Catch Hayden James on LIFTED North American Tour, May 5-June 11

In celebration of his recently released sophomore album, LIFTED, triple-platinum, Sydney-born producer Hayden James kicks off his North American tour tomorrow in Nashville at Eastside Bowl. Infusing the same emotion of his celebrated live shows into every moment on the project, Hayden’s euphoric masterpiece arrives at a moment when fans need it the most. LIFTED was fueled by Hayden’s desire to create an energetic and uplifting collection that could help bring people together, and deliver a slice of joy to his fans after much time spent apart over the past few years. The record enlists a slew of special guests including Elderbrook, Boo Seeka, Jem Cooke, SIDEPIECE, Yaeger, and Cassian, as Hayden expends rippling energy via lush production, vocal textures, and consistently addictive dance cuts. LIFTED is an expansion of Hayden’s enduring legacy in dance music and promises to be his most heartfelt and authentic work to date.

LIFTED was born out of the yearning for some light and positivity after a tough last few years for everyone. As I started writing the album, I kept coming back to the idea of creating something energetic and live and super uplifting that could bring people together again. I began working on the album late 2020 and used all the time off I had from touring to make something special because I knew the return to live music would be epic, a major vibe. The result is a huge emotional, energetic dance record, with elements of piano-house, melodic house and a positive tone and feel that can be found across all tracks. When I write an album, everything has a place and a purpose, and it’s all part of the bigger story. I’m so happy with the journey of this album.

The record features Hayden’s latest single “Lights Go Down” with US dance duo SIDEPIECE. A slice of carefree dance-pop bliss born from a writing session in LA, the track’s unshakable groove and infectious hook form the blueprint for LIFTED’s effervescent poolside energy. Having previously collaborated with Diplo on the GRAMMY-nominated hit “On My Mind”, rising electronic music stars SIDEPIECE storm the track from all sides with their signature deep-house style, solidifying a memorable opening moment.

“Hold Tight” enters an uplifting house record with classic piano chords and emphatic vocals as Hayden portrays a message of hope for fans to get back to what they love doing, while holding on to that special someone. Next up, “Fade” featuring Flynn is a deep house cut with a Hayden-centric hook that lingers long after the end of play, before the anthemic energy of “On Your Own” hits. Seeing the lyrics and the melody overflow with emotion, LIFTED’s ethos shines, while synth swells and a jacked-up bass-line transports you right into the heart of clubland. 

The record’s first single, “Waiting For Nothing” featuring Yaeger interweaves rising synths through the pulse-racing house beat as Hayden invites the Swedish-born singer’s effortless vocals throughout. “Free” featuring Boo Seeka presents itself as a building house beast, the deeply emotive and smoky vocals becoming etched within the synth risers and grooves in a euphoric moment. Next, “Down On Me” with fellow Australian Xavier Dunn bounces and ripples as a contemplative dance track, steady in its beat as a sense of positivity exhuming. 

“Lifted” featuring Tudor arrives as a 90s era house track, its melodic and introspective energy propelling up and down, while its consistent rhythm prompts deep concentration. The final track of the album, “I Won’t Let You Down” featuring Jem Cooke builds up from a smoky transition of slowly arpeggiating and repeating synths. The swan song of the record is Hayden’s deepest emotional moment, tying the threads of his feelings into one as an ode to a dear friend’s passing. A strongly connecting track that bookends the album, in the same way it began, representing the record’s wholly engrossing and intuitive energy. 

Since the release of his album, Hayden has seen a successful start to the summer 2022 festival season. He performed at his debut Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival a few weekends ago. His Gobi Tent performance was the most viewed of weekend 1 and he returned for weekend 2 for a surprise set at the Do LaB stage as well as for a Day Club Palm Springs set. Playing in some of the biggest venues of his illustrious career to date, this tour promises a spectacular return to live music for Hayden as he promises high production, arena-worthy moments for fans to remember.

Tickets for the LIFTED North American Tour can be found here: https://haydenjamesmusic.com/#tour

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Elena Lin Administrator

I am a concert/festival photographer based in St. Louis. I’m always eager to travel for new music and experiences and to meet new faces!

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Elena Lin Administrator

I am a concert/festival photographer based in St. Louis. I’m always eager to travel for new music and experiences and to meet new faces!