Hayden Baker joins the BVLive.com Podcast for a conversation about growing up around baseball and music, moving to College Station, building an independent career, working with artists like Brad Paisley, and facing a major career decision involving Brooks & Dunn. In this episode: From baseball to music: Hayden talks about how playing baseball brought him to College Station and Texas A&M, where his music career really began to take shape.Finding his start: Hayden shares stories about picking up the guitar, playing early gigs, and learning how to turn a passion for music into a career.The Brooks & Dunn decision: Hayden opens up about being contacted about a potential opportunity with Brooks & Dunn and the difficult choice between joining the touring band and continuing to build his own career as an artist.Working with Brad Paisley: We talk about Hayden’s friendship with Brad, their shared interest in guitars and gear, and the lessons Hayden has learned along the way.The reality of being independent: Hayden discusses releasing music without a record label, management or financial backing, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and why he continues to do it anyway.Barely Getting By: Hayden reflects on his 2024 album, which featured Brad Paisley, and what he learned from the experience.A new chapter: Hayden talks about his upcoming project, recording again with the same team at Rosewood Studios, and how his songwriting has grown more personal and mature.Baseball and music: Hayden explains how baseball prepared him for the ups and downs of a music career, including the importance of learning how to handle failure.Life beyond the stage: We also get into marriage, travel, golf, fantasy football, Shiner beer, the Brazos Valley music scene, and plenty of stories from Hayden’s life on and off the road.Plus, early guitar gigs, writing with Ronnie Dunn, the pressure of releasing new music, the difference between being a touring musician and an artist, and the decision to keep moving forward without knowing exactly where the road will lead. Listen to the full episode of the BVLive.com Podcast and get to know Hayden Baker, the independent singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer who has built his career one song, one show and one decision at a time. Want to hear more from Hayden? Find him at HaydenBakerMusic.com and wherever you listen to music.
