Melbourne Indie-Folk Singer Hayden Calnin  Releases Reflective EP “A Turning Of The Tide: Side B”

Across a series of acclaimed projects, Melbourne-based indie folk singer, songwriter and producer Hayden Calnin has carved out his signature, intricate blend of acoustic folk melodies, lush, gentle soundscapes, and glitchy, otherworldly production – all of it held together by his rich, haunting vocal. That artistry is on full display across his new EP A Turning Of The Tide: Side B. You can listen to the EP here.

At the top of 2022 and in the wake of a breakup, Hayden left Melbourne for a creative hideaway in Rye Ocean Beach to write this record. Ultimately, Hayden came out of the isolation with an ability to connect more than ever. “When you hear this, I’d love for you to smile. I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been right now. I’m comfortable with where I’m at and where I’m heading for the first time in years. I hope the music shows,” he says.

Across its six tracks – including previous singles “I Believe In Something More”, “We Lost Sight Of The Shoreline”, and the lush, reflective title track, Hayden explores themes of growth and navigating change, of adjusting to new circumstances and emerging from the darkness while looking positively to the future. Side B is the companion release to March’s Side A EP created during the same getaway, and continuing Hayden’s profound emotional reflection.

Alongside the release of the EP, Hayden has dropped his new single – EP closer – “Good Things Will Come ‘Round” which brings the record’s journey to its fitting conclusion – what begins with an epiphany, a moment of realisation reached through an extended period of time in isolation, ends with a brand new outlook. 

WATCH & SHARE “GOOD THINGS WILL COME ‘ROUND” LYRIC VIDEO:

“When I started writing for A Turning of the Tide, I was still getting over an old relationship and in a state of shock,” Hayden says. “By the end of it, I totally transformed and had taken myself away from familiarities and the environment I was in before. You should feel a shift in energy by the time it’s over. To me, it does come through. I’ve learned if you’re not finding momentum where you are, it’s important to get out of it. If I want to do something now, I’ll just do it. I used to sit and wish things would change. Now, I’m making the changes and growing myself. That’s what this EP taught me.”

To celebrate the release of A Turning Of The Tide: Side B, Hayden has created a live experience unlike anything he has undertaken before. Transforming Melbourne’s Brunswick Ballroom on Friday 22 September, the night will see Hayden perform in full band mode alongside dancers choreographed by Green Room Award winner Freya List (Cruel Intentions, Tick Tick Boom, Chess The Musical), and a full lighting installation and visual fx show. Support on the night will come from cinematic alt-indie band Grand Pine.

Of the night, Hayden says, “Art is collaborative at some of its finest moments. Dance has always been alongside and part of my musical career, so it seemed only fitting to combine both of those worlds for a live audience. I’m launching an album of new songs, and for most, are being played for the first time. I went into the idea of a collaborative gig with the intention of it being more of an exhibition piece than a traditional performance, in which it is not just about the music or the messages within it, but on how it can affect you as you are experiencing it. The band and I will be performing the songs throughout the night, and in turn the Dancers will respond. I’m working with choreographer Freya List who will allow the movement to be half choreographed , half improvised. We don’t really know where that will go or how it’s all going to come together, so you’ll just have to come to the show and see.”