Daily Inspiration: Meet Shannon Hayden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Hayden.

Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began playing cello at the age of 7 and was immersed early on in a rigorous classical training environment, which gave me a solid foundation and respect for craft, discipline, and sound. While classical training shaped, and continues to shape my musical abilities and possibilities with the instrument, I have always shown an interest in what lies beyond the traditional path. My initial interest in the cello was sparked by a performance I witnessed on TV of Bjork performing with the Icelandic String Octet. I was so taken with the performance and curious about the use of traditional instruments in a striking, modern musical setting. That curiosity led me to the study of other instruments, playing guitar in bands, touring, writing, and producing across a wide range of musical genres, from classical and folk to world music and experimental projects.
A common thread throughout my musical journey has been my work blending the deep, string tones of the acoustic cello with amplification and electronics. I’ve worked as a performer, educator, and producer, often simultaneously, and those roles continue to support and inform one another. My sound today is driven and inspired by the integration of composition, performance, and technology and strives to immerse audiences in experiential soundscapes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I grew up in a rural area of southern Illinois so access to cello teachers and music education was challenging. I was lucky that my parents were very supportive of my musical endeavors and agreed to drive me to weekly lessons a couple hours away at Indiana University. The isolation experienced at my family farm encouraged self reliance and a focus on creativity that helped set the foundation for my independent path in music. Later in my journey I often found myself caught between two worlds, traditional classical spaces that resisted change, and pop environments that often prioritized trends and technology over depth. That challenge continues today as musicians from all backgrounds strive to figure out ways to contribute their work in a meaningful way without overly engaging in the often ego driven aspects of the music industry, namely social media.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a touring multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer working to push the boundaries of my instruments and the genre limiting mentality so present in the music industry today. Though my training has been steeped in classical cello studies, my early work playing lead guitar in touring rock bands, learning to write and produce for bands, and my extensive touring with my own project and the unique groups I have been in has led me to create a style of music informed by our vast music history, human emotion, and today’s technology. I’m often striving to create something that’s deeply personal, yet relatable and new for today’s audience. I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre, Rage Against the Machine, Yes, and Johnny Greenwood, to name a few. My musical language, like many artists and listeners today, involves a complex intersection of so many ideas that came before, mixed with our current, unique viewpoints. I’d say, though it hasn’t been easy or particularly smooth, I’m most proud of the fact I have striven to carve out a sustainable, independent path for myself in my field. There have been many, many forks in the road, and each time I’ve chosen to create the next chapter myself, step by step, from the pedal board I built at the age of 14 and on. I love creating immersive live performances for people and, perhaps what sets me apart from others in my field, is the fact I bridge disciplined musicianship with cinematic experiences and studio fluency, making me equally comfy on stage, in an LA session room, or composing and producing for a film.

What matters most to you? Why?
I think effectively communicating one’s ideas and emotions, whether it be through a medium like music, language, sports, painting, ect., is so important for people. A lot of pent up emotions and angst can be transmuted into something profound if people are given the chance to. For me, music allows for this outlet of emotion. It also constantly sharpens my ability to communicate in a way that is relatable, when I want to be understood in that way. When I tour I often stop by small music schools and also public schools where I encourage kids to stick with their music studies and give them a look at the endless possibilities that their abilities in music can offer. A lot of people have heard a cello for example, but few people experience what the instrument, combined with human imagination and modern technology can really do. The practice of music requires a lot of discipline and can often be very discouraging for students who are not seeing the instant gratifying rewards we so often celebrate on social media. Sharing honest stories with students about my path and work, combined with showing them a taste of what’s possible when you keep at it all while thinking outside the bow has been among the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career. My dream is to create a music school for younger students that revolutionizes how we approach the study of music – combining tradition with creative thought, technology and greatly needed modern relevancy. Essentially, giving students the tools to express themselves fluently while creating the building blocks for a well rounded, innovative, forward thinking being. My emphasis would also be to focus on young girls who are often not encouraged in the direction of innovation and technology. Its just a matter of exposure and encouragement. I hope to provide more of these opportunities for young minds both in cities, but also in rural environs like where I grew up, where exposure to the arts and innovative ideas is almost zero.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shannonleehayden.com
• Instagram: shannonleehayden
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-hayden-89b13832/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonhayden/videos
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tAQwb3AoliSVdKgGQaQ1z?si=iT6n-W_cRF2i1ixIFAr28Q

Image Credits
Alejandra Castaneda
Celeste Burdon