Fourteen-year-old Thirroul singer-songwriter Will Haynes is releasing his debut album, changing?, today.
The Smith’s Hill High School student will perform all 13 tracks from his album at a sold-out event at Austinmer's All Saints' Anglican Church tonight, with at least eight of his school peers-turned-bandmates joining him on stage during the performance.
“I'm expecting over 120 people [to attend],” Will said.
“I love performing live, so I definitely am planning more live shows in the future.”
Will, who describes his music as a blend of R’n'B, pop, and alternative indie, only discovered his passion for singing and producing music last year during a school music assessment. In the short time since, he’s already captured the attention of Australian artists Budjerah, grentperez, and The Voice 2021 winner Bella Taylor Smith, whose partner, Josh Cole, co-produced changing?.
“I'm a big fan of Bella,” Will said.
“I found [Josh] through her and then emailed him and ended up becoming very well-acquainted with both of them and having a great time in the studio making the song that we produced together, which is called Stay with me.”
Will’s lyrics are often inspired by his own experiences, which he believes many listeners can relate to. Will lost his father to cancer earlier this year, and Will said changing? wouldn’t be the album it is without the guidance of his dad.
“He got into studios a lot, had his own equipment, [and] he knew a lot about music,” Will said.
“I would always show him the songs first, and he would help with lots of feedback.”
Not only does Will write and compose his own music, but he records and produces his songs at his home studio in Thirroul and is responsible for most of the instrumentals on the album.
“I just felt really inspired to make a nice room that felt comfortable and happy and cosy to sort of make [my music] in,” he said.
“I play guitar, a little bit of piano, a little bit of cello, a little bit of trumpet and maybe drums every now and again.”
Of the tracks on the album, Will says the skilfully produced Stay with me and the title track, changing?, are among those he’s most proud of.
“I thought [changing?] was the biggest, I guess, the most emotive song on the album in the sense that I made it in the middle of a family gathering in the corner of a room,” Will said.
“I suddenly got the idea and recorded into my phone, and it ended up having eight string parts, an orchestral section and beautiful instruments, [and] it was a very cathartic song to make and to listen to.”
Will’s debut album changing? will be available via music streaming services, such as Spotify. Follow @willhaynesmusic on Instagram