Today, Australian songwriter and triple-platinum producer Hayden James returns with his latest collaboration ‘Rather Be With You’, featuring the vocalist from acclaimed alt-dance trio, and fellow Aussies, Crooked Colours.
‘Rather Be With You’ harmoniously blends the two acts’ sounds, effortlessly layering Phil Slabber’s recognizably raspy vocals with James’ bright hi hats and contrasting synth risers into a summer-charged party starter.
James comments — “It was epic to have worked with Phil from ‘Crooked Colours’. His tone is unique and to be able to bring his vibe into my world made for a great match. ‘Rather Be With You’ is a heavier, more energetic song that explodes at moments but also continues to chug along with a strong bass / percussive groove. I’m really pumped to release this record and hopefully play it out very soon!”
Crooked Colours tastefully straddle the line between live indie songwriting and expert electronic producing. With over 200 million streams worldwide since their inception in 2013, Crooked Colours has secured their position as electronica tastemakers thanks to standout tracks like ‘Flow’, ‘Do It Like You’, ‘Love Language’, and their most recent single ‘No Sleep’.
The group is preparing for their third studio album, slated to arrive later this year. Additionally, they’re gearing up to get back on the festival and touring circuit, with forthcoming performances locked in at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Big Wild and Bob Moses, Outside Lands, This That Festival and more.
James most recently released his first single of 2021 ‘Foolproof’, a collaboration alongside contemporary dance duo Gorgon City and fellow Australian singer-songwriter Nat Dunn.
Released in March, the record has reached over 10M streams across platforms, with Top 20 Dance placements worldwide. The track went on to receive official remixes from German Super House duo Andhim, as well as piano house authority LP Giobbi, further cementing ‘Foolproof’ as an internationally recognized dance-floor heater.
Hayden James has built a global fan base balancing his signature electronic pop-infused sound with heavier club ready tracks. The play between light and dark in the Australian producer’s releases and dynamic sets continues with a new Apple mix series titled “Seasons.”
Having just released Volume 1, each quarterly mix explores this duality and shows that James can set the mood for any occasion. Whether it’s summer in the US or winter in Australia, James’ mixes will provide the perfect soundscape anywhere in the world.
Since arriving onto the scene with ‘Permission to Love’ in 2013, Hayden James has found praise across genres, comfortably and confidently producing cross-over music for indie, mainstream pop, and electronic audiences.
Having amassed a collection of over half a billion streams worldwide, his debut LP Between Us, dropped in 2019, cemented his influence and range, with collaborations including Elderbrook, Running Touch, Boy Matthews, GRAACE, FARR and more. The LP was followed by a sold-out international tour that maxed out marquee venues like NY’s Webster Hall, LA’s Fonda Theater, Amsterdam’s Paradiso, and beyond.
‘Rather Be With You ft. Crooked Colours’ is out on Future Classic and available to stream from July 23, 2021.
Hayden also just announced a string of North American tour dates coming up in September – so it’s safe to say he has a lot going on !
Hayden James North American Tour Dates
Sat Sept 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine Expo Hall w/ Duke Dumont
Sat Sept 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Sound Nightclub
Sun Sept 12 – San Francisco, CA – Hornblower Belle
Thu Sept 16 – Denver, CO – Club Vinyl
Fri Sept 17 – New York, NY – Harbor NYC
Sat Sept 18 – Atlantic City, NJ – HQ Nightclub
Sun Sept 19 – Chicago, IL – Prysm Nightclub
