Feature
sep 13, 2024
Feature
sep 13, 2024
Av Adam Brandt
Ward Hayden & The Outliers are a unique fusion of raw country roots and honest, heartfelt storytelling. Known for their stripped-back, no-frills approach to music, they’ve captured the essence of what it means to tell stories through song—honoring the traditions of classic country while carving out their own path. As they tour through Sweden, a country that’s becoming something of a second home for the band, we caught up with Ward Hayden and Greg Hall to discuss their musical journey, inspirations, and what lies ahead.
From their early days of borrowing old cassettes to experimenting with different genres, the two bandmembers shares insights into how life’s ups and downs have shaped their sound, and how their creative process has evolved. Through it all, one thing remains clear: they are dedicated to creating music that resonates with people on a personal level, bridging experiences and backgrounds through the universal language of song.
Here’s what they had to say about their beginnings, challenges, and the future of their music.
How did you first get into music? Was it something that was always around you growing up?
Ward: Music has always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until my 20s that I truly immersed myself in it. I remember driving an old car where my only option was a cassette player. I didn’t have many tapes of my own, so I’d borrow my mom’s old country cassettes—artists like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. It had this perfect blend of storytelling and rhythm, deep yet toe-tapping, and very personal and intimate - that’s what initially drew me in.
Greg: I was always a music fan growing up too. I started listening to a lot of different genres, from punk bands like Operation Ivy to rock groups like Guns N' Roses. Then, there was the country resurgence in the '90s, which really spoke to both of us. We were drawn to that mixture of rebellious energy and heartfelt honesty that you can find in both punk and country. It wasn’t just about the sound; it was the feeling behind the music that caught our attention.
What drew you to music on a deeper level? Was there a personal connection for you?
Greg: For me, I went to music school to study classical guitar, but I didn’t really connect with it. There was something missing, you know? I kept finding myself drawn back to country music because it had this rawness that classical guitar didn’t. Country music is about life, struggles, love, loss—all the real stuff that people deal with. And I think, in many ways, that’s what we both connected with on a deeper level.
Ward: Life experiences, for sure, played a huge part in deepening that connection. When you go through tough times—whether it’s heartbreak, challenges, or just the grind of life—you start to feel like you’ve got something real to say. It’s almost like music becomes this outlet for expressing everything you’ve been through. The more we lived, the more we had to share. That’s when music became more than just a hobby or a passion; it became a way of communicating those life experiences.
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey so far?
Greg: We’ve always been creative, always willing to explore new sounds and ideas. But over time, I think we’ve evolved by getting back to what feels honest. In the beginning, it was all about experimenting, but we’ve found our footing in raw, stripped-down storytelling. Now, the focus is really on letting the songwriting speak for itself, while still honoring our country roots. There’s a purity in that—just creating music that feels real to us.
Ward: Yeah, and one thing we’ve learned over the years is not to overcomplicate things. Early on, there’s this temptation to layer and add more to the music, but as we’ve grown, we’ve realized that less can often be more. It’s about making sure the emotion and the message come through, without clouding it with too much production. That’s a big part of where we are now—staying true to the simplicity of good songwriting and letting the music breathe. It’s not just about the sound; it’s about the space you give that sound to resonate.
What challenges did you face when you first started recording, and what does your creative process look like now?
Ward: In the beginning, I think one of the biggest challenges was finding my own voice. I spent a lot of time trying to sound like my musical idols—artists I admired, like Johnny Cash or Hank Williams. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that I couldn’t just replicate someone else’s style. It wasn’t until I let go of that and focused on developing my own voice that things really started to click. Once I accepted that I had something unique to offer, the music felt more authentic.
Greg: Another challenge was efficiency. When we first started recording, there was a lot of trial and error. We’d spend hours in the studio trying to perfect things, but often it felt like we were overworking the songs. Now, we’re much more efficient in the process, which gives us time to focus on refining the craft. Our recent project, Live in Sweden, recorded in Malmö, is a great example of that evolution. We spent more time doing the groundwork before we hit the studio, which made the recording process smoother and allowed us to capture the raw energy we were aiming for.
