We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Harlem Hayfield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Harlem Hayfield thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Well, it didn’t happen when we first formed. In 2019, a few of us were hanging it up with the cover bands we were in. Chris approached Mikey, asking what he was going to do next (musically). Mikey replied that he didn’t have any plans but if he were to get involved in a project, it would have to be something original. They got together to jam one evening, Chris made some calls that weekend and the following Tuesday was “band practice” haha

After writing throughout the pandemic and finally getting out to play our songs for people, we knew Harlem Hayfield had something. So, we all agreed to buckle up & take the ride for as long as it will go.

Harlem Hayfield, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We’re 6 guys from Central Illinois that had pretty much always ran around in the same circle. A few of us played in the same bands on & off throughout the years, but what finally networked us all together was a Rock N Roll Summer Camp for kids in the area. We all had musical roles in that camp, so that’s when we really got to know each other. So now we are Harlem Hayfield. We create music that we call Rustbelt Soul. It’s an eccentric blend of Blues, Jazz, Alternative, Rock and Soul. Pretty much, we’re making the music that we’ve wanted to hear for years, but no one was writing it.

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

In something as emotional as music, the connection you feel when you see someone really taking in your song. Not just wiggling hips to the beat, or slaying an air-guitar solo, but seriously absorbing your melodies and stories. That’s huge.

This feels like a very disconnected world these days. With most conversations happening from us staring at screens. So we would say the live performances where you notice someone in the crowd really taking it in. Money can’t buy that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

We have had to unlearn the idea that success is a destination. People always think “If I can just make this much money, then I’ll be set.” Or, “Once we get to this point, then we can truly say we’ve made it.” The fact of the matter is life is composed of many successes and setbacks, and they are not always in your hands. But if you are starting off your day above ground, and you are doing what you love, that in and of itself is a success. We have already done much bigger things, in a much shorter time frame, than some of us thought we would. And while that doesn’t mean we have any intentions on slowing down, it’s good to keep that in perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harlemhayfield.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemhayfield/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harlemhayfield
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarlemHayfield
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@harlemhayfield

Image Credits
Main Photo – Dino Petrocelli HH2 – Alida Sullivan HH3 – Lamplighter Productions HH5 – Peoria Music Live