“I miss the days when people gave their full attention to things, not just in music but in life in general. It feels like you can’t even tell a story anymore without being interrupted or feeling like you’re not truly being heard. It’s as if people are just waiting for you to stop talking so they can change the subject or move on to something else.”

Mick Hayes: Blues Heart, Rock Spirit!

Mick Hayes is a published songwriter, accomplished singer, and guitarist who’s been on the Grammy ballot multiple times across various categories throughout his career. His musical journey began in Lackawanna, NY, a blue-collar suburb of Buffalo that was once a steel manufacturing hub. At age seven, Mick was given a guitar and a collection of hand-me-down 45 RPM records, learning the blues early on during a difficult time when his parents divorced. In his late teens, Mick worked on cars by day and performed in smoky bars by night. His passion for music soon led to regional performances in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. By his early twenties, Mick was a full-time musician, leading his band on national tours and eventually relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to explore the southeast music scene. However, after facing several industry setbacks, he found himself without a band or a permanent home. Since 2003, Mick Hayes has released ten albums of original material, performing for thousands of fans as direct support for iconic rock acts like the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, and Peter Frampton. Along the way, Mick has received guitar lessons from Steve Vai, caught the attention of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald, appeared on reality TV, and navigated a few misguided management contracts. In 2020, Mick released My Claim to Fame, recorded at the legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which earned critical acclaim.                                                              (Photo: Mick Hayes)

When the global pandemic reshaped the world, Mick took time to reflect and reassess his musical direction. After two decades of personal and professional growth, Mick relocated to Franklin, Tennessee in 2023, embracing his new life as a Nashville resident and finding renewed momentum in the city’s vibrant music scene. In July 2024, Mick Hayes made his highly anticipated return to the industry with his eleventh independent release, LIES & LETDOWNS. This raw, deeply personal album chronicles the past four years of struggle and growth. Recorded at the legendary Ocean Way Nashville Studios produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, who also perform on the album, LIES & LETDOWNS  features an all-star lineup, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Reese Wynans.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Music has always been my escape from the world. When my parents divorced at the age of 7, everything around me felt uncertain—but music became my constant. It was my best friend when I didn’t have the words, and it gave me a way to process what I was going through without ever needing to explain it. Over time, it became more than just comfort—it became how I made sense of the world, how I connected with others, and how I found my place in it. Today, I vocalize and express my inner emotions through the music I write. Every lyric and melody is still rooted in that early need for something steady and honest—and that’s what continues to guide my journey.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I’d describe my sound as soul-rooted with a blues heart and a rock-and-roll spirit—timeless but hopefully never stuck in the past. My music philosophy is simple: serve the song. Whether it's a tender ballad or a high-octane groove, I believe in honesty over polish and feel over flash. My songbook reflects real stories—heartbreak, healing, temptation, redemption—all delivered with intent and emotion.

As for the balance between technique and soul, I believe soul always comes first. Technique is the craft, but soul is the connection. You can play all the right notes, but if it doesn’t move someone, it’s just noise. When both align—that’s when magic happens.

”Blues and jazz were born from hardship and emotional truth, particularly within Black communities. My upbringing gave me a natural connection to that kind of raw expression—even before I fully understood its cultural roots. Years later, while playing guitar at Friendship Baptist Church—often the only white person in the room, and on stage for that matter—I experienced just how powerfully this music can unite people. Its impact goes beyond race or background; it speaks to something universally human.” (Photo: Mick Hayes)

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? 

Some of the most important experiences I’ve had came through genuine human connection—those moments when someone offered their time, insight, or support without expecting anything in return. Collaborating with artists like Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Reese Wynans, Mark Lettieri, Matt Johnson, Steve Vai, and Stevie Wonder, or sharing conversations with peers at events like NAMM, reminded me that this industry is built on relationships and authenticity. Those connections have shaped not only my career but also my sense of purpose in music.

The best advice I ever got was: “Always keep writing.” During the pandemic, that advice really hit home. I came to realize that writing and performing had been my therapy for over 30 years. When I lost the ability to perform and connect with friends and followers, I lost my balance. Music has always been how I process life, and in that moment, I understood just how vital it is to my well-being.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

It’s always a thrill to hear something that was just a thought in my head finally come together and fill the studio with sound. Over You from Lies & Letdowns was one of those moments. I demoed it twice on my own, playing all the instruments—drums, piano, guitars—and singing all the vocals. There was no outside input or collaboration at that stage. But when we recorded it with Joe and Josh's production ideas, it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I was so moved by how it all came together—I was almost brought to tears.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the days when people gave their full attention to things, not just in music but in life in general. It feels like you can’t even tell a story anymore without being interrupted or feeling like you’re not truly being heard. It’s as if people are just waiting for you to stop talking so they can change the subject or move on to something else.

I know a lot of people are nervous about AI right now, but I’m still the guy who appreciates the charm of older recordings, especially on vinyl. I’m looking for that same authenticity in live performances and real human emotion. I have a feeling that’s going to make a comeback in a way we’re not quite ready for.

“I think Nashville has such a devoted following because a significant portion of the music industry is here. I spent over 30 years cutting my teeth in a city known for its sports culture, but it’s the music here that’s truly contagious. The energy in this town—where music is part of everyday life—makes it feel like you’re always surrounded by inspiration and opportunity.” (Photo: Mick Hayes, Lemar Carter, Reese Wynans, Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, and Calvin Turner at Ocean Way Studio, Nashville, TN 2024)

What is the impact of music (especial of Blues and Jazz) on the racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Blues and jazz were born from hardship and emotional truth, particularly within Black communities. My upbringing gave me a natural connection to that kind of raw expression—even before I fully understood its cultural roots. Years later, while playing guitar at Friendship Baptist Church—often the only white person in the room, and on stage for that matter—I experienced just how powerfully this music can unite people. Its impact goes beyond race or background; it speaks to something universally human.

I want my music to resonate deeply with people, offering them a sense of connection, whether it's through comfort, introspection, or shared emotions. Music is a universal language, and I hope mine helps people feel seen, heard, and understood. If my songs can provide a moment of clarity or emotional release, that’s the impact I strive for. Ultimately, I want it to remind people that they’re never alone in what they’re feeling.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of persistence. The music industry has its fair share of ups and downs, but it’s the dedication to your craft that keeps you going. Another key lesson is the power of collaboration—no matter how much you’ve accomplished on your own, bringing others into the creative process always adds new layers to the music. I’ve also learned the importance of authenticity, especially in a world full of trends and noise. But perhaps one of the most valuable lessons is knowing when to ask for help. No one can do everything alone, and reaching out when you need support or guidance is essential for growth.

Why do you think that Nashville (Music City) music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think Nashville has such a devoted following because a significant portion of the music industry is here. I spent over 30 years cutting my teeth in a city known for its sports culture, but it’s the music here that’s truly contagious. The energy in this town—where music is part of everyday life—makes it feel like you’re always surrounded by inspiration and opportunity.

Mick Hayes - Home

(Photo: Mick Hayes)