If idle hands are the Devil’s workshop, Melbourne singer-songwriter Hayden Calnin lives a blessed life.
Releasing his debut double album ‘Cut Love Pt. 1 & 2’ last year, Hayden has already followed-up with a new EP called ‘Dirt’ that is slated for release in the next few months.
Lead single ‘Waves’ was released last month and is a heartfelt ode to young people struggling with mental health issues. “‘Dirt’ is a conceptual EP; it’s a bit separate which is why I made it an EP instead of an album,” Hayden explains.
“It's exploring mental health in youth, around 20, 30-year olds. I’ve watched people around me fall into that hip-pocket of mental health issues and it’s a reflection on my relationship to it and how it affects me and my friends.”
With firsthand experience of the oppressive wrath of mental health, Hayden began developing the project as a way of dealing with what he and his loved ones were going through. “A lot of really close friends over the past couple years have entered a hole in their life and it's affected me in a lot of ways. I’m not very good at dealing with things other than through song.
“I’m not very confrontational or good at speaking my mind other than through lyrics and music. It's a touchy subject and it’s been a really weird experience collecting my thoughts on it, but I got there somehow.”
Hayden is heading out on a short tour to launch the ‘Waves’ single, where he will be joined on stage by a backing band. “I only tend to do a string of shows a year so I try and make them as special as possible,” he says.
“I think I’ve got the right band for it; I’ve got a whole bunch of musos playing with me, my usual crew and then a couple of special guests coming up and joining the band for the shows.
“I’m excited to put it on stage, give it a run and see what happens. It's going to be really nice. I’m excited for the shows and the supports I’ve got for it are all beautiful musicians. I want to put on a really good string of shows and not make too much of a big deal out of it other than a couple of hours of nice music.”
Though no stranger to a live stage, Hayden is looking forward to honing his stagecraft on the upcoming tour, leaving the safety and comfort of his instruments to take a more commanding role behind the microphone. “This time I’m trying to step a little more away from the instruments and I’m focussing on the vocals which I haven't really done before.
“I enjoy hiding behind a piano or guitar, so I’m trying to steer clear of that this time around and see how I go.”
‘Waves’ is out now.
Hayden Calnin Shows
Fri 30 Jun - Hudson Ballroom (Sydney)Thu 6 Jul - Mojos (Fremantle)
5-8 Sep - BIGSOUND (Brisbane)
