For most of the past year, I have been hearing the name Elise Hayes mentioned around town. Words used to describe her were always “wow”, “amazing”, “incredible artist”, ect. So, obviously, FOCUS wanted to seek her out and hear her perform. As it happened, last night FOCUS was at Winners just by Music Row for the “Whiskey Jam”, which has become a weekly musical event in this city known for featuring some of the best unsigned AND signed artists in town. You never actually know WHO might take the stage at any moment. This is a local place, not frequented by out-of-towners. The artists know they can show up, not get hounded, be able to have a fun night out visiting with friends, and hop up on stage to play a few songs. No pressure, just fun and there’s always a crowd of locals there to fill the room.
Anyway, back to Elise Hayes…we were invited by another artist performing that night, Andrea Young, who we’ve come to know through her fiddle playing recently with such artists as Jana Kramer. Andrea has a new duo called Reverse Cowgirl, who are also amazing, but this is about Elise Hayes. Unbeknownst to us, Elise was performing just before our friend, Andrea’s band. Didn’t catch her name at first, but when she started singing, she took our immediate attention! “WOW” is right and exactly the correct way to describe her & her music. She held our attention from the moment she took the stage until she left it. Sadly, only 3 songs, but those songs were amazing and left us wanting to hear more! Met her just following her stage performance. Not only does she have all the qualities it takes to make it as a star these days, but such a genuine, warm quality about her. Plus, she graduated from Berklee College. HELLO?? Serious musical talent here!
So, she shared her 5-song EP entitled SET LOVE LOOSE with us. In a word: AMAZING! Find her on iTunes or at her website: www.elisehayes.com She’s a little bit Adele, a little Michelle Branch, but a whole lot of Elise Hayes. An artist in her own right to be reckoned with. Pop, alt-rock, soul sound that is keyboard-driven that she plays herself. Just flawless, strong voice, incredible talent here in Nashville just waiting to be snatched up by the right label.
My favorite song from the album? “If You Don’t” — A mid-tempo song asking “who’s gonna love me if you don’t?”. Heartbreaking, beautiful, catchy, and radio-friendly. There’s not a weak one on this EP. Get it and support her!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
No comments yet.