Interview: Haywood
She is just as brilliant as she is fierce. Boasting an impressive background as a singer, songwriter, and badass producer, Haywood exploded onto the music scene in 2001 as a solo artist in Australia with her debut album “Leah”. Since then, she has lended her extraordinary talents to the likes of Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and numerous other music legends. Now diving back into her roots as a solo artist once again, Haywood has returned with her new dance-inducing single “Backbeat” and (take this as your forewarning!) it is without a doubt the catchiest song you’ll hear this summer.
I was lucky enough to chat with Haywood about her brand new single “Backbeat”, her extensive history writing & producing the world’s biggest hits, and the unexpected beauty that patience and persistence showed her over the years.
Photo by Darren Tieste
Leah Haywood (professionally known as Haywood) is the music industry’s superwoman. Born in New Zealand, the record producer/singer-songwriter grew up in West Australia where her career began. After releasing her top 40 album Leah in 2001 with Epic Records, she was ready for more. Haywood moved to Los Angeles in 2002 to jumpstart her mega-talented production/songwriting company “Dreamlab” with her husband, Daniel James. From there, she was able to produce, write, and provide vocals for popular, early 2000’s artists like Aly & AJ, Vanessa Hudgens, The Cheetah Girls, and Britney Spears. Fast forward a few years later, Haywood was extending her talents to even more artists you know and love including Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, and more.
In 2019, Haywood wrote and produced “Never Really Over” which the legendary Katy Perry quickly fell in love with and released on her 2020 album Smile. Following the success of “Never Really Over”, Haywood wrote and produced “Off My Face” which Justin Bieber later included on his recent 2021 album Justice.
Earlier this year, Haywood formally made her return as a brilliant solo artist with the song “Cheers To Us” featuring Jackson Foote of American pop duo Loote, followed by an acoustic version of the song. After “Cheers To Us” racked up over a million streams on Spotify alone, Haywood has returned with her boppy, anthemic single release “Backbeat”.
“It’s an interesting use of the word. Backbeat is obviously a musical term but I liked using it in the context of feeling like you’re in the shadow of something that is either toxic or holding you back. Wanting to dominate that thing, push out of the shadows and go ‘No, I make my own rules!’”
In a wash of black and white visual brilliance, Haywood fights her way out of the shadows, refusing to fall into repetitive, negative patterns of toxicity. “Backbeat” is as much of a self-promise to change for the better as there will ever be. It makes you feel unafraid to be yourself and lose yourself. The track’s music video fully, authentically captures the all-too-real push and pull of endless life experiences; the never-ending game of cat and mouse with something you know is bad for you, but you simply can’t let go of. “Backbeat” is a champion song, a track that roots for individuality and freedom from those cinderblocks of self-doubt that weigh us down.
Cover art for “Backbeat” by Haywood
The music industry can be quite a challenging mountain to climb. In many regards, it is a male-dominated field where women fight to find their place in songwriting, singing, and producing roles. There is a heavy sense of frustration where up-and-coming female music industry professionals feel pushed aside by men in power. As a female singer, songwriter, and badass producer, Haywood is a true reminder that women are capable of being overwhelmingly successful in the industry, even if they have to fight for their place.
“You have to shout twice as loud as a female to be heard in this business. I think that’s changing, there is a desire to see more female producers and a lot of guys wanting more female producers on their tracks as well … There’s a lot of chicks out there making beats and doing the heavy lifting and I love the way DSPs are starting to recognize that. We’re definitely making progress.”
The empowering allure of Haywood’s new single “Backbeat” is irresistible and shows that this song is one you didn’t know you needed to complete your summer soundtrack. If you don’t believe me, check out the stunning music video below, directed by the endlessly talented Fred Cochran and Miss Haywood herself. With a more masculine approach to her performance style, Haywood’s music video for “Backbeat” gives us all the classic, rock ‘n’ roll moments we could ever hope for. Fans of pop classics are sure to fall in love with Haywood’s track and it’s uplifting sweep into each punchy chorus.
As effortlessly brilliant as Haywood appears, she is constantly reminded that persistence and patience leads to true results. There is rarely a time she can sit down and force herself to write a catchy melody or interesting chorus. Haywood learned quickly that her best work comes from catching bits and pieces of songs as instantaneously as they come. Even when asked why she waited a number of years to kickoff her solo career once again, Haywood knew she needed to wait until the timing was right and she felt confident creatively.
“I didn’t want to do anything uninspired. I feel like when I get something instantaneously it’s almost a little sign. “Backbeat” was my second or third song that I made for my project. I got the flash of the title and then all the lyrics around that. If I had rushed myself into writing something sooner, it wouldn’t have been as genuine. Patience is so important when it comes to thinking creatively.”
Luckily, fans don’t have to be too patient to hear more from the insanely talented Haywood. She is gearing up to release new music in the coming weeks, with a full-length body of work in the foreseeable future. You can check out Haywood’s new song “Backbeat” on Spotify here. Be sure to follow Haywood’s utterly impressive music journey on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Interview by Kelly Carrazzone
