Hayden James has been making his way around Australia, touring his epic recent release, the new album LIFTED. After a year of sold out shows and performances around Europe and the US, including a debut Coachella set, the Australian artist is back with the new single, Good Life featuring Emie. We spoke to Hayden about tour life and the incredible response to LIFTED:

You’re having a big year. How are you feeling ahead of your Australian tour? 

"Feels amazing to be back home playing to an Aussie crowd with a new album. These are my biggest shows I've ever put on in Australia so I'm pumped!"

You played Coachella for the first time - how was it? Did it live up to the hype?

"Honestly, unbelievable. I played on Sunday at 3pm and it was 38 degrees.. I didn't think anyone would be there but as I walked on stage, the whole tent was packed! The organisers said it was the biggest crowd of the weekend on that stage. I'll never forget it."

LIFTED has received an amazing response. We love the album. What’s been the most rewarding feedback you’ve heard about the album?

"The feedback and energy has been so great. I read every message people send me on socials and i've never felt more love for a release. It's always so nice to read how the music I make positively impacts peoples lives. Every time I chat with a fan they comment about how they love the whole album which is awesome. I try and create something that all makes sense together, that you can listen to from the top all the way through. I feel I definitely achieved this on LIFTED."

Where did you create the album? From the person you were when you were creating the album to who you are now, about to embark on the album tour - what have you learnt about yourself/how have you evolved?

"I wrote the majority of the album in my home studio in Sydney during lockdown. It was kind of hard to get into the mindset of writing positive, uplifting records with the way the world was at the time but it was a great release to be able to take my mind to a place where we were all out dancing together again and playing shows. I've definitely learnt not to take travelling and playing in front of fans for granted.. not that I ever did, but i just soak it up a lot more now. It's great to be back out there touring."

What do you hope your fans/listeners took away from the album?

"Simply just to feel good and be able to share that with your loved ones and friends. This album is about all the positive, emotional moments."

How are you bringing the LIFTED listening experience to life on tour? What should we be expecting?

"I've created a show that's 100% all HJ music from LIFTED, BETWEEN US and singles before that. I'm super proud of the show and the production. It's my biggest stage show i've ever put on anywhere in the world. I've set the show up in a way where I can change up how I play the music every show which makes it fresh every time for me and I feel it brings a new energy to each performance."

If you could have one dream brand dress you for a tour who would you pick?

"OFF-WHITE."

Best part about being on tour? Worst part?

"Travelling, meeting fans, and playing my music to legends all around the world. Worst part is definitely being away from family."

Pre-show rituals?

Spicy Margaritas."

Tour mantra?

"Tour with friends and you'll have the best time."

Listen to Good Life HERE.

@haydenjames