Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Hayes.
Hi Rob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a native of Michigan but I’ve resided in Southern California since 2005. I went to Everett High School in Lansing, MI which is where Magic Johnson made a name for himself. He used to bring the superstar artists like Dr. Dre to Lansing. Things like that motivated me to want to get out of Michigan and take on Hollywood like he was doing. In high school, I was a rapper by the name of Young Inf and I released a mixtape that was popular in my city. After High school, I moved to Florida and after failed attempts at record deals and college, I decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. I went to Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, after boot camp, I was stationed in 29 Palms, CA. I served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and Discharged honorably in 2008.
In 2009 I moved to Los Angeles and Attended the LA Film School, where I earned a certificate in audio engineering. While I was a student, I interned for a producer who at the time was producing for Macy Gray and MC Lyte. In 2012 I was selected as a rap contestant on America’s Got Talent where I made it to the Vegas Rounds. That same year I was hired at Live Nation as an assistant in the Global Touring department.
I gained extensive experience in the touring artist management and production industry in my work at Live Nation and Roc Nation/ Three Six Zero Group. I have worked on every aspect of concerts, from booking venues to organizing travel and managing the artist’s team. I am confident in my ability to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both the artist and the audience. I’ve worked on world tours for Madonna, U2, Beyonce, Jay Z, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Barbra Streisand, Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Calvin Harris, R3Hab, GTA, 3lAU, cirque du soleil.
In 2016, I started my own label Thirty Dark Zero Records As CEO of Thirty Dark Zero Records I am a producer and recording artist first. I believe in using all of what I know and learned to make a living so in addition to my indie music career I am able to close deals for recording artists through their management and agent. In concert production, TDZ has a team that specializes in advancing and creating a tour forecast, getting all necessary approvals to move forward; we push with a strong pre-sale and on-sale rollout, I also have marketing and social media ad buying experience through working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern California.
I’ve had the privilege of recording and performing with some amazing LA Natives who are successful like Larrance Dopson and My Guy Mars of 1500 or Nothin and 5x Grammy award winner Candace Wakefield featured on Make Me a Meal from my debut album Sound Off LP released in 2020. in 2022 I released my sophomore album Parte Uno – R is for Retribution. I am currently recording a faith-based Hip Hop project as God has called me to a higher purpose and I am surrendering my gifts to his kingdom.
I Believe For an independent musicians to be successful, they need to have a great team behind them, as well as great music and a compelling story. Additionally, they need to have a great sales funnel in place in order to reach their target audience and promote their music. Having all of these components in place is essential for any independent musician to become successful.
When I’m not making music, I enjoy spending time with my 2 children and exploring the many tourist attractions and hidden trails around the city.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been easy, I have battled with PTSD from childhood trauma and my military service, I am grateful to have had music as an outlet when times were tough and the studio was the safest place for me to be. A lot of times having a pure heart in business situations can hurt you because even though we lead with the best of intentions, others may not. I also believe having a partner to be equally yoked with plays an important part in success as a creative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visionary in music because I have the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative wordplay over complex production. I am able to identify trends in the market and develop creative strategies that help me stand out from the competition. I am also highly organized and have the ability to manage multiple projects at once. I have a deep understanding of the music landscape and the latest technologies and trends that help Thirty Dark Zero reach its goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Knowing God loves me in spite of the person I was in the past. That he was working it out for my good even when I thought my life had unraveled. I’m happy that I see my children growing into better versions of me. I’m happy when I’m in hungry in beast mode in front of the console, shooting for excellence.
Contact Info:
- Website: unitedmasters.com/rob-hayes
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsrobhayes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalinrhayes/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/itsrobhayes
Image Credits
Thirty Dark Zero Records LLC.
