Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Patrick Hadley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Patrick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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?
I’ve often been told I would be a great teacher! So, of course, I’ve wondered how my life might have been if I took that route. Having summers off was always appealing! Before being an instrument maker I was a self employed, general building contractor in the residential remodel and room addition arena. That occupation gave me a lot of freedom to pursue other interests, including music and eventually instrument building. It also gave me the free time that I needed to spend time with my two sons. I was a single, full custody dad for many years. I believe that I fall into a personality type known as “makers”. As far back as I can remember, making things was always my thing. My favorite toys were building sets. I became interested in making music very early on as well. We always had a piano and I had a few lessons then got my first guitar at 12. Synthesizers captured my interest from the beginning and I acquired my first Mini Moog in my 20’s. In my 40’s I met a guy that would change the direction of my life. Bill Wesley had invented an instrument that was nothing short of absolutely brilliant! He called it the Array mbira (mm-beer-uh) I asked him if he ever considered going professional with it and he said yes but wasn’t sure how to get started. Being a successful self employed contractor, wood worker and musician for many years, I proposed we start a business together and that’s how it all started, close to 25 years ago! So, am I happy as a creative? Absolutely!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The musical instruments that we make are called Array mbiras. Our micro cottage industry is called Array Instruments, www.arraymbira.com We are basically, 2 guys, building unique, one of a kind, custom instruments. They are an original design created by my business partner, Bill Wesley. They fall into the category of instruments called lamellophones and are most commonly known as kalimbas. Many people have seen some version of these types of instruments. However, ours are the most sophisticated and advanced in the world because they play in every key and in many octaves, like a piano. They also have very high quality pickups built in to them for recording and amplification. Almost all other kalimba type instruments only play in limited scales. Professional musicians and serious amateurs have taken notice and our instruments are in the hands of some well known musicians, film composers and producers. To mention a few, Sting, Imogen Heap, Ry Cooder and his son Joachim Cooder. and many more. Our instrument was featured on a very popular Taylor Swift song called “Clean” from her Grammy winning album 1989. It was also featured in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul as well as an Oscar winning foreign film called, In a Better World. There are hundreds of youtube videos by all kinds of Array mbira players and the first video I ever posted went viral and has over 22 million views!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
A friend once suggested that my purpose in life, was to create beauty! I like that and completely agree! Almost everyone loves music. Music brings joy and happiness on so many levels. It speaks to our hearts and to our souls. It can help us through hard times and provide a soundtrack to the good times and lifelong memories. I find it very interesting that even in advanced stages of dementia, almost everyone still responds to and remembers music! I don’t think I could be happier and more fulfilled doing anything else than making beautiful,unique instruments and playing music. These instruments, videos and recordings will be around long after I’m gone. It’s my legacy and I will continue making instruments and making music as long as I am able. I have no desire to retire or do anything else.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
It’s always been my (our) goal to share the unique beauty of the Array mbira and it’s unique system of note arrangement. It’s not just a beautiful sounding instrument or an amazing work of art. It’s the system of note arrangement that really makes these instruments so unique and different. The Array System of note arrangement makes understanding and playing music much more approachable and easy to understand than most other instruments. That is our claim to fame! There are many, many types of similar instruments but there is nothing remotely close to the Array mbira. There have been a few copies but they have not been very successful. We have refined our production for over 30 years and there have been many improvements and innovations.
Contact Info:
- Website: arraymbira.com
- Facebook: Array Instruments
- Linkedin: Patrick hadley / Bill Wesley
- Youtube: Patrick Hadley, Array Instruments, Array mbira, Bill Wesley