Ward: These days, our creative process is more methodical. We write and record a lot, but we also spend time revisiting and refining our work. It’s a slower process, but it’s more focused. We’re not rushing to release new material; we’re taking our time to ensure that what we put out is exactly what we want to say. Our early work was important because it allowed us to experiment and learn, but now we’re more comfortable in our creative skin. We can push ourselves without losing sight of the heart of the music.
Where do you see yourself heading artistically in the future?
Greg: Right now, we have a lot of music on the way—16 songs, and three of them are already out. Artistically, we feel like we’re continuing to evolve but staying true to our roots. We’ve always been drawn to themes of life’s challenges—those obstacles everyone faces at some point. I think that’ll continue to be a big part of our songwriting. We’ve talked about bringing even more of a country feel to our future work, but it’s more about deepening the connection to those themes we’ve always explored.
Ward: Yeah, it’s like every new song is another piece of that journey. We don’t want to abandon what’s worked for us in the past, but we’re also not afraid to take it a step further. The future is about growth, both musically and personally, but in a way that still honors the foundation we’ve built. We want to keep that balance of pushing boundaries while staying true to the stories we want to tell.
You’re now in Sweden on a tour. How are you feeling about it?
Ward: We’re loving it, honestly. It’s great to be back here, and this time feels even better than the last. We actually recorded Live in Sweden here, which was such an amazing experience. There’s something about the energy here that resonates with us, and the crowds just keep growing. You can really feel that connection when you’re performing live.
Greg: Sweden’s been good to us. The audiences are really engaged and professional, which makes playing here a lot of fun. Plus, the weather’s nice, so that doesn’t hurt either! We’re always excited to return, and each time feels like it builds on the last. It’s becoming one of those places that feels like a second home for us on tour.
What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music? What’s the message you want to convey?
Ward: At the core of it, we want people to feel a personal connection to the music. We hope that the stories we’re telling resonate with listeners, no matter where they’re from or what their background is. Music, in a lot of ways, is a great equalizer—it can bring people together, and that’s something we really want to tap into.
Greg: Exactly. It’s about that shared experience. We want to spread a kind of infectious energy through our live performances, but also through the songs themselves. If people can walk away from our music feeling something—whether it’s a sense of joy, reflection, or even just a need to tap their foot—then we’ve done our job.
You’ve already touched on it quite a bit, but who are your musical inspirations? Who do you find yourself returning to?
Greg: We listen to a lot of different music—old and new. Blaze Foley, Fred Eaglesmith, and of course the greats like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. They’re the kind of artists you never really get tired of listening to because there’s always something new to discover in their music.
Ward: Yeah, and we’re both big fans of exploring new sounds. Every week, we try to find something that captures us. But at the end of the day, it’s those timeless artists like Johnny Cash or Fred Eaglesmith that we keep going back to. They laid the groundwork for what we do, and they’re a constant source of inspiration.
If you could see any artist, dead or alive, perform live, who would it be?
Greg: A sober Hank Williams, hands down. There’s something about his music that’s so raw, so real. Seeing him perform at his best would be an incredible experience.
Ward: I’d have to agree with Greg on that one. But I’d also throw Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, and Leonard Cohen into the mix. Oh, and Chuck Berry—I actually had the chance to see him perform before he passed. Even though he was older, there were still moments when you caught glimpses of his greatness. It was surreal watching one of the true pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll doing his thing.
As my conversation with Ward Hayden & The Outliers came to a close, it was clear that their journey is far from over. With new music on the horizon and a deep commitment to evolving their craft while staying true to their roots, the groups passion for storytelling through song remains as strong as ever. Their blend of country authenticity and musical exploration speaks to their desire to connect with listeners in a meaningful way, something that’s felt as much in their live performances as in their recordings.
As they continue their tour and work on new projects, Ward and Greg leave us with a sense of excitement for what’s to come, reminding us of the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. Whether on stage in Sweden or writing songs in the studio, Ward Hayden & The Outliers are sure to keep delivering the kind of raw, honest music that resonates deeply with fans around the world.