Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with HAYES

For actor-musician-producer HAYES, it’s “now or never”. The triple threat rose to fame with his breakout performance in the international drama Skam. The success of the series has opened many doors, including the opportunity to pursue another passion of his: music. His debut single, “Where I Belong”, has been streamed over two million times. Yes, two million! Now, he’s back with his follow-up, “Now or Never”. We caught up with HAYES to chat about the release.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
HAYES: I always had a passion for music. My mother jokes about how ever since childhood, I disappear into my own little universe when I listen to music. My love for music just keeps growing, even now when it’s “work”. I still love acting too, but I think it makes sense to focus 100% on music right now.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
HAYES: Martin Danielle of CLMD is a good friend. He taught me a lot, even before I started taking it seriously.

PC: You got your big break on Skam. What has the transition been like going from acting to music? Has anything surprised you about the journey?
HAYES: I will be forever grateful for the opportunities the success of Skam has given me. Focusing on music like I am able to do now is such a privilege. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how much there is to learn, and how much work there is that needs doing in order to be able to do the fun, creative stuff. I kept my transition pretty secret, so the fact that so many of my fans from Skam embrace my music and are coming along for the ride is awesome.

PC: Your debut single, “Where I Belong”, has been streamed over two million times. Does that add any pressure for future releases?
HAYES: Not really—this is just the beginning, so I have to keep working and remember to enjoy everything. If there’s one thing the rollercoaster ride of Skam has taught me, it’s to enjoy what I do, and not worry about what everyone else thinks about me and the choices I make. I know I get judged, but cannot live my life in order to please other people.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Now or Never”. What inspired the track?
HAYES: The track, or at least the top line, was already done by the time I got involved, but I’ve chosen to interpret it as a song about taking a chance on something or someone…more specifically the power that love can have over you and push you to take risks.

This song was a huge part of me discovering my sound, and so it’s very special to me. Also, working with Mugisho—who sang on the rough demo because he was part of the team who wrote the song—was a massive treat. I love his voice and wanted to keep him on for that reason, but then it turns out he is an incredibly nice guy, so we had great fun, too.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the end of 2019 into 2020?
HAYES: I’m spending a lot of time in sessions, writing new music, and working with other producers and alone as well. Right now, I have more new music than I know what to do with, and so there’ll definitely be some more tunes coming.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
HAYES: The Killers or Chase & Status

PC: First album you bought?
HAYES: Queen’s Greatest Hits

PC: First concert you attended?
HAYES: I really don’t know. My dad brought me along to concerts when I was little and all I remember is the music, not who was playing. But, I believe Avicii in Oslo in 2012 was the first show where I bought my own ticket.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
HAYES: Starboy is my favorite album. It came out right at the time when everything with Skam was at its peak, and it helped me calm down in a way.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
HAYES: Glastonbury with my family there. We all love the festival and have already been there together twice. To play there with them in the crowd would be very special for so many reasons.

PC: Must-haves on the road?
HAYES: 1. My MacBook always comes in handy, whether for work or just getting lost on YouTube.
2. My phone charger because my phone runs out of juice even if I don’t use it all that much.
3. My wallet…self-explanatory really, even if I don’t carry any cash.
4. A cap or just something to put on my head, mostly to keep my hair out of my face.
5. A headset so I can listen to music wherever I am and retreat into my own headspace.

To keep up with HAYES, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Now or Never” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.