A CHAT WITH HAIDEN
BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)Stepping into Baby's All Right in Brooklyn for Haiden's inaugural soundcheck before his first NYC headline show, I couldn't help but feel the energy of anticipation in the air. As Haiden and his band fine-tuned their performance, I was struck by the sense of camaraderie and dedication on display. Following this exciting moment, I sat down with Haiden for an insightful interview on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Our conversation delved deep into Haiden's musical journey, revealing his vulnerability and passion for storytelling. Later that evening, as the show commenced with the dynamic opener Jared Benjamin, the atmosphere crackled with excitement, buoyed by Haiden's magnetic stage presence and the audience's enthusiastic response. After the performance, Haiden's genuine warmth and accessibility were on full display as he stayed behind to chat with fans, even braving the chilly night air after Baby's All Right closed at 1 AM to continue engaging with his supporters. This genuine connection with his audience underscores Haiden's authenticity as both an artist and a person. As I reflect on this unforgettable experience, it's clear that Haiden's star is on the rise, fueled by his undeniable talent and genuine connection with his audience.
Exploring Themes in "Choke On My Heart"
Question: "Choke On My Heart" suggests a struggle of intense emotions and a desire for self-preservation. How do you explore this internal conflict through the EP, and what insights do you hope listeners will gain from experiencing your music?
Answer: Haiden responded with introspection, revealing, "I basically got sad for probably seven or eight months. Was pretty down in the dumps in my own life... Songs like 'Killed the Kid' and 'Choke On My Heart'... I was writing them because I was sad and connecting with myself in that way... I want songs that will age well, no matter who you are or whether or not you know who I am... There is a song for everybody on the project... It's capturing a moment in time for me and I hope it's relatable. The EP serves as a journey through my emotional landscape, navigating themes of vulnerability, heartache, and self-reflection. Each song encapsulates a different facet of my experience, inviting listeners to explore their own emotions and find solace in shared struggles."
The Power of Live Performances
Question: You mentioned the significance of live performances in connecting with audiences. Can you elaborate on how you approach this exchange and share a memorable moment from your touring experiences?
Answer: Haiden shared profound insights, expressing, "Your job as an artist is to connect with yourself enough to give everybody in the room permission to connect with themselves... The more human I was on stage, the more I learned that people resonated with it... My mom came to a show and she cried while I was playing, and she told me it was because she felt like she was meeting her son for the first time... It's about being vulnerable and allowing that connection to happen. Live performances serve as a platform for genuine connection and emotional release. Each show is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the audience, creating a space for shared experiences and raw emotions. One memorable moment was when I witnessed a full-grown man break down in tears during a performance of 'Killed the Kid.' It was a powerful reminder of the impact music can have on individuals and the profound connections forged through shared vulnerability."
Acoustic Versions and Musical Expression
Question: Two of your songs on the EP have acoustic versions. What prompted this decision, and how do these versions contribute to the emotional resonance of your music?
Answer: Haiden explained his creative process, stating, "So much of the industry on the outside of school... having an acoustic version is sort of an extension of what I do... the acoustic versions are done in an attempt to pull the production back to just allow my energy to come through... I'll likely have that just continue to be a part of my brand... It adds another layer of intimacy to the music. Acoustic versions offer a stripped-down interpretation of the songs, allowing for a more raw and authentic expression of emotion. By removing the layers of production, the focus shifts to the lyrical content and the raw energy of the performance. These versions provide listeners with a more intimate experience, inviting them to connect with the essence of the song on a deeper level."
Navigating the Music Industry and Building Connections
Question: You transitioned from engineering to pursuing music full-time. How have your experiences at USC and the connections you've formed contributed to your career trajectory?
Answer: Haiden shared personal anecdotes, reflecting, "If you do what you do better than everybody else, connections will come to you... I wasn't very good at seeking out connection. I was better at doing my thing good enough for people to want to come to me... meeting your professors was way more influential to me... They didn't end up helping me a ton, but they made me feel a lot less crazy for feeling the way that I did... I've learned a lot from the people I've collaborated with and the mentors who have guided me. My journey from engineering to music has been unconventional, but the connections I've made along the way have been invaluable. While my college experience was not conventional, the few friendships I formed and the mentorship I received were instrumental in shaping my artistic path. Each interaction, whether with professors or fellow musicians, has contributed to my growth as an artist and helped me navigate the complexities of the music industry."
The Inspiration Behind "Choke On My Heart"
Question: The title of your EP, "Choke On My Heart," carries a powerful metaphorical weight. Can you share the inspiration behind this title and how it encapsulates the overarching theme of the EP?
Answer: Haiden recounted a poignant anecdote, stating, "I made it hard to eat and to breathe... I wrote a song called choke on my heart... I feel like this whole EP was me choking on my heart... I'm more like my first EP... I'll dip into my sadness when I feel it... that's how I interpreted that phrase... It's about acknowledging the struggles and challenges we face and finding strength in vulnerability... It's a reflection of my journey and the emotions I've experienced along the way. 'Choke On My Heart' represents the culmination of my emotional journey, encapsulating the highs and lows of my experiences. Each song serves as a chapter in this narrative, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The title serves as a metaphor for the internal conflict I grapple with, the struggle to reconcile my emotions and find solace amidst the chaos. It's a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the resilience it takes to navigate life's challenges."
My experience with Haiden's soundcheck and headline show at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn provided a glimpse into the essence of an artist poised for greatness. From the intimate moments of vulnerability shared during our interview to the electrifying energy of his performance on stage, Haiden's passion for his craft and his genuine connection with his audience were palpable. His willingness to stay behind and engage with fans long after the show ended speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to building meaningful connections through music. As Haiden continues to navigate his musical journey, it's evident that he possesses both the talent and the authenticity to leave a lasting impact on the industry. With each heartfelt lyric and captivating melody, Haiden invites listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and emotional resonance, making him an artist to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
