New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Los Angeles-raised and self-proclaimed "astro-soul" singer/songwriter/musician PIPER HAYS will release her debut album VAGABLONDE on March 8. The album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer Matt Ross-Spang, noted for his work with
Jason Isbell and Margo Price as well as for mixing 17 previously unreleased tracks from Elvis' 1976 sessions from The
Jungle Room at Graceland. The 11 tracks on VAGABLONDE were recorded in Memphis, TN at the historic Sam Phillips Recording Studio and soulfully combine the experiences she encountered while spending the past year busking across the world with nothing but a backpack and a guitar while also encapsulating her ubiquitous inspiration from growing up inspired by musical idols ranging from psychedelic garage rock bands to jazz elders and blues pioneers.
HAYS has unveiled a music video for the album's first single, "I'd Love To Change The World," originally released in 1971 by British blues-rock group Ten Years After. "I feel like this song is the anthem for these chaotic times," says HAYS about her decision to cover the track. "Everyone keeps talking about how they want to change the world, but nobody knows exactly what to do. So I thought, 'What can I do? I can sing this song and create a video that hopefully inspires and shows people how to stand up and do something positive."
The video, which can be seen below, was created by SXSW Grand Jury Prize winning producer Tony Frere and director Ben Strang (Blueprint Motion Pictures) and highlights moments in history showing how the everyday person can change the world like suffragettes, environmentalists and the oppressed have done. "There are also shout-outs to some of my heroes," HAYS explains, "some of whom are famous solely for making a difference like Rosa Parks, Elvis, Elon Musk, and Mr. Rogers (of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood)." She adds: "There's a sparkly Easter egg hidden in the video. See if you can find it!"
The maturity in HAYS' emotionally resonant vocals stretches into the lyrical subject matter of "
I'd Love To Change The World", as she poignantly changes two of the original lyrics of the track to fit with a present-day take on the society's values. "Calling people names or talking sh*t about other people doesn't change anything," she declares. "We're on this planet together. We have to come together and put our differences aside."
HAYS and her band will perform "
I'd Love To Change The World" and other songs from VAGABLONDE on Tuesday, January 29 when she headlines The Mint in Los Angeles, CA (21+ only, tickets are on-sale now at https://www.themintla.com/event/1800791-piper-hays-casey-ahern-los-angeles/.
Additional shows include:
FRI 2/8 Los Angeles, CA The Study
FRI 3/8 Los Angeles, CA
State Social House (Album Release Show)
