Indie Folk Singer/Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer from Melbourne, Australia, Hayden Calnin has just released his EP, "All Kinds Of Light", inspired by the culture and scenery he experienced during a three week trip to Colombia in South America back in 2023.
TRACKLIST
Greetings at Majuy
Majuy
All These Kinds Of Light
As Above, So Below
La Peña de Juaica
Lake Tota
Mornings in Tabio
Mornings in Tabio II
Hayden Calnin has spent much of his career writing and producing for others, most notably being the co-writer of "Falling Up" by Dean Lewis and having songs featured on hit TV shows like The Good Doctor, The Vampire Diaries, and So You Think You Can Dance. However, he has such an incredible discography as a solo artist, and a unique, individual sound that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. He first broke through in 2012 with his debut EP, "City", which featured his fan favorite song, "For My Help". For these past 12 years, Hayden has been consistently releasing his own music, working with other artists, and performing on stage. "All Kinds of Light" adds on to his already impressive and diverse discography, introducing his listeners to a new ethereal experience that helps you visualize the beautiful sights of Colombia.
Greetings at Majuy
We kick off the EP with "Greetings at Majuy". Majuy is a mountain in the Andes mountain region in Colombia. This track is a cenematic, orchestral / choral type of experience that I wish could be better explained through words. Honestly, when I began listening to this, I was taken aback by how beautiful it was and I just had to close my eyes and enjoy what I was experiencing. It started out with a gorgeous variety of strings and a heavy drum. You can imagine a drone camera flying over these Colombian mountains that Hayden was so inspired by. This track felt like an introduction to what was about to be an incredible, action and drama filled Oscar-winning movie. As the song went on, in came the choral vocals and the cathartic feeling I had in my chest was so intense. It's been a while since I've heard something so beautiful created in this modern age. Talk about a introduction; I can't wait to hear what else is next.
Majuy
Coming right after "Greetings at Majuy", we connect right into the lead single and track two, "Majuy". Released 4 months ago in anticipation for this EP, "Majuy" sets the scene for what was to come for Hayden's life changing experience in Colombia. He sings, "reset and I've lost all worry". This song gives the impression that once Hayden was in the calming, beautiful atmosphere of the Andes mountains, all of his stress just faded away. He was able to start fresh with a clear mind, and begin a spiritual journey. This song has a stomping rhythm with layered vocals, it was a bit reminiscent of Imagine Dragons for me; however, although it's completely it's own unique song, you can still hear some Easter eggs and connections to "Greetings at Majuy" blended within the soundscape. Funny enough too, within the music video below, there is in fact a drone camera flying over the Majuy mountain just as I imagined while I was listening to "Greetings at Majuy".
All These Kinds Of Light
Resting at track number three is the title track, "All These Kinds of Light" which was also released as the third single in anticipation for the EP release. This song sounds like what glowing, gleaming, shining and sparkling lights look like, if you know what I mean. The varieties of guitar and bright strings as the song builds with drums, bass and piano, brings a visual to exactly what the song is about - a celebration of the beauty of light. Hayden describes this track as a summary for what the EP is for, which explains why he made it the title track.
As Above, So Below
"As Above, So Below" references the ancient spiritual saying that reminds us that everything between us and the divine are connected. This song follows Hayden in his spiritual journey and his newfound open-mindedness when it comes to magical things. “I'm converting from this very science-backed brain to quite the opposite and becoming a believer in magical things. I’m not just relying on physics to explain it all. It's all about how adopting this new perspective has shaped the way I’m thinking.” - Hayden. "As Above, So Below" was released as the fourth single before the EP release and features a very Bon Iver-esque folk soundscape with piano, strings and layers of raw, emotional harmonies and vocals.
La Peña de Juaica
"La Peña de Juaica" is another mountain range that rests near Majuy in Colombia. This track is an instrumental interlude, a little break in the EP if you will. Very similar to "Greetings at Majuy", it's a stunning, orchestral, heavenly experience that makes you feel like you're floating outside of your body. This one features gentle piano, woodwinds, strings and more of those sparkling windchimes. It's supposed to sound like what looking at these mountains felt like to Hayden. Have you ever heard something so beautiful that you just can't help but cry? This is one of those songs, so make sure to grab a box of tissues before you press play.
Lake Tota
Next we have "Late Tota", the second single release for this EP. Lake Tota is the largest lake in Colombia, and while visiting, Hayden was highly inspired by its beauty. “It's a majestic part of the country. The way the light goes through the trees and reflects on the water, and the sunsets and sunrises, it all just felt different. I couldn't put my finger on why. It very much inspired the song because I was so drawn to the way the light was.” - Hayden. It's another stunning folk song, filled with acoustic guitar, strings and piano. It takes a chanting approach in it's hook with clapping which makes you want to join right in. Towards the end, it has a gorgeous break down that makes it feel almost like a brand new song and brings a whole new emotion.
Mornings in Tabio
Considered a focus track, "Mornings in Tabio" just recently got it's own lyric video after the EP dropped! Tabio is a little mountain town in Colombia, which is where I imagine is one of the places Hayden must've stayed during his incredible trip. Listening to "Mornings in Tabio", this is what it must've been like waking up everyday for Hayden while he was there. You can tell just how much he needed this getaway, and how much it impacted him and changed his outlook on life. We all need a little time away from our everyday lives and this time was extra special for Hayden - what sets him apart from the common person though, is he knows how to take these experiences and he turns them into beautiful sounds and songs. Featuring a bit of that "stomp clap" type of folk groove and springy acoustic guitar, this song feels like a taking in a breath of fresh air.
Mornings in Tabio II
"Mornings in Tabio II" is literally a continuation of "Mornings in Tabio". It's an extension, taking the song to a whole new, spiritual type of level. About half way through, it switches into an orchestral type of instrumentation, ending the EP in the same way it started; except this time, you feel left a little bit haunted because you know that Hayden never wanted this incredible experience to end.
It is such a beautiful thing how nature not only can inspire human-beings, but heal us in a way that we may never understand. Hayden Calnin's trip to the Colombian mountain's sparked something inside of him that helped him create this incredible work of art that we now know as the "All Kinds Of Light" EP. There are no words to describe how powerful and divine the music on this EP is, you just simply have to listen. Hayden Calnin has always been an incredibly talented artist, but I think he just took a step into a whole new realm of something that can take him on a journey towards things that are beyond greatness. It truly is a magical feeling to listen to "All Kinds of Light", and I can't wait to hear what comes next. Make sure to follow Hayden below to keep up!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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