Hayden Baker
Hayden Baker has been a standout in the Texas Country Music scene for years now, having released multiple independent projects amassing to over a million streams, as well charting singles in the Top 40 on the Texas Regional Radio Report Chart. Hayden became the first artist/writer signed to Ronnie Dunn's publishing company, Perfect Pitch.
Hayden is a guitar-slinger through and through, (i.e. “At Least I'm Here” and “Reason To Run”) but that doesn’t keep him from putting the story first in his songwriting. Songs like “If I Get There Before You” and “Midnight Drive” are a prime example of how much thought Hayden and his co-writers put into crafting the perfect lyric.
Hayden released him most recent album, “Barely Getting’ By”, in April of this year and each of the 14 songs on the album are further evidence of the authentically country sound he contributes to the Texas Country Music scene.
TCMM Editor, Reid Kohls, had the opportunity to talk with Hayden Baker and learn more about what's led him to where he's at in the Texas Country Music industry today.
When did you learn how to play guitar? Did anyone inspire you to learn to play?
I started playing right before my 16th birthday. I had always loved the guitar growing up and had a couple laying around at the house and just one day decided to learn a G chord. Then the obsession began!
Do you have a favorite guitar, and if so, which one would it be?
Brad Paisley gave me a 1953 Refin’ed Fender Telecaster last year. It’s without a doubt the coolest thing I own and the best guitar I’ve ever played.
What does the Texas Country Music scene and community mean to you?
It’s my livelihood! Because of this scene and what it does for young artists I have not had to have a day job since I graduated college.
What does your band, crew, and everyone else on your team mean to you?
My family first and foremost is as supportive as a family could be. They’ve believed in me since the beginning. My band/team have been together for 3-4 years now and I tell them all the time because of how hard they work, playing shows are the easiest part of this job for me. I’m very lucky and very grateful.
What is the most impactful thing a fan has ever told you about what your music means to them?
Just recently I sold one of my old guitars to a guy up in Nashville who wound up being a big fan. He told me that his top 3 guitarists were Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, and Me. To just be in the same sentence as those guys is unreal.
What are your emotions around being a finalist for Guitar Player of the Year for the 2024 TCMA Awards?
I’m very honored! I started playing country music and writing songs because I just wanted a vehicle to where I could play guitar solos for a living every night! I take the guitar very seriously when I’m on stage and in the studio and it’s wonderful to get recognized for that.
What upcoming shows or projects do you have coming at the end of 2024 / start of 2025 that you are particularly excited about?
We’ve got a few cool shows to round out the year but the one I’m most excited about is December 21st we are headlining the Dosey Doe Big Barn in The Woodlands for the first time. As far 2025, we are currently working on a new album that should be out in the Spring!
Y'all be sure to check out Hayden Baker at his website and socials to stay up to date on upcoming shows and music from him and his band!