Voices From Beyond: Hayden

[A new feature to EVP, periodically we'll take a look back--and forward--at an artist or band that has slipped out of sight (outta mind) and reminisce about what once was and what could be. Please to enjoy]


Hayden Desser never made much of an impact on the MTV generation that he could have impressed. "Bad As They Seem," an innocuous and shy first single from Hayden's Everything I Long For presented the self-realized doubt and shame of the grunge generation in a neat 3-minute package of folk hearkening back to fellow Canadian folkster Neil Young, but Hayden's music had more depth and range than most acts in the public eye and therefore he was doomed to remain under the radar.

The follow-up, The Closer I Get continued the blend of alt-rock, folk and country with a more focused sound and a bit more "accessible" songs; singles "The Closer I Get," "Better Off Inside," and semi-popular "The Hazards of Sitting Beneath Palm Trees" gained Hayden a bit more attention for critics and downtrodden fans alike (granted The Closer I Get was Hayden's first international release). Unfortunately, like any North American artist, prestige continued to allude Hayden but fame wasn't what Hayden was looking for--just fans of bedroom lo-fi and those that stumbled upon Hayden during this time were treated to delights long since hidden from mainstream music.

Three years passed before Hayden dared to drop Skyscraper National Park--first in a limited, handmade quantity and eventually as a broader release thanks to popular demand. Skyscraper National Park found Hayden slowly shedding the distinctly lo-fi for crispier, richer melodies. But no matter the production or sound quality, Hayden's honesty can't be disguised. It was another 3 years before Elk-Lake Serenade was released (a live album was sandwiched in during 2002), finding Hayden continuing to blend classic rock with modern bedroom pop.

It's been 3 long years since Hayden has made a sound, but the good word is that a new album is expected early in 2008.


Sounds like: Neil Young, Will Oldham, Iron & Wine, Elliott Smith, Bill Callahan



Hayden Videos


"Bad As They Seem"




"Dynamite Walls"