new tunes and some I’ve been trying out live over the past year ... I like the concept of whittling. You start with, say, 30 finished tunes you have in your pocket and you try them out on stage. Some stick and some don’t. So you walk into the studio with 12 or so that you feel really strongly about. Then you record them and pick the best five.”
Tonight Kevin Hyfantis and the Bishops Band take the stage at Preservation Pub at 10 p.m. Hyfantis will return to the Pub on Monday at 10 p.m., playing with the Black Cadillacs, who will be joined by Black Jet Radio.
RADIO SHACK-SHAKERS: Shortwave Society plays Pilot Light with Stephanie’s ID tonight. The show is slated for 10 p.m. and costs $5.
SON SET: Saturday night Sons of the Southside join Hey OK Fantastic and Stagolee for an indie blues/rock show at The Longbranch Saloon. Music begins at 9 p.m.
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