Walker Hayes is one of the new faces of Capitol Nashville.  With his unique sound, obvious passion, and likable persona; CMTT thinks Walker Hayes is gonna be HUGE.  We were lucky to sit down with him this past week and see him perform. I had hoped to just post the audio for the interview, but it was very loud at Sol that night…so I’m gonna paraphrase.

So, who is Walker Hayes?  We asked him that very question; and he seemed taken-a-back…Almost like he didn’t think people would care.  But this down-home boy from Mobile, Alabama is more than just his sound.  Walker Hayes is a father of two, with one on the way.  Walker and his wife moved to Nashville five years ago, with hopes of  “making it” in country music.  Well, he’s well on his way and he’s having “a blast” doing what he loves. 

Walker describes his style as “country, soul-bluesy, youthful.”  He grew up listening to groups like the Doobie Brothers and Almond Brothers, and idolising Garth Brooks and Billy Ray Cyrus.  Walker also admits to enjoying Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” and being able to “hit all that stuff she could do” in his pre-pubescent boyhood.  Basically, Walker Hayes just enjoys music. 

After five years in Nashville, Autumn House heard Walker Hayes, and introduced him to Mike Dungan (Capitol Nashville President).  They invited him to be a part of the prestigious label.

We freaked out, as soon as they left the room; we all did a football tackle on the floor and freaked out…It was great…We were shocked.

Before moving to Nashville, Walker hadn’t ever written a song before. Now, he’s admittedly “in love with it.”  It’s hard for him to stop writing.  It’s easy to see how much he loves his craft.  When he’s talking about his music, there is a deep and passionate look on his face.  And, now that his dreams are coming true, Walker is allowing himself to become excited about what success will bring.

I’m excited about making money so my kids can go to college…I really am excited about making a living doing what I love…

But Walker is also excited to receive validation for all his hard work and efforts.

I’m excited to make an album…for sure….I’ve never had a….I’ve never walked into a store and said ‘wanna buy my album.’”   

He even admits he’ll be moved to tears when he first hears himself on the radio…

I’m gonna pull over and cry…I am…I swear to God…

The truth of the matter is…Walker Hayes is a husband, father, talented musician, songwriter, and just a guy who’s truly grateful for all that he’s been given the opportunity to do. 

You can learn more about Walker Hayes when you visit www.walkerhayes.com You can also download free mp3′s of some of his songs. 

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale?  Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com