Denison Magazine
Allie Mohn is a junior from Southborough, Massachusetts, who plays guitar in the American Roots Ensemble. Mohn’s self-titled EP, released earlier this year, combines themes of bluegrass, jazz, and soul to frame her airy voice. She created the album with several Denison students and faculty members.
Can you discuss the process of making your album? Who was involved, and how long did it take?
I started working on this EP at the beginning of the 2022 spring semester. Writing music has always been a passion of mine and something I’ve been patiently waiting to pursue. With his inclination for live sound and mixing abilities, I knew Basil Khan ’22 was the perfect person to produce my music. We recorded almost all of the tracks in the Eisner Recording Studio, including Professor Timothy “Rev” Carpenter on the piano, with the exception of the Homestead where Basil captured Moriah Aberle’s ’22 flute on Settlin’ and The Magnetic Studio in Newark for Professor Seth Rogers’ live drums and percussion. Everyone that contributed was affiliated with Denison which is pretty awesome. This whole process was super fulfilling and I’m excited to see how my songwriting and recording abilities grow while continuing to attend as a student here. Shoutout to Sophie Tight ’23 for putting together the EP cover!
Who are your musical influences?
The first genre that really spoke to me was blues music, especially the classics like Muddy Waters, Lightning Hopkins, Howlin Wolf, Big Mama Thornton; I could certainly go on. I love classic country and classic rock since those have both been very formative genres in the development of modern music. I love Johnny Cash. I also love soul, R&B, Motown. I think I’m like a lot of music connoisseurs who go back and forth between different genres and artists based on where they are and how they’re feeling in their lives. Both of my parents have an awesome taste in music so that certainly helps as well.
Has your involvement in the American Roots Ensemble had any impact on your musicality? How so?
Absolutely, I don’t think I would have decided to minor in the subject if it wasn’t impacting my musicality. It’s funny actually, I had never listened to traditional bluegrass music but definitely had an appreciation for folk artists and Americana-type styles. I joined the ensemble in Fall 2020, but it wasn’t really until the end of the following spring semester that I came to realize how much talent there was in this genre. I’m not just referring to the bluegrass players that totally shred but also the incredible songwriting that has existed in this type of music for as long as it’s been around. Being involved in the American Roots Ensemble has made me realize how important lyrics have always been to me, and has made me rethink the way I approach coming up with a cover arrangement or a new chord progression. This program has made me way more intentional In the way I approach music in general while still maintaining my ability to just run with fresh ideas too. I’m really grateful that my musical path has led me to this group and to Denison.
September 27, 2022
