Walker Hayes: "I Am a Songwriter — The Artist Thing Just Keeps Falling in My Lap"

Walker Hayes — the Mobile, Alabama singer-songwriter signed to Capitol Records — sat down with Premier Guide Miami's Daedrian McNaughton at the Country Throwdown Tour in West Palm Beach. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Country music has found a rising voice in Walker Hayes. With a combination of good looks, great vocals, and undeniable charm, the Mobile, Alabama native has won over a legion of fans. But beneath the surface, this emerging singer-songwriter is a dedicated family man, with his main focus being to provide for his wife and three children. Premier Guide Miami's Daedrian McNaughton sat down with Hayes at the Country Throwdown Tour in West Palm Beach.

PGM: Who is Walker Hayes?

Walker Hayes: I am from Mobile, Alabama. I have been in Nashville for six years, had a series of record deals on and off, and now I finally have one I haven't come off yet. I have a record coming out — I don't know when it's coming out — my single is July 26th. I am on Capitol Records. I am a songwriter, that's what I really do. The artist thing just keeps falling in my lap. My favorite thing is to get up and write songs.

PGM: Who do you currently write for?

Walker Hayes: When I moved to Nashville, a guy named Buddy Killan hired me to his publishing company. He passed away about a year after he hired me, and my manager Christy DiNapoli of The Music Group International took over. I started writing for them.

PGM: Have you had any encounter with Keith Urban?

Walker Hayes: I have a funny story about Keith. My first encounter with him was at the BMI Awards. Keith doesn't know who I am, and I am on his label. Anyway, I was at the BMI Awards two years ago and I followed Keith — kind of on accident — into the men's room. It was a big long line, so I used the bathroom next to Keith's. That's really the only encounter I've had with Keith. He is a hero of mine, definitely one of my influences. I'd love to work with him.

PGM: Who are some of your major influences?

Walker Hayes: My influences are any artists who keep you guessing. That is why I love Keith — one minute he is singing a love ballad, got you in a trance, and the next minute he has you cracking up beating on your dashboard while you are driving. Brad Paisley is a big influence. I love the humor in his writing. Garth Brooks — I mean, who did he not influence.

PGM: What is the common theme of your album?

Walker Hayes: The common theme of my album is making love — it just is. That is where my brain goes and that's what comes out when I write. Producer Marshall Altman saw a pop side of me, pop/rock in there, and combined his L.A. pop sensibility with my Mobile, Alabama roots. He brought it — without a doubt. I cannot wait to do album two with Marshall because he brings the songs to life.

PGM: Do you see yourself reaching the level of Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, or Mac McAnally?

Walker Hayes: Mac is huge. I opened for him in Jacksonville once. He sat with me in the green room and fed me amazing knowledge. Yes, I want to be successful. I have to take care of my family — this is my job. I am married with three children and they have to eat, and I am not good at anything else. I have to go out and make it.

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