Hayden Lee released his fourth album, Crazy Little Secrets, and the fans have loved every second of it. “Supernatural” fandom favorite, Jason Manns, produced the creation. Manns and Lee have been friends for a long time and with Manns’ producing history, there was no surprise that they collaborated on this project. The talented singer has worked on other artists albums such as Briana Buckmaster, Gil McKinney, Left on Laurel and more! Manns gave us a few words on what it was like to work on Lee’s album and the process of putting it all together.
Jadeen Mercado: When you decided to produce Hayden’s album, what was the first thing that came to mind for you creatively in this process?
Jason Manns: The first thing I thought was that these songs are really good! A solid batch of well-crafted tunes and I was looking forward to hearing what the fellas could do with them.
Jadeen Mercado: How did you Hayden work together in the studio to ensure that each song was done perfectly?
Jason Manns: The process was pretty simple really. We workshopped the tunes with the band, came to some decisions on some stuff and kinda earmarked some things to try out. We got the band in the room and worked through the tunes one at a time, trying things out and picking an approach. Then when we felt like it landed in the right spot we’d move on. Then we circled back around for vocals and then the long process of mixing started.
Jadeen Mercado: Since you’ve known Hayden for a really long time, was it easy to produce for him because of your personal and musical history?
Jason Manns: I don’t think us being such old friends made it easier or more difficult really. It did happen to be pretty easy because we worked well together and he trusted me, and I trusted him, and Zack Darling (our engineer) and Billy Moran, Cooper Appelt, and Kiel Feher the band. It was just super collaborative and laid back, & I’m stoked about how the record turned out.
Jadeen Mercado: What’s something you’re most proud of from this album?
Jason Manns: I’d say there are two things I’m most pleased about. 1, we really hit the bullseye as far as the tone and vibe of the record we wanted. I love that we achieved the goal for the sound of the record. Modern rock with a good hard edge, but a slightly nostalgic undertone. Hints of the rock records of the 90s inspired Hayden to start writing music in the first place. And 2.) we were slightly limited in the time available in the studio and had to put a lot more effort into time management than usual but we got it done!
You can find Hayden’s album, Crazy Little Secrets, on all major streaming services. Go check it out and let Hayden and Jason know how much you enjoyed it.
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Written by Jadeen Mercado
