Hayden James’ We Could Be Love Delivers Feel-Good Summer Vibes
When Frank151 first caught up with Hayden James before his unforgettable sunset set at Hard Summer 2023, we had no idea it would go down as one of his most impactful performances. The Australian DJ and producer, first broke onto the scene with his 2013 hit “Permission to Love,” that has amassed over 20 million streams and cemented himself as a staple in the dance music festival circuit.
While his signature sound often leans into easy-listening melodies with deep vocal hooks and lush basslines, Hayden took his Hard Summer set up a notch up, delivering a high-energy, crowd-pumping experience. Attendees who packed the BMO Stadium were treated to an array of cleverly mashed-up popular tracks, effortlessly keeping the sunset crowd vibing as his sunset performance shifted into the night.
Fast-forward a year later, Frank151 sat down with Hayden once again, this time on the occasion of his third studio album release, We Could Be Love. The multi-platinum artist’s latest project blends indie dance, classic house, and pop, tapping into the breezy, sun-soaked feelings of summer—perfect for fans wanting to ride out the season with some feel-good, danceable tunes.
We Could Be Love is a testament to Hayden James’ knack for collaboration. The album features an eclectic mix of artists like Karen Harding on the euphoric, soulful track “Patience,” UK songstress SHELLS on “Deep Diving,” and electro-pop duo AR/CO on the infectious title track “We Could Be Love.” The album glides from beachside chill to nightclub euphoria, striking the perfect balance between introspective lyricism and body-moving beats.
Talking about the album, James said, “‘We Could Be Love’ was such a fun album to write with so many incredible feature artists. It feels special to release an album right now and I want to give fans a whole moment with my music—not just a song or two.” He added, “This album takes me from the beach to the club and back. It’s emotive and powerful, and I’m so proud of every record and thankful to everyone involved.”
Los Angeles celebrated the album’s release last September with a packed house at The Spotlight, LA’s newest hotspot for nightlife. The intimate venue, known for its sleek design and cutting-edge sound, was filled to capacity as fans danced to an unforgettable set. With people grooving shoulder-to-shoulder, the energy in the room was electric—proving We Could Be Love translates seamlessly from headphones to the dance floor.
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With tracks like “Waves Out” featuring Ross Quinn and the uplifting “Make It” in collaboration with fellow Aussie producer Kormak, the album leans into deep house grooves with progressive elements that capture the universal rhythms of love and devotion. And songs like “Medicine” and “Shelter” provide the lovesick introspection that longtime fans have come to expect, rounding out an album that is as heartfelt as it is dance floor-ready.
Now, Frank151 is gearing up to catch Hayden James live again during his upcoming We Could Be Love Tour, where he’ll be bringing his sun-soaked sounds to cities across North America. Check out our interview with Hayden James below.
It was great catching up with you in person last year at Hard Summer! We already covered our signature question about headlining your own festival, so this time, let’s mix it up: If you could attend any 3 historical music events or concerts, which ones would you choose and why?
Metallica in Moscow with the other 1.6 million people. Michael Jackson – History Tour.. cause it’s Michael. Any David Bowie show ever.
Your Hard Summer set last year was phenomenal! It perfectly complemented the sunset and energized the crowd at BMO Stadium. How did that performance feel from your perspective?
That was one of the biggest crowds I have ever played to in the USA and it felt WILD! Just to play in that stadium is crazy. I love playing on a massive stage. I felt super lucky to have the opportunity.
Reflecting on our previous conversation, how did your set at Savaya in Bali go? Any memorable moments?
Savaya is honestly one of my favorite places to play. The balinese people are so lovely, the venue is just incredible.. (if you haven’t seen it you have to google it rn) and the vibe in that place is unmatched. I’ll never say no to a show there 🙂
Since we last spoke, you’ve probably been busy with new projects, including this album We Can Be Love. Interestingly, that’s also the title of a track you released last summer. Was the album in the works when you dropped that single? What’s the story behind this album?
The album was in the beginning stages when I released ‘We Could Be Love’. It felt like the perfect record to lead with for the album with the energy it brings. It just keeps building that track and it’s a favorite to play. The album is full of more dancy, emotive records which I feel is in my DNA when it comes to writing. It’s a collection of records I felt worked well together and honestly songs I just couldn’t’ stop listening to once I wrote them. That’s always a good sign.
Your new album features “Patience,” a collaboration with Karen Harding. The track has a laid-back summer vibes. What was your vision for this album, and did you have a specific theme in mind? Is there a track on the album that you’re particularly fond of?
Patience feels like ‘Just Friends 2.0’. It’s the female take on the same kinda relationship story and production wise it hits like Just Friends. My vision for the album was to write something people can listen to top to bottom, and something that you can listen to with friends. Literally.. To be enjoyed with friends. My favorite song on the album changes over time but right now I’m really enjoying playing ‘WAVES OUT’ live.
On the technical side, your album includes several collaborations. For our non-musician readers, could you walk us through your creative process for making a track? How long does it typically take to complete a song?
It’s always different. Some records take 1 day to make and some take 2 months. I find the quicker you nail the idea you’re after, the stronger the idea. Collaborations also take different paths.. Sometimes I’ll hit someone up on socials and send them some ideas and sometimes I’ll be sent vocals to play with. My absolute favorite way to collab is in person, in the studio together. That’s how ‘The pleasure, Don’t let me go, Waves Out, All in and Make it’ was made.
I’m looking forward to your album release party at The Spotlight in LA as well as your show at The Novo in October. Any teasers or surprises we should expect?
I had the AMAZING Izzy Bizu and Boy Matthews join me on stage at the album launch party. It was a special moment.
What’s next on the horizon for Hayden James? Any other upcoming projects or plans?
Always writing, always planning. Stay tuned for lots of new music in 2025.
Connect with Hayden James
Don’t forget to catch his set when he plays in your city!
We Could Be Love Tour Dates
September 27 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
September 28 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
October 4 – Concord Music Hall – Chicago, IL
October 5 – Royale Boston – Boston, MA
October 10 – The Novo – Los Angeles, CA
October 11 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ
October 12 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
October 18 – The Axis Club – Toronto, ON
October 19 – New City Gas – Montreal, QC
October 26 – Beach House – San Diego, CA
November 1 – It’ll Do – Dallas, TX
November 2 – The Concourse Project – Austin, TX
November 8 – Hollywood Theatre – Vancouver, BC
November 9 – The Midway – San Francisco, CA
November 15 – Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
Written by Eric B. Thornton | Edit by Bernadette