Photo Copyright 2017 @KurtClark
In keeping with our Hidden Talents series, Allovus has been digging in our treasure trove of secret talent. You may work with someone at any of the fabulous companies we partner with, but how well do you really know them?
One such secret is, at present, diligently prototyping for Azure. But after hours, he sneaks off to don his alter ego. With a guitar slung over his shoulder and a glint in his eye, Sean Gephardt is ready to riff into his alternate life as a rock star.
Copyright 2017 @KurtClark
From the humble roots of growing up in Alaska to the music scene in Los Angeles, Sean Gephardt has always been a creative. Though he is currently doing work on customer-facing web portal features via Allovus, music has been a huge part of his life since he was eight years old.
The band to which he has dedicated much of his time, is called Villains of Yesterday.
Allovus: What kind of music does your band play?
Sean: We play mostly Americana/Rock. It’s hard work because all the music we play is original. It takes a considerable amount effort to write your own stuff, and we’ve spent a lot of hours building a following because that.
Allovus: Why is that more challenging?
Sean: When people go for an evening out, they don’t always seek out original music. Finding the right audience is a challenge.
Allovus: What is involved in being a member of a band? What kinds of things do you have to do to promote it?
Sean: I do a lot of the social media marketing—like Twitter, Facebook, word of mouth. Being in a band is much like cat herding. The process can be challenging. You have to make sure that everyone is available, the timing, and making sure events are promoted through newspapers, radio, etc.
Allovus: How do you measure success in terms of the band?
Sean: The band has the ability to be successful on any level. We do it for the love of the music, not so much for the “financial” success. We consider gigs a “success” is when people respond to the music and enjoy themselves. But, of course, making lots of money would be great too!
Allovus: You described your music as Americana. Can you describe that for those who don’t know what that means?
Sean: Sure. We have a good understanding of the musical history landscape. It influences the music we write. But I would say, anybody who likes bands like Pearl Jam, Wilco, Ryan Adams, and likes an element of grunge or edginess would probably like our music.
Allovus: How do you think being in a band complements your work through Allovus?
Sean: One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that you have to try and take different approaches to things. That goes for any kind of work—creative or not. You need to be open-minded in your approach. Dev work tends to be very rigid. The thing about music is there aren’t a lot of rules. Show up at rehearsal and be sober; that’s pretty much it. Design work is collaborative and creative. My favorite thing is team work, both in music and in my regular job. Everything takes team work. Music is a form of expression; design can be as well. There is room for creativity in everything. Some people can find creativity in precision. You have to take personal responsibility in being happy with what you’re doing.
Learn more about the band on their website: Villains of Yesterday
Get their latest album on iTunes: Dead Reckoning
Subscribe to their YouTube channel: Villains of Yesterday on YouTube
Watch and listen to these clips: