New York, NY (Top40 Charts) South African native
Xander Hayes absolutely rocks his Country radio debut, "Cooler," with a shout-a-long chorus and an infectious beat.
The 27-year-old is taking a chance and embracing a genre he loves. With several Afrikaans Pop hits ("Aardbewing," "Blus My," "Jy Oortref My") in his homeland to his credit, Hayes is ready for a change. Programmers who are ready to listen can do so via PLAY MPE.
"There's an honesty and passion to Country music that's hard to find anywhere else,"
Xander explains. "And I'm a country person at heart - and I love this song. It has a feel-good, summertime vibe that gets in your head and doesn't let go."
Overworked my back hurts
I can almost taste my favorite song
It's been playing on that station
In my head all week long
Like splish splash cans clinkin'
At 5:01 we'll all be singing (get ya)
Cooler load it up load it up
Get your cooler put the party in the truck
BYOB BYOC follow my lead
Gonna school ya poppin' tops
Drop the beat let the country rock
Get set get ready cause chicks dig a Yeti when it's hot
When it's hot ain't nothing cooler (B. DiLuigi/D. Alldredge/K. Eidson)
"Cooler" was written by Nashville hitmakers Bill DiLuigi, Derek Alldredge and Kathie Eidson. The track was recorded at The Hit Factory in Pretoria, South Africa, and produced by respected music man Murray Lubbe (Jo Black, Appel, Demi Lee Moore). Behind Xander's vibrant vocals, Lubbe sets the pace on drums, while world-acclaimed guitarist Juan "Floors" Oosthuizen ramps, riffs and shreds.
Lisa
Smoot of Jerry Duncan Promotions believes "Cooler" is the record that will launch Xander's career to Country audiences. "The timing is perfect," she notes. "It is a super high-energy, summer jam-ready song that's roarin' to go. We're very excited to be working with
Xander on this record."
Fans can learn more about
Xander and stay social on his Website, Facebook and Instagram.
Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, Xander's been singing since he was a kid, making his first paid appearance at Pretoria's Montana Family Market at the age of 15 and earning $70. There was no going back and, too young to be admitted to night clubs, he began playing festivals around South Africa at every opportunity. With a singularly rich vocal tone, a powerful three-and-a-half octave range and plenty of hard work (he studied diligently with coach Carle van Deventer and still uses the
Brett Manning system). Xander's voice is a remarkable instrument - and he's made a name for himself in his homeland. He's enjoyed chart and radio acclaim under his birth name of
Xander Joubert with several Afrikaans Pop hits ("Aardbewing," "Blus My," "Jy Oortref My") to his credit. He is currently at work on an EP of Country songs. A dedicated husband and father who hunts, fishes, butchers his own game … and quotes Winston Churchill,
Xander is also a skilled archer.