Check Out Alex Hayden’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alex Hayden.

Hi Alex, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We all know what it feels like to want to give up. At 15, I wrote down my music dreams on paper and hid it. Later that year, I had a birthday party at my house and caught a friend digging through my drawer.

Embarrassment flooded me as I feared he found my secret paper. I began to think my dreams were all stupid and delusional. The next day, I went to church, and the sermon was about not giving up on your dreams. That moment kept my flame lit when I so wanted to quit.

It was at 11 years old that I started playing drums. I played in church and a rock band in high school with my best friends. I grew up listening to Coldplay and U2. Bono first inspired me with a quote, “Music can change the world because it can change people.”

After high school, I moved to Nashville, TN, to study drums at Belmont University. During this time, I became a studio intern for Big Kenny. This was where my passion shifted from drums to music production and piano. After college, I sold all my drums and moved out to Los Angeles to increase my chances of becoming a successful DJ & music producer.

Two years later, I returned to Nashville and cofounded a rock band as the drummer and producer. We fulfilled our wildest dream, opening for Coldplay at the Hollywood Bowl by winning the 2021 Opening Act Contest. But the following year, our band came to an end. After the breakup, I took a year off from music and went to ministry school. During that year, I felt like maybe my dreams had peaked.

I wondered how a drummer and singer with an ordinary voice like me could continue in music without his frontman. However, upon graduation, I chose to continue singing my songs on the piano, recognizing that when good things end, you have to dream again.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The crippling self-doubt I struggled with when I was a teenager, as well as being bullied in school, made it not easy.

Another big challenge for me was when I wasn’t accepted into the School of Music at Belmont University after preparing for it in high school. Despite the setback, I kept practicing and taking lessons during my freshman year. Then, in my sophomore year, I auditioned again and finally got accepted. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt that my passion for music was greater than any natural talent I may have. But I recognize that I have been given a gift; it just might take me longer to unwrap it.

But the hardest obstacle, I’d say, was finding the strength to rise after my band ended and move forward in a new position. The transition from drumming and background vocals to a lead vocal role was a challenge I never thought I’d face or was capable of.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My artist’s name is Alex&der, but my friends just call me Alex. I’m a songwriter, producer, and singer. I strive to make music that serves both as entertainment, and as a source of encouragement for others.

As a pop artist, my journey is different because I used to be an EDM DJ, and I have a mix of formal music education with a strong passion for film scores. I honestly believe something would be missing in music if I didn’t contribute my song. I truly believe we find our true place in this world when we stop trying to be someone else and finally embrace who we are uniquely made to be.

What matters most to you?
As an artist, I would say originality, authenticity, and vulnerability.

Originality is important because art can only evolve if we create something new. Don’t just copy the popular; take a chance and BE YOU!

Authenticity because if you’re not, who then is everyone seeing?

Vulnerability because your struggles and weaknesses make you relatable and can create a connection with others.

I know, ultimately, how I live my life will be greater than any song I could write. I hope my life pointed people to Christ and sparked hope in the hopeless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexandder.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanddermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanddermusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alexanddermusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxy5abn1fk7IQIZGEUtGDuw
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tMttnpAbll65W43CcWh9i?si=kAMpiGUzSjWp8eJgDBEVeA

Image Credits
Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, Jason Thomas Miller, and Jordan Hernandez