The Australian DJ/producer opens up about the importance of remixes, exploring different channels of creativity and using SoundCloud to connect with fans.
Welcome to Sound Advice, the series spotlighting artists’ creative process and their SoundCloud journey. We’ll get the inside knowledge straight from the source on how musicians, producers and creatives are leaning into everything Next Pro offers to elevate their sound, reach the right audience and catapult their careers. Sound Advice is now available in audio format on the SoundCloud Stories profile.
On this episode of Sound Advice, we’re catching up with Australian DJ, producer and songwriter Hayden James. Hayden came of age in the same circles as other Aussie acts like RÜFÜS DU SOL, George Maple, Cassian and Flume – making melodic feel-good electronic pop songs that touch the club world too. Hayden had his first major hit with “Something About You,” which came out in 2015 on the the era-defining Future Classic label. He’s stuck with the imprint ever since, and just released his third album, ‘We Could Be Love,’ made in between Future Classic’s LA studios, his hometown of Sydney, Australia, and on headphones in plenty of hotel rooms and on transatlantic plane flights.
Currently touring the record stateside, we caught up with Hayden to talk about the sound of the new record, his SoundCloud journey, and his love of melody and harmony. Plus, he gives us his tips on everything from songwriting to vocals to mixing, and we find out what else he’s got cooking up. And, after you listen to this episode, check out our Voice Notes series where Hayden tells the stories behind the individual tracks on his new album. Welcome to Sound Advice.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO EPISODE OF SOUND ADVICE, FEATURING HAYDEN JAMES
LISTEN TO VOICE NOTES WITH HAYDEN JAMES
LISTEN TO ‘WE COULD BE LOVE’ BY HAYDEN JAMES
THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE OF SOUND ADVICE
- Hayden James dials in from freshly kicking off his ‘We Could Be Love’ tour, shedding light on how his latest and third album differs from his first two projects, as well as how he approached writing this album with a club environment in mind.
- Reflecting on how a robust DJ schedule influences the music he writes, Hayden shares how he draws influence from other genres outside of dance music, including country, hip-hop and alternative rock.
- Hayden opens up about the creative decisions that happen during the mixing and mastering process, and how the creative process doesn’t end once the writing is completed.
- Incorporating vocals and how he is ready to record in different situations, thanks to a USB mic, and his tips for recording on the fly outside of a traditional studio environment.
- Hayden weighs in on the differences between the music scenes in Los Angeles and his native Australia, as well as touches on the commonalities between the two and how the environment influences his creative process.
- How SoundCloud makes an impact by offering the tools to upload music swiftly and effectively so artists can receive immediate feedback, real-time advice and engagement from listeners.
- His decade-plus tenure using SoundCloud, with Hayden taking us back to his earliest uploads and even revealing how he has alternative artist aliases on the platform, which allow him to try out different styles of music than what fans have come to expect from him.
- Insights into using SoundCloud to support artists more directly and be able to access content that is not readily available elsewhere.
- Advice on changing up your environment to work through creative ruts, which for Hayden, means taking breaks when needed, going for daily swims and balancing time in the studio with fatherhood.
- Tips for exploring different channels to promote and express yourself that connect back to your artistry, interests or music itself, such as exploring avenues like fitness or cooking to spark an in-depth conversation about one’s mindset or creative process.
- The importance of offering stems or opening sessions to other artists, and connecting with fellow artists and music fans through remixes.
- A full-circle Sound Advice moment, with Hayden James reflecting on how recent guest Ben Böhmer’s mastery of harmony is something that stands out to him.
- Hayden shares lessons from the studio, including not over-saturating or over-working things and standing by your creative choices.
- Plus, what to expect on the menu if Hayden James ever opens up his own restaurant.
LINKS AND EXTRAS
- Follow Hayden James’ journey on SoundCloud.
- Listen to tracks from Hayden James’ latest album, ‘We Could Be Love,’ here.
- Check out Voice Notes for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of tracks from ‘We Could be Love,’ only on SoundCloud.
- Take Hayden James’ advice and add u-he’s Diva plugin to your DAW.
- Spend some time on SoundCloud exploring music from Hayden’s other alias, UNIVERSE.
- Listen to our exclusive interview with Ben Böhmer to learn more about why Hayden James calls him a master of harmony.
- Follow Cormac, one of Hayden James’ collaborators.
- Stay up-to-date with the Future Classic label on SoundCloud..
- Listen to the Buzzing: Electronic playlist on SoundCloud.
- Never miss an episode and follow the Sound Advice playlist on SoundCloud.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF SOUNDCLOUD
- Learn more about using DMs to connect with fellow artists and potential collaborators.
- Learn more about searching your own Likes on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about using private tracks on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about getting started with Insights on SoundCloud.
- Learn more about Advanced Insights, available to Artist Pro subscribers.
- Learn more about unlimited uploads, available with a Artist Pro subscription.
- Learn more unlocking access to unlimited distribution, available with Artist Pro.
To discover additional features a SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription offers, visit here. To catch up on past installments of Sound Advice and make sure you don’t miss out on future episodes, visit here.
CREDITS: Host: Vivian Host, Executive Producer: Mike Spinella, Producer: KC Orcutt, Audio Engineer: David “DibS” Shackney, Coordinator: Trevor McGee
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