Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aubrey Hays. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aubrey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

In short, I am happy on the day to day. However, I definitely struggle with mental illness. Anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, and cptsd specifically.

But these things are the reason I pursue a creative path. I’ve had regular jobs in the past and they sucked all the life out of me. I really think my brain needs lots of different kinds of stimulation. So many female bodied people in my family have succumbed to mental illness and that’s why it’s all the more important for me to figure out the quality of life I need to stay healthy.

I’ve spent the last three years really nailing down what makes me happy and comfortable. And then I took a look at what I did best and how to leverage those skills and knowledge to make a living wage. When my career virtually disappeared overnight with the lockdown, I had to really think about sustainability. I lost my voice after COVID too for about 5 months which was super scary. It led me to learning more skills in music: DJing, artist management, teaching music, writing for sync (TV & film). Now I just have all these skills and my voice is back! It’s pretty cool.

In my opinion, success as an artist is living a pretty normal life; I have no need for mansions or nice cars. I’d just like to be able to own a home, pay my medical bills, and travel occasionally. That’s success right there. And I’ve seen how it’s possible. Mentorship is a huge thing whenever you’re at a crossroads in any industry and I’m really lucky to have found that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi dear reader! My name is Aubrey, I am non-binary and my pronouns are they/them.

I’m originally from the coast of Mississippi but have called Austin home since 2015. I’ve been writing songs since I was 8, but studied as an actor at Vassar College where I graduated in 2015. Acting became secondary to my songwriting when I moved to Austin after school and it’s been my career of choice since 2016.

I’m a performer first, but behind all that I am a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, DJ, arranger, studio musician, creative project manager, and a creative director for an artist management company. I can provide a variety of services not limited to what you see above. If I listed all my accrued skills it might read like a grocery list, but if you’re in need of musical creative consult, vocal coaching, or performances definitely give me a call!

I’m most proud of my recent mention by NPR Tinydesk as one of their top shelf artists for this year (I was one out of twenty something folks to get selected out of thousands of entries). I also am receiving a BlackFret grant at the end of the year which will go directly towards supporting my first LP!

Good things are coming, I can feel it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives can judge creatives quite a bit. “Hey man, get a job,” like the Daniel Johnston quote says. But I can tell you this, I do literally everything for my business. I’m incorporated as an LLC yall!

When I get to collaborate, boy is it a treat. But leading a band legitimately is hard work. I’m the HR, the project manager, the booker, the video editor, the producer, the writer, the photo editor, the accountant, and so much more. There’s a ton of work that goes into putting on a show, so many hours of rehearsals to get it to that level that you see on stage for 45 minutes.

I think we really need to get rid of the idea that musicians are lazy bums. Myself and many Austin musicians included are doing it all plus teaching school, barista-ing, dog walking, or any number of odd jobs to make this all work.

Pay the cover at the show, I promise you those musicians worked for it. Buy merch, support artists directly, tell the venue owners when you loved a set, there are so many ways to support but art is not something anyone should expect for free.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

This is my favorite part about doing what I do. After my shows when people walk up to me and say something like:

“You took me somewhere else for a little while.”

“Those lyrics to your song, made me think about something in my own life and helped me heal a little.”

“After that show, I need therapy…but like in the good way.”

When art connects in the very many ways that it does, it’s magic. It’s ephemeral. You create this space where people can be here, there, or everywhere all at once. It’s so special. Especially in these times where there’s so much going on politically and socially, we need community and gathering places to heal our souls a little bit.

I’ve had 5 years olds and 70 year olds draw me too. I’m amazed when art inspires art, and there are so many artists of all mediums that have inspired my work. What a cool thing humans have created. Art is emotional currency and we should treat it as such. If a piece of art touches you, think about the experience that created for you and then support that experience to the best of your ability!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aubreyhays.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/aubreyhaysofficial
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/aubreyhaysband
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/aubreyhays
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EkVefqb9jBxjCtjZFSS7x?si=y6MJoYH-TA6oGc7fDzbYGA

Image Credits
-Angela Betancourt -John Bergin -Ish Quintenella