We’re looking forward to introducing you to Raymond Hayden. Check out our conversation below.
Raymond, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What battle are you avoiding?
This is a great question, the biggest news in the music industry is AI. As like many things before it, it is a tool, but I have a very hard time with it replacing so many artists who worked so hard at their craft.
I am not going to lie, it bothers me. It not only replaces the Songwriter, but session players, engineers, producers, studio owners, etc., so it’s definitely a battle, but for now I’m gonna continue doing what I do and how I do it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m just a normal guy like everyone else out there, I’ve just had a dream since I was nine years old. I’ve literally been on tour buses since I was nine, getting my first start as a drummer, marching in drum and bugle corps. I am almost 59, so it’s been a long journey. I started out on drums, moved to brass instruments and then in 1986 moved to Germany while I was enlisted in the army it started my career as a Keyboardist
It literally started when I saw a Polaroid picture of somebody selling the keyboard at the local music center right outside our barracks. I made a joke to the guy that I was with saying, “I should buy that we should start a band and rock the world.“ The next day, I went to the bank and got a loan on the keyboard and started taking lessons from my mentor, and still good friends to this day Michael Hein.
The first band I was ever in was called Ambition and we toured throughout Europe and the East Coast. That band, unfortunately, broke up, and I moved back to Tacoma Washington. Since I moved back to Tacoma Washington, I graduated in college and I’ve been in numerous bands, owned a record label called Maurice the Fish records for 10 years, i’ve had three podcasts, a couple video series, many recordings and got signed to a record label in 2023. I haven’t had much success with the record label, not due to them, but just due to the times we live in in the music world.
So many stories within all of that, but now I continue to write and put out music and do session work with artists from all over the world
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
This is a great question, but also a very simple question. When I was younger, I believe life is all about a destination. Now I’m 110% sure it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey and enjoying every step along the way. I know that seems like a really short answer. That’s all there is to it. We all still need to have goals, dreams, and a plan… But we have to enjoy every step along the way, even the missteps.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Been a few times in my life that I’ve thought about giving up. I was very fortunate to have people in my life who cared enough about me to tell me just to take a step back and take a breath. I felt like I was a failure with feeling this way, but it turns out that most everybody has these moments in their life. When they happen, you just have to feel all the feels and come out on the other side. Whatever that looks like, it’s OK.
Everything in life is about perspective, honestly. Instead of looking at those times, as I almost gave up, I look at them as just a change in direction.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see on social media and my website is the real me. I don’t begrudge anyone for having a stage name or putting up some sort of image other than their own, as it’s the entertainment industry… I get it! That’s for my journey, I only put out the real me. Music, thoughtful comments, supporting other artists, and people in general and laughter.
Whether it’s the public version of you or the real person inside you, I think the world improves and grows when everyone can contribute who they are.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I have no regrets in life. Honestly, I’m not to sound too much like a Walt Disney movie, but everything that has happened as we need to where I am right now. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my entire life.
One caveat, but I was in the military back in the late 80s over in Germany. We were approached by someone talking to us about Microsoft. Do I need to go any further? Of course, I thought it was a big waste of money. 😳
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raymondhayden.weebly.com/
- Instagram: Raymond_a_hayden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMhESfCb8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mauricethefishrecord?si=-g0GCltnOc4oWRFc
Image Credits
Shay Winget
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