We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Hayden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
Your belief in what’s possible shapes your reality.
When I first moved back to Nashville from Los Angeles, I took a job as a technician in Audio & Video at a large convention center. One day at work, during some downtime, I live-streamed Coachella on the work computer. My soul ached as I wondered how I ended up here instead of there. I remember looking over at my supervisor’s desk and saw a picture of stars in outer space with a caption that read, “When you wish upon a star….that star is millions of light years away and probably dead, just like your dreams.” It was a joke, but I never laughed.
A few weeks later, during a training session with one of my bosses, he asked about my life outside of work. I opened up about my music career. He then shared his own story, revealing that he once had dreams of becoming a music artist and deeply regretted not being more diligent in pursuing them. He told me how he had everything he needed to be a successful but got sidetracked working as an Audio & Video technician. He told me if I wasn’t careful I’d end up as a career technician with similar regret.
That conversation was a turning point for me. I quit the job, choosing instead to teach kids music part-time and pour my heart into producing music. To this day my dream to play Coachella is still alive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My passion for music began at 11 years old when I received my first drumset. After high school, I moved to Nashville, TN and pursued drums at Belmont University. However, a pivotal internship at Big Kenny’s studio in Nashville shifted my passion to DJing & music production.
As the pop artist Alex&der, I aim to inspire hope. My DJ background with a fusion of orchestral elements and pop music adds a unique flavor. I describe my voice as the duality of innocence and power. My faith has been the most vital thing in my life and my biggest inspiration. Ultimately, I want to point to others to Christ. I identify as a Christian by faith, not necessarily by the music genre, because I believe my music is for anyone, not just believers.
My message to listeners is your life matters, and you’re not alone in your brokenness.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
So, back in 2019, my best buddy and I decided to start a band. I was on drums and he was the frontman. We hit the road, touring all over the country, living the dream. But then, unexpectedly, in 2022, our band broke up. Man, I was shattered.
During my time in the band, I was mostly in the background, playing drums, producing the music and helping out some with the songwriting. The idea of being the main singer and writing all the songs was something I honestly didn’t think I had in me.
But hey, life throws you curveballs, right? So, here I am, embracing this whole lead singer thing.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When I released “Dream Again” I had people who were recently fired from work, broken up with, or heartbroken tell me how my song was just what they needed to hear and how it was helping them through a very hard time.
My whole life I’ve wanted to change others lives through music and to hear someone tell me, my song impacted them is the greatest reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexandder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanddermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanddermusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/Alexanddermusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alexanddermusic?si=eFBiV5oxpfyKMCwQ
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexanddermusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Jason Thomas Miller
Danielo Clay