HeartMouth on Guitars, Tone, and New Single “I Know You Know (Wrapped Around Your Finger)”

HeartMouth released his new single/music video, “I Know You Know (Wrapped Around Your Finger),” a few days ago via SoCal Records. The musical project of Casey Allen, who has gone through multiple lung collapses during his life, HeartMouth says, “I know what it’s like to struggle to breathe, so I won’t let another breath go wasted or unappreciated. I want to use each breath to sing about things we can all relate to.”

That outlook carries over to the name HeartMouth, revealing the idea of letting what lies in your heart be confessed through your mouth. Prior to the HeartMouth project, Allen drummed for metal outfit Embracing Goodbye, which signed with Driven Records. He was also one-half of the award-winning folk-pop duo Season & Snare.

V13 caught up with HeartMouth to chat about the inspiration for “I Know You Know,” his guitars, and his definition of tone.

What inspired your new single/music video, “I Know You Know (Wrapped Around Your Finger)?”

HeartMouth: “The song first kicked off with the opening guitar riff, and something about the mood of it immediately gave me inspiration to tell a story about a person going through all the emotions that come with the territory of falling for someone new. We knew we wanted the lighting in the video to reflect both the excitement and the uncertainty that can come with letting yourself fall in love, and I’m really happy with how the video bounces between moody low lights and bright lighting.”

Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record the song.

“I feel very lucky to have a home studio where I do most of my work. My first thought going into this song was probably, ‘Wow, I need to vacuum and learn better cable management,’ ha-ha. Honestly, though, I love being able to feel the most comfortable and relaxed at my home studio, as opposed to any other studio. It really takes the pressure off of myself, and I’m able to pace myself however fast or slow I need to go on any given day. It’s nice to be able to experiment with different sounds and structures without feeling rushed because I’m on someone else’s time and budget.”

Who directed the video, and where was it shot?

“Garrett Barefoot of BlackPlate Productions shot and directed the video at The Fruit in Durham, North Carolina.”

Artwork for the single “I Know You Know (Wrapped Around Your Finger)” by HeartMouth

How did you get started in music?

“My parents bought me a drum set for Christmas when I was 11. I had never asked for one, but I suppose they saw a spark for music in me that I hadn’t seen for myself yet. I immediately fell in love, and never looked back from that point on. I never even considered doing anything outside of music, ha-ha. It clicked for me in ways that most other things in life never did. I mostly self-taught, although I did take lessons with Ivan Hampden (Luther Vandross, Usher, Beyonce) for a few years. I became obsessed with the theory and psychology behind music along the way, and I began singing and picking up melodic instruments like guitar and piano to help me write songs. I would start by trying to learn covers until I’d get about halfway through and then find myself writing original songs inspired by those covers. That’s when I knew I wanted to call myself a songwriter instead of just being a drummer or a singer.”

You played drums for the metal band Embracing Goodbye. How many instruments do you play? And which is your favourite?

“Those were great times in my life. I’m actually about to play a show with them for the first time in nearly a decade for a one-off nostalgia-inspired festival in North Carolina, and it should be a lot of fun. In addition to singing, I play drums, guitar, and piano. There are a few other random instruments that I’ve picked up throughout the years, but none that I’m good enough at to mention ha-ha. As far as my favorite, it really depends on the day and my mood. I’ve been playing drums the longest, and I think I naturally feel the most comfortable there. It’s probably the most therapeutic by being able to just take it all out on the drums ha-ha. However, I love the ease of being able to pick up a guitar and immediately just start writing. I think piano is the most beautiful-sounding instrument in the world. I could never just pick one.”

Favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to play guitar?

“I’m definitely a rhythm guitarist, so I’m limited in the number of impressive ‘licks’ that I can play ha-ha. The first song that I ever learned on guitar was The Early November’s ‘Ever So Sweet’ when I was probably around 17.”

Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?

“I have a Taylor 214CE, a Fender American Professional Jazzmaster, and a Gibson 335. I’m currently playing my electrics through a Vox AC30. I’m not a big pedal guy when I play live, so just give me a tuner, the built-in reverb, and maybe my tube screamer, and I’m pretty set. I do like to experiment with different pedals and sounds in the studio, though, depending on the song.”

Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?

“I’m the most extra when I’m recording vocals. I have to have water (room temperature), hot tea, whiskey, and deep red wine within arm’s reach. And the lighting has to match the mood. Hahahaha, don’t hate me.”

What’s your definition of tone? And has your tone changed over time?

“I’m an enormous believer in ‘the tone is in the hands,’ no matter the instrument. Vocally, I like to think my tone has improved a lot over the last couple of years. I’ve spent an enormous amount of time working on my voice, my breath support and trying to be the best version of myself. I used to blow my voice out all the time because I think I was trying to sound like my idols instead of allowing myself to have my own voice. Growing into your own voice takes a lot of time and patience.”

How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?

“Repetition is key. It’s a muscle, just like working out.”

Looking at your experiences from the last few years, what have you learned from them?

“Throughout my music career, I’ve constantly had to learn how to rebuild. I’ve been lucky to have been in two previous bands that have achieved at least small success. Walking away from them were some of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I had to for my own personal reasons and well-being. At its origins, I told myself that HeartMouth would change my trajectory. I’m doing things on my own terms. I get to control where it goes, and what decisions are made. I get to trust my gut on who I let in to share the same vision, and to achieve new grounds that benefit everyone on the team. I want us all to win. HeartMouth isn’t a project I’ll ever have to walk away from, and I’m grateful for that. Constantly having to rebuild has taught me persistence, and that alone has taught me a lot about myself. I’m stubborn, and I refuse to stay down if I get knocked down. Come what may – I’m ready for it.”