15-Time 2014 GMA Dove Awards Nominee Wayne Haun Prepares Us For Christmas with "Sentimental Season"

4-time Grammy nominee and 15-time 2014 GMA Dove Awards nominee Wayne Haun is known for his behind-the-scenes work as a songwriter, producer, arranger, orchestrator, record label founder, publishing company owner, frequent Grammy and GMA/Dove committee member, and more. However, since Ernie Haase convinced Wayne Haun to join a worldwide tour as the band leader and keyboard player for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Haun has been increasingly drawn into the spotlight to sing with the group, and has recently added solo recording artist to his resume. Called an "old soul" by those who know him best, Wayne Haun's vocal interpretations of timeless love songs and classic Broadway tunes are now gaining him devoted listeners in a new arena of artistry.

On October 14, Haun will release his debut Christmas album "Sentimental Season" via StowTown Records.  We are honored to be able to catch up with him for this exclusive Hallels' interview.

Hallels: Thank you Wayne for your time. Congratulations on your 15 nominations on this upcoming Dove Awards. How does that make you feel?

Thank you for this honor. Sometimes I see the number 15 and think, "wow, I must not have a life!" But seriously, it's overwhelming. I work with the greatest artists, writers and musicians in the world. It's easy to gratefully accept the nominations when you consider the amazing teams I work with day in and out.

Hallels: Out of the 15 nominations, is there a category you feel very honored to be nominated?

Not necessarily. I really pour my all into each project and song. Each nomination has its own personal story attached to it.

Hallels: You also have a brand new album coming out "Sentimental Season." I must say, with the lush orchestra and strings the songs bring to mind the era of Frank Sinatra and Perry Como, it's just a beautiful album. What inspired to make a Christmas album now?

When "Old Soul" released last summer, we were seriously shocked at the response it got. I didn't think I'd sell 100 units. That project took me eleven years to record. While on a retreat with Signature Sound this past April, a lady came up to me and said, "Wayne, I love your CD, but I'm 88 years old. You can't wait another 11 years to do another one." We laughed. I promised even if I had to do one tune, I'd make sure I sent it to her. On that same retreat, Ernie Hasse told me that I should think about a Christmas project for the 2014 tour. So, it just happened. The first album took eleven years. The second took three weeks.

Hallels: Half of the album are traditional Christmas covers and half of them are originals co-written by yourself. Is this deliberate to have both traditional songs together with the new?

Oh yes. I always wanted to be a songwriter. I also love the challenge of writing different styles. So I challenged myself to co-write songs as if Perry Como or Dean Martin were to be looking for new Christmas material today. My co-writers are so talented. Special thanks to Joel Lindsey, Tony Wood, Jeff Bumgardner and Shelby Haun (yeah, that's my mom) for jumping in feet first.

Hallels: Also, you have a lineup of guests singing with you on the record, can you tell our readers who they are?

I look at the guest artists on this recording and pinch myself. Jamiee Paul and I have worked together for years. I did my first concert with her. She and I have sung backing vocals on more records than we can count. It only made sense to ask her to be a part of this. We're like musical peas and carrots. I'm her biggest fan. But she also has a husband who plays a mean trumpet. So we did a little Louis Armstrong-ing on "What A Wonderful World." I always loved watching the Judy Garland Christmas special growing up, but my favorite part was when Mel Torme introduced a new verse he'd written for "The Christmas Song" and they sang a duet. TaRanda Greene has that classic voice that can be sweeter that a baby's cry, yet larger than life. So we recreated their famous duet.I couldn't possibly imagine recording without my friends, Signature Sound. These guys are like brothers to me and isn't Christmas about family ??? I love singing with them. Speaking of family, I had my Grandmother, Mom and sister come in and do a little family harmony on "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." That was worth the entire album budget for me.

Hallels: I really love "Light a Candle" because it seeks of the need to reach out to the disadvantaged. What was the inspiration behind this song?

Thank you. That's actually one of the oldest songs in my catalog. On the day I turned 25, my friend and co-worker, Celeste Winstead, asked Joel Lindsey to distract me with a writing session so that she could prepare for a surprise birthday party for me. So Joel promised me dinner anywhere I wanted if I'd write this idea with him. I told him, "ok, but it'd better be good." I'm SO glad that happened. He wanted to write a Christmas carol that was "universal" of sorts. This song was born. Now that's the best distraction I've ever had! I've heard so many great stories from people about that song. One of my fondest memories was performing this song with Signature Sound on the evening that the Sandy Hook tragedy happened. It really hit us that night.

Hallels: What does Christmas mean to you?

Oh... so many things. But I really love the sense of community Christmas brings. I love that church families come together and plan big programs to celebrate the birth of Christ. Everyone gets involved. I also love traditions. Christmas seems to bring them out of us all. But since you asked, my favorite part of Christmas and what it means to me is the wonder of it all. Earth really is a much sweeter planet when Christmas comes around. 

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