Meet Gabriel Hays | Composer and Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Hays and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I firmly believe in taking measured risks. Every significant step in my career has involved choosing the less obvious, often riskier path. For example, about 12 years ago, my wife and I made a bold decision to move from NYC to LA. At the time, we had no jobs lined up in LA and our daughter was just 1.5 years old. It was a daunting move, but we were ready to leave NYC and knew that if I wanted to pursue a career as a film composer, LA was the place to be.

We took this leap of faith because I had some promising leads and we believed in the potential opportunities LA could offer. This risk paid off significantly. I landed projects that I wouldn’t have had access to if we had stayed in NYC, and my career as a composer began to flourish.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been on my musical path since I was about 12 years old. I was initially drawn to music because it offered a way to express feelings I couldn’t understand in any other way. At the same time, it provided a great way to collaborate with others and share ideas and goals.

As for what might set me apart, that’s probably a question best left to others. But if I had to answer, I’d say I have a good sense of the space and dimension of sound, which might manifest to others as unusual sonic textures or unique orchestrations. I also take great care in crafting melodies that are balanced and memorable.

Hopefully, these aspects of the music I make resonate with others!

Regarding what I’m most proud of, I’d highlight some of the film scoring work I’ve done. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many creative and unique directors and producers on projects for Disney, Netflix, and Showtime. One notable project was the animated movie Secret Magic Control Agency on Netflix. It went to number one in the world upon its release in 2021. I’m also proud of some of the songs I wrote with my old band, Shortwave Sunshine, and the chamber writing I’ve done with groups like the Lyric Quartet here in Los Angeles.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, but it’s been a lot of fun. I think my greatest strength is that I don’t give up easily. Once I set my mind on a goal, I don’t stop until I achieve it.

As far as what I want the world to know about my story, I feel that there is much more of my story to come and I look forward to creating new art with other inspired individuals!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I’m not a local to Arizona, my family frequently travels through the state when driving from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to visit family. We often stay in Flagstaff, Sedona, or Phoenix and have discovered some great spots!

If I were to show my best friend around Arizona, here’s where I’d take them.

Flagstaff – Stay at The High Country Motor Lodge. It offers comfortable accommodations, a pool, and a fun restaurant with tasty cocktails.

Grand Canyon – it’s the Grand Canyon!

Sedona – Sedona for me is all about the natural beauty. We’d definitely take a trip to Slide Rock State Park to enjoy the natural water slides. After that we’d walk around town and grab dinner at the Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits 

Phoenix – As a lover of pizza, we’d certainly make a stop at Pizzeria Bianco. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. The classic Margherita and the Rosa are incredible!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my incredible wife, Holly Hays. Not only is she a wonderful mother and partner, but she has also been a constant supporter of my musical journey. Holly has helped me find confidence when I needed it most and encouraged me to take leaps of faith, even when others might have suggested following the conventional path

Website: https://www.gabrielhays.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrieldhays

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-hays-42705421/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabrielhays2141

Image Credits
Jessie Cowan