Hawley Shoffner, Wichita senior, won KJHK’s 2008 Farmer’s Ball, the annual battle of the bands that features Lawrence’s best new musical acts. Shoffner performed five songs and beat out seven other musical acts to win studio time at Black Lodge Recording in Eudora, merchandise from Blue Collar Press and a photo shoot. The folk singer plays the kazoo, ukulele, piano, guitar and accordion. Jayplay recently spoke with Shoffner about her music and recent success.

How would you describe your music?

I would call it as minimal as you can get. I like to play the instruments myself so I don’t have to depend on others to make music. Sometimes I talk about things that have happened to me, but I mostly make music about other people. I’m a history major, and I read a lot about old Hollywood. I’ll finish a book and then write a song about a character.

What artists have influenced your music?

The DeZurik Sisters. They’re a folk band from the 1930s. They’re yodelers who would mimic the sounds of chickens and other farm animals. Another big influence is a French artist called Soko. She plays one instrument. It’s very minimalist.

What’s your writing process? Do you write on paper or on a computer?

I don’t use computers very often. I usually get a tune in my head. It starts with a tune or a verse, and then I start figuring out what it would sound like if I were to play it.

Did you think you had a good chance at winning Farmer’s Ball?

I was shocked to be honest. I wasn’t going to do it, and then my friend Annie was like, “If you’re not going to enter, I’ll enter for you.” I just couldn’t believe that I won, because there were a lot more people watching the artists I was up against.

Do you think more people are listening to your music because you won Farmer’s Ball?

Definitely. It’s hard for me to make music if I don’t think anyone is listening. I heard some of my songs on KJHK, and then people started asking me for CDs. I only have a cassette tape right now, but I think more people will listen when I record a CD.

What advice would you give to someone who loves making music but has stage fright?

You have to get over it. I’ve been terrified my whole life, but I thought, “If I’m going to do this, then I have to perform.” It’s not so scary when you get up there. People think drinking will relax them before they get on stage, but I can’t drink before I perform. I also like to get really dressed up and match my clothes to my instruments.

Have you had any bad experiences while performing?

Big time! I was in this band called Alphabet City, and it was just my friend Dan and me playing a show in Wichita. We were playing, and all of a sudden it got really foggy. I was like, “Who turned on the fog machine?” Then we realized that a light below us was on fire. I just kept playing.

Do you have a favorite artist at the moment?

I’m listening to a lot of Vashti Bunyan. She’s an English folk singer from the 1960s. I also like Civylle Baier and Comet Gain. I mostly listen to folk music.

Do you want to pursue a professional career in music?

I’ve always wanted to be a musician, but I never thought it was possible. I want to go to law school and hopefully become a senator. Or if music works out, then I would love to be a famous musician.