Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Hayden
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My mom says I’ve always had a song in my heart since childhood. From the mountains of Virginia, I grew up singing and listening to hymns, southern gospel along with country music. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Artist Development and Songwriting from Liberty University with hopes of becoming a full-time artist. I moved to Orlando, Florida in 2016 and began working as a character performer for the Walt Disney World Company. Following my time there, I knew it was the right moment to combine the show business experience I acquired from Disney with my personal goals. In 2021 I had the opportunity to join in with a local country band “Mighty Swell” led by David Faulk and Sam Trawick as the female singer. After singing with Mighty Swell, I felt called to step out in faith and pursue my own music career full-time. It took hard work, but I slowly started owning my craft, and growing my business. I now perform monthly with my band (Nick Herbert on electric guitar, David Faulk on vocals and bass, and Bruno Ufret on drums) at local venues such as Ole Red Orlando, Disney Springs, Johnny’s Other side, The Promenade at Sunset walk, The Margaritaville resort, and other great establishments throughout the central FL area. My band and I enjoy going out on the road for shows as well, but Orlando is our home base. In July of 2024 we spent a week in Nashville playing at venues such as Luke Bryan’s, Lainey Wilson’s, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa and Tequila Cowboy. At the beginning of 2024, I was offered a residency at Blake Shelton’s new venue Ole Red in Las Vegas and had the opportunity of playing seven consecutive nights every month for the first half of the year. Apart from playing shows I also spend my time writing and recording new music. I released and co-wrote my first single “Without You” in 2021 with Lonestar’s Dean Sams. In 2024, I released my two latest singles “All over Again,” and “Maybe.” I do have several plans for new music coming out in 2025 but until then, you can hear my latest unreleased music at a live show along with other familiar cover songs that range between classic, 90s, and current country.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a “smooth” road. More like a windy road with some bumps along the way. You can’t always see what’s around the turn but you keep on going, hoping it leads somewhere. I would say one of the main struggles is trying to juggle everything all on my own. I am an independent artist and do not have management, so I do all my own bookings, making sure I have the players for the shows, writing music, releasing new material etc. I get excited when I can look back and see how my business has grown over the last few years. The behind the scenes “business” management is the time consuming part, but performing and creating is what I enjoy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in songwriting, and love playing my unreleased music at live shows. I write based on the way I grew up in a small town, my faith in God and life lessons I’ve learned along the way. My goal is to write songs people can relate to. I would like to think I’m best known for my music, as well as the show my band and I deliver. I think what sets me apart is my Disney background. I was a performer at Walt Disney World years before I began my music journey. I was trained how to speak in front of crowds, improv and connect with an audience, which helps a lot during a live show. I’m proud of the fact I have a dynamic family friendly show and I want to be known for that.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Starting up a new business, or following a dream is never easy, but I’m thankful for those who took a chance on me and helped give me my start. My mentor, Brad Ross helped me realize that if I have a dream, the best time to chase that dream is now. Floyd McCollum, Mika Thompson, and Steve Enoch were also a big influence in helping me get to where I am now, as they were part of my first band and helped me learn the ins and outs of the music business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jaclynhayden
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynhaydenmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095086998364
Image Credits
Johnnie Crow
