Hayes Bradley, the LA-based composer, producer, and DJ, steps into a new chapter with “Total Call,” a visceral, breakbeat-driven track that doesn’t shy away from emotional turbulence.
Known for fusing ambient textures with club energy and cinematic storytelling, Bradley’s latest single finds him turning a moment of personal anxiety into pure sonic release.
Fresh off years of touring and collaborations with artists like Kaytranada and Beck, Bradley now leans into experimentation with more freedom than ever before. “Audience,” his upcoming album, reflects that shift: breakbeats over four-on-the-floor rhythms, unexpected synths, and a fearless exploration of chaos, emotional and musical alike. For Hayes, the goal is simple: let the disorder speak.
The first thing we want to know is how you’re doing in terms of your artistic career. Could you give us an overview of how things are now?
I’m doing great. I mean, putting out new music always feels like you’re on the right track.
Let’s talk about “Total Call,” which feels like a controlled explosion of emotion. What inspired this track, and what chaos were you channeling when you wrote it?
Chaos, but leaning into it was kind of the emotion or feeling I was thinking of. Like being at a party or on a dance floor, instead of letting the anxiety take over, you lean into it and get on board
You’ve said the song is about embracing personal chaos instead of hiding it. Was there a specific moment or experience that pushed you to make music from that place?
Yeah, I had a pretty heavy anxiety attack at a club in Germany a few years ago, and I almost had to leave, but then I realized everyone else is here; why can’t I get a grip? And then I leaned into it, and everything felt fine, kind of.
“You’re just left with who you truly are,” you’ve said about the track. What did you discover about yourself at that moment?
I think just coming to terms with this is you; this is who you are. Take it or leave it, and don’t try to be anything you aren’t because it won’t work.
With “Total Call” as a reference, what can people expect from your upcoming album, “Audience”?
A lot of breakbeats and big synth zones. I really was leaning away from the 4-on-the-floor kind of arrangement, and this album is me experimenting with drum arrangements and instruments I’ve never really worked with before.
The title “Audience” suggests a two-way connection. Who were you envisioning on the other side of this record? What kind of listener?
A kid in a town that doesn’t have a lot of culture or art, but they found this and are listening to something they haven’t before.
You’ve performed worldwide and collaborated with artists like Kaytranada, Beck, and Diplo. Do you have any other dream collaborations you’re looking forward to? With whom?
Probably Liam Howlett or Jon Hopkins. Both incredible inspirations for me.
How has your creative process changed since your early days at Smart Bar until now, with so much music made and so many stages visited?
I think I’ve gotten rid of a bunch of rules I adopted back then. This is how tracks should be made or arranged. And kind of just appreciate and be stoked with how my music ends up sounding.
What do you hope people feel when they hear “Total Call” and the entire album?
Disorder
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With “Total Call,” Hayes Bradley is offering a mirror to anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed in a crowd and decided to stay anyway. From this interview, we take his final answer: the disorder we all somehow run away from is what he invites us to embrace without fear.
Find “Total Call” on all streaming platforms and connect with Hayes Bradley on Instagram, TikTok, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
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