Cory Mon x Sean Hayes

Cory Mon is a seasoned musician (and band—it’s complicated) from Salt Lake City, Utah, whose music blends funk, rock, blues, and folk into a distinctive, emotive sound. With over two decades in the music industry, Mon has released more than 100 original songs and shared stages with artists such as JJ Grey & Mofro, The Black Pumas, Sean Hayes, The Avett Brothers, Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers, Mavis Staples, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Brothers Comatose, Todd Snider, and Andy Frasco & the U.N., among others.

Mon’s live performances are known for their energy, humor, warmth, and authenticity. His shows are often described as fun, lively, and deeply engaging—equal parts musical throwdown and communal celebration. That same spirit carries into his recordings, where groove, storytelling, and personality take center stage.

On May 9, 2026, Cory Mon will release Olly Olly Oxen Free, his 10th album (including two live records and a 2017 EP). The album is a vibrant collection of celebration-driven songs—funky, dancey, groove-based tunes designed to move bodies and lift moods. True to the band’s live reputation, Olly Olly Oxen Free also weaves in humorous tidbits and comedy-style interludes, echoing the playful, off-the-cuff moments fans have come to love at shows.

Cory Mon’s mantra, “Free Hugs,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a vibe. It reflects the project’s open-hearted ethos and commitment to spreading joy, connection, and a little bit of weirdness through music.

Musically hard to pin down, Mon describes his style with a grin: “Happy (sometimes sad), gritty, funky, folksy, bluesy, rocky music… I guess.” That blend—paired with soul-baring lyrics, infectious grooves, and a magnetic stage presence—continues to win over audiences and solidify Cory Mon as one of Utah’s most compelling and joy-forward musical voices.

What kind of music do you play? Folk, soul, country, in between the cracks, on the edges - roots, rock, reggae.  Sean Hayes is a crooner, a wailer and an escape artist. He plays songs to get you dancing, sipping, dreaming and falling.

Born in New York, raised in North Carolina, with over 30 years playing music in California’s Bay Area you can hear a bit of all of these places flowing through the songwriting and his singular voice.

These influences are reflected in the many different musicians Sean has played with over the years. From singing duets with Aimee Mann and Frazey Ford to touring with Charley Crockett, Jolie Holland, The Wood Brothers, Ani DeFranco and The Cold War Kids among many others. His songs have been remixed by renowned House DJ Mark Farina and have appeared on NPR, NBC and HBO. Dress it up however you like it’s just a night of good music.

“There is an easy effortlessness in Hayes’ voice…the tonality of his voice is superb and as we’ve spoken of before, Hayes is doing things nobody else is doing. He has a darkened bar type of feel to him. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of going to New Orleans you might know what I’m speaking of..” - BEST NEW BANDS

“HAYES’ VOICE SUCCEEDS ON THE TENSION BETWEEN WARM, RESONANT SOUL AND DIRT-ROAD FOLK, ALL LACED WITH A WANDERING TROUBADOUR’S COO.” - SF WEEKLY“Maybe you recall his timeless voice paired with Aimee Mann on "Ballentines," the closing song of her album @#%&*! Smilers or mentioned frequently on NPR or adding some emotion to that car commercial. He's one of those artists who camps out on the fringes of the music world, but once your ears catch wind of his natural, rhythmic, reggae-tinged form, you wonder where he's been all your life.” - PHOENIX NEW TIMES

“SEAN HAYES' ROOTSY POP-ROCK SONGS RADIATE A SHAGGY, FREE-SPIRITED CHARM.” - NPR MUSIC