We were lucky to catch up with Rob Hayes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rob, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The ominous shadow of the Doomsday Clock looms large, with its relentless countdown now frozen at a spine-tingling 90 seconds until midnight. In the heart of this apocalyptic tension, RobHayes, the visionary of a new hip hop era, emerges as a harbinger of musical transformation. His forthcoming album, ’90 Seconds Until Midnight,’ is not just an opus; it’s a declaration of revolution that threatens to shatter the status quo.
RobHayes, armed with his lyrical prowess and unmatched artistic vision, stands poised at the precipice of hip hop’s rebirth. He doesn’t aim to simply release an album; he seeks to dismantle the old world order, leaving behind a smoldering wreckage of convention to forge an untrodden path towards a brighter tomorrow.
Prepare yourself for a musical experience like no other, as Rob Hayes unleashes a torrent of sound and creativity that will redefine the boundaries of hip hop. Brace for the upheaval, for the hands of time inch ever closer to midnight, and the revolution is nigh. Will you join him in this epic quest to reshape the future of hip hop? 90 Seconds Until Midnight Releases Nov 10th on all streaming platforms via Greaterthan Distribution / Virgin Music Group.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Rob hails from Michigan but has called Southern California home since 2005. He attended Everett High School in Lansing, where he witnessed the likes of Magic Johnson bringing superstar artists like Dr. Dre to the city. Inspired by this, Rob was determined to follow his dreams in Hollywood. During his high school years, he was known as Young Inf, a talented rapper who gained popularity in his city with a mixtape release.
After high school, Rob ventured to Florida, where he pursued record deals and college, but faced disappointment. Seeking a new path, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, undergoing Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego and then serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His commitment and dedication earned him an honorable discharge in 2008.
In 2009, Rob relocated to Los Angeles, where he enrolled at the LA Film School and earned a certificate in audio engineering. During his time as a student, he interned for a producer involved with Macy Gray and MC Lyte. In 2012, Rob’s talent shone through when he became a rap contestant on America’s Got Talent, making it to the Vegas Rounds. That same year, he embarked on a new professional journey as an assistant in the Global Touring department at Live Nation.
Rob’s tenure at Live Nation and Roc Nation/Three Six Zero Group allowed him to gain extensive experience in the touring artist management and production industry. His involvement spanned every aspect of concerts, from venue bookings to travel organization and artist team management. His expertise guarantees a successful and enjoyable experience for both artists and audiences alike. Throughout his career, Rob has worked on world tours for renowned artists such as Madonna, U2, Beyonce, Jay Z, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Barbra Streisand, Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Calvin Harris, R3Hab, GTA, 3lAU, and Cirque du Soleil.
In 2016, Rob took a leap and founded his own label, Thirty Dark Zero Records, assuming the role of CEO. As a producer and recording artist, he utilizes his diverse knowledge and experience to support recording artists through their management and agent, closing deals and facilitating their success. In concert production, TDZ excels in advancing and creating tour forecasts, obtaining necessary approvals, and executing impactful pre-sale and on-sale rollouts. Rob also possesses marketing and social media ad buying expertise, gained through collaborations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern California.
Rob’s music career has granted him incredible opportunities to collaborate with successful LA natives like Larrance Dopson and My Guy Mars of 1500 or Nothin, as well as five-time Grammy award winner Candace Wakefield. His debut album, “90 Seconds To Midnight,” releasing Nov 10 2023, features Candace Wakefield on the track “Make Me a Meal.”
Rob firmly believes that independent musicians require a strong team, exceptional music, and a compelling story to achieve success. Moreover, establishing an effective sales funnel is crucial for reaching their target audience and promoting their music. These essential components pave the way for independent musicians to thrive.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During my time in the Marine Corps, I was part of a team tasked with the challenging mission of recovering a downed helicopter from a lake not far from our base. It was an experience that left a profound impact on me. Seeing the gaping hole on the side of the helicopter, a stark reminder of the moment it had been shot down, was a sight that imprinted itself on my soul.
The aftermath of this mission was more than just a professional challenge; it took an emotional toll on me. Witnessing the remnants of that helicopter and the weight of its history was deeply distressing. It marked the beginning of a difficult journey, one that led me to grapple with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for several years. It’s an experience that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Compounding the weight of these experiences was the loss of my executive officer to suicide while we were in-country. The emotional burden of losing a comrade, especially in such a tragic way, only added to the darkness that I was already contending with.
However, through the depths of despair and the struggle with my mental health, I found a lifeline in my music. Music became my refuge, a sanctuary where I could pour my thoughts and emotions into my art. It was a way for me to process the pain, anger, and sadness that I had been carrying for so long. Creating music provided an outlet for self-expression and healing, and it played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the darkness that had consumed me.
Through my music, I found a renewed sense of purpose and a way to channel my experiences into something positive. It wasn’t an easy journey, but gradually, music became a beacon of hope, a means to cope with the trauma, and ultimately, a pathway to recovery.
Today, I’m grateful for the strength I found in my music, which enabled me to navigate the depths of despair and emerge on the other side. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and art as a source of healing and transformation. My experiences in the Marine Corps will always be a part of me, but I’ve learned to use them as a source of inspiration for my music and as a way to connect with others who may be going through their own struggles.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the opportunity to connect with people on a deep and emotional level through my music. Music has a unique ability to transcend boundaries, cultures, and languages, and as an artist, I have the privilege of creating something that can resonate with people from all walks of life.
Seeing the impact that my music has on listeners, whether it’s providing solace during difficult times, inspiring them to dance, or simply bringing joy to their lives, is an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s like creating a bridge that connects me with my audience, and the emotional connections forged through music are genuinely rewarding.
Moreover, the creative process itself is immensely gratifying. There’s a sense of freedom and self-expression that comes with being an artist. It allows me to explore my inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and translate them into melodies and lyrics that can resonate with others. It’s a form of catharsis and self-discovery that’s deeply fulfilling.
Lastly, being an artist also enables me to be part of a larger cultural conversation. Music often reflects the times we live in, and I take pride in contributing to that dialogue through my art. It’s a powerful platform to address social issues, share personal stories, and even challenge the status quo, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: thirtydarkzerorecords.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsrobhayes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsRobHayes
- Other: New Album 90 Seconds Until Midnight https://ingrv.es/90-seconds-until-mid-265-v
Image Credits
Thirty Dark Zero Records / GreaterThan Distribution