We are excited to present Stone Senate, a hard-hitting Southern rock band straight out of Nashville, Tennessee. Often described as “a heavier version of Lynyrd Skynyrd crossed with The Allman Brothers Band,” their music captures the heart of classic rock while embracing a fresh, contemporary edge. With powerful vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and high-energy performances, Stone Senate continues to captivate audiences across the nation.
To dig a little deeper into their story and see how they’re rocking the stage with the help of StageClix, we sat down with Stone Senate’ guitarist Ted Hennington to hear all about their journey, gear, and what keeps their sound fresh and fierce.
Ted, Stone Senate has been making waves in the music scene for a while. Can you tell us how the band came together and what initially inspired you to pursue music professionally?
Stone Senate came together about 12 years ago when our singer and guitarist Clint Woolsey and our former guitar player Marcus Brown started the band. The lineup has evolved over time, and the current version has been rocking together for about five years. We recently welcomed our new bass player, Tommy Michael, into the fold. The rest of us—David Zettler (drummer), James Edwards (guitarist), and me—have been tight for over 30 years, which adds a whole lot of history and chemistry to the mix.
As for me, music’s always been a big part of my life. My dad and sister were both musical, and that really inspired me to start playing. I’ve been around music for as long as I can remember. I picked up the trumpet when I was 9 and started playing guitar at 12.
Stone Senate is often described as a Southern rock band, drawing from the rich traditions of the genre while also mixing in various influences. So, who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Our influences come from all over. You’ll find everything from Bill Monroe to Soundgarden to early Van Halen in the mix. A lot of people compare us to the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd because we’re from the South and do a lot of harmony and three-guitar parts. But we also pull in stuff like Racer X and classic country. We’re working with this broad palette of influences, and our hope is that we can paint something uniquely "Stone Senate" with it all.
With that kind of rich and diverse sound, it’s no surprise that your live shows are known for their high energy and engagement. What do you believe makes a live performance memorable, and how do you maintain that energy throughout your shows?
I think seeing a band that’s honest onstage is the key, and there’s less and less of that these days, but for us, it’s 100 percent live every time. The songs we play come from a genuine place, and I think the crowd picks up on that.
Keeping the energy alive on stage is easy when you’re feeding off the energy from the audience. Personally, I get a rush from guitars that sound great and when the whole band is tight and locked in. When everything clicks, it’s like pure adrenaline, and that’s what keeps us going night after night.
The right setup must be playing a big role in maintaining that energy on stage. So, what prompted you to make the transition from wired to wireless systems?
It’s all about movement. I’ve always admired the great performers who could move freely onstage, and that’s something I wanted to bring to Stone Senate. With three guitars and a bass on stage, having wireless systems helps eliminate all that cable clutter.
It’s much easier to move around and interact with the crowd when you're not tripping over cables or getting tangled up.
We all love to move, and wireless systems make it effortless, allowing us to focus on putting on the best show possible.
Speaking about wireless, what led you to StageClix, and how did it stand out from other wireless systems?
I first discovered StageClix because I was on the hunt for a 5.8 GHz wireless system that could hold up to the demands of live performances.
I needed something reliable that wouldn’t cut out or give me trouble during a show. What really made StageClix stand out was how well it met all those technical needs, but it also exceeded expectations in terms of sound quality.
The signal is strong, clear, and consistent. And as a bonus, they don’t break the bank, which is always a win.
We’re glad to hear that StageClix has met your needs. Could you share which features of StageClix have been most beneficial for your live performances, and how has freedom of movement enhanced your interactions with the audience and the band's overall performance?
The two biggest features are its roadworthiness and the fact that it operates on the 5.8 GHz band. My V3 has been on my board for over 7 years now, and after probably a thousand shows across the world—countless charges and all—it has never failed me.
It's built to last, which is essential when you're constantly on the road and putting your gear through the grind.
And as for freedom of movement, when you’re not tangled up in cables, you can get right up close to the audience. It opens up space for us to move, bring out our showmanship, and make every moment unforgettable. This connection with the crowd on a deeper level just makes the whole show feel even more electric.
It’s always inspiring to hear how the right gear can make such a difference on stage. Based on your experience, what advice would you give musicians when it comes to choosing a wireless system?
I would say invest in a wireless system that’s going to serve you for many years. It’s worth spending a little extra to get exactly what you need rather than settling for something less. Keep in mind that the wireless system will become a part of your sound, and that’s where StageClix really stands out. They sound incredible, they’re durable, and they deliver exceptional value for money. I love mine!
As we wrap up this conversation, we want to thank everyone at Stone Senate for giving us an inside look into their dynamic performances. Their dedication to their craft, combined with the right tools, fuels their ability to connect with audiences and deliver unforgettable performances every time they hit the stage.
Don’t miss their newly released single, “On My Way To Alright,” and explore their music—it’s a great way to experience the energy and authenticity they bring to every live show.
Ready to take your live shows to the next level? Explore our wireless 5.8 GHz audio systems and join the growing community of artists transforming their performances with StageClix. Discover more artist stories and see how they’re rocking the stage with their wireless gear!
