Hayes, Shaina
Kindergarten Heart
Raised in tiny Shigawake, on the east coast of Quebec, Hayes grew up listening to singer-songwriters like Regina Spektor, traditional country artists such as Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, and more modern country stars, including Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. Attending McGill University in Montreal, Hayes pursued a degree in agricultural science, but also participated in the city's bustling music scene. She sang backing vocals for the noise-rock band zouz, finding kindred spirits in the groups Francis Ledoux and David Marchand. Returning to her rural hometown, Hayes began recording the self-released "to coax a waltz" in late 2019. Her debut album was co-produced by Hayes herself, with Ledoux and Marchand , building the music around her graceful voice and bare acoustic guitar. While she took the first record on tour, including opening for The War on Drugs and The Barr Brothers, she reteamed with Ledoux and Marchand to record her upcoming sophomore effort, Kindergarten Heart. Though Hayes cites Feist, Big Thief, and Blake Mills as recent inspirations, Kindergarten Heart is a work of striking originality. A captivating blend of gorgeous vocals, inviting melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, Hayes second album fulfills the promise of 2022's "to coax a waltz." Call it folk-pop seasoned with alt-country, or simply pop - in any case, Shaina Hayes is making fresh, exciting music that needs to be heard. Will be playing SXSW 2024.