Hayden is a Toronto musician who’s been releasing records for a decade now. His international debut “Everything I Long For” (Hardwood/Geffen) was released in 1996 after initial attention in Canada following two cassettes and several 7-inch singles. The album’s home- recorded songs appealed to critics and fans alike, making many year-end top ten lists.

Following tours of the U.S, Europe and Japan, Hayden released “The Closer I Get” (Geffen) in 1998… a more band-oriented affair and a sonic and lyrical progression. Following over a year of touring and promotion, Hayden closed the book on chapter one of his music career. It wasn’t until 2001 that he returned with the wonderful “Skyscraper National Park” (Hardwood/Universal). Recorded at his home studio, it is filled with a warmth and beauty that was felt by music lovers everywhere. Here’s a sample of some of the praise the album received:

THE ONION/NEW YORK
“Hayden draws from the traditions of eccentric folk-rock, but his ragged, harrowing concoction of acoustic gentility and electric anarchy stands as a genre all its own.”

MOJO - GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL (“a release of exceptional quality”)
“The album's unequivocal genius slaps you upside the head. Everything about this record - musicianship, songcraft, lyrics – is superior.”

During the final stages of touring “Skyscraper…”, Hayden recorded an intimate hometown performance, which was released as a double record in 2002. “Live at Convocation Hall” reveals Hayden at his purest, with just his voice, guitar and harmonica:

ALTERNATIVE PRESS
“A little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, Hayden crafts each song like a musical photograph---scenic, colourful and keenly observant”.

“Elk - Lake Serenade”, released in the spring of ’04, continued where “Skyscraper National Park” left off. Sparse fingerpicked ballads mix with full band rock songs to create a very full and rewarding listening experience. Pianos, pedal steel, and strings accent Hayden’s guitar and piano playing, while his stories of life and loss shine through:

HARP
“…an artist of remarkable depth and potential, becoming someone who inspires comparison rather than invites it”.

TIME OUT/LONDON
”Lovely, cracked, off-key vocals, winsome melodies and brilliant lyrics”.