Bio

Will Hayes (b. 1989) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and improviