Photo by Jeff Noble
- Artist Name: Seth Samuelson Cocquit (of Harvest Sons)
- Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Harvest Sons is the main project I’ve been working on with some Central Illinois friends since 2016.
I’m debuting my solo project with “Old Timer,” which is a song I recorded in Tennessee with my brother-in-law, Clint May, who is a producer/guitarist with Cole Swindell. He was able to bring in Hubert Payne on drums (Little Big Town), Adam Cunningham on bass (Cole Swindell), and Josh Shultz on keys (Cole Swindell). It brought a song to life that I wrote at my kitchen table three years prior.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Music is the one thing I can’t kick. It brings me a lot of joy, helps me work out feelings, and helps me say what’s on my mind. I guess I could write a book, but music is just more interesting.
My mom signed me up for violin when I was 10, and that thing got me all the way through college. As a teenager, music was my outlet. I never would have picked up the guitar and started writing songs if it wasn’t for a high school break-up, or the garage band we gave the college try. Then I joined a Midwest dive-bar bluegrass band where we’d post up every Friday and Saturday night in some corner, havin’ a great time. Then came Harvest Sons so I could get some more of what I was writing at the time down on record. And here I am now just trying to tell a little bit of my family’s story. I think music has always chosen me. It feels so natural and close to the soul that I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything else.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Gosh… probably pursuing some other pipe-dream. Maybe plumbing? Luckily, I teach music. Either way, it is something I’m involved with on a daily basis.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I love turning up some music and cooking. Lately, it’s been figuring out how to make bread to the sounds of The Dirty Knobs, Randy Crowell, Jack Harlow, CSNY, and Steely Dan!
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Kristen Wiig
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Chicago Cubs
What is the last movie that you watched?
“The Wrong Missy.” Freaking hilarious.
What is the last album you listened to?
Sturgill Simpson’s Cuttin’ Grass 2!
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Deja Vu – CSNY
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson (just because my 3-year-old requests it every morning on the way to work).
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Louisville, KY is a fun town. I also enjoy Minneapolis/St. Paul!
What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast, always.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Gillian Welch
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Avett Brothers would be a dream come true
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
I love the friendships formed through music. Meeting new people and forming those bonds are what it’s all about for me. My songs are just how I tell my story, my perspectives, lessons I’ve learned, where I’m coming from, what’s on my mind, and how happy I am to be here living on this planet right now. Whether that is a house concert, festival, or dive bar show in the dead of winter, all of it is part of the career goal. The main goal right now, of course, is keeping music alive with COVID. I can’t wait to perform for someone other than my Australian shepherd, Bonnie.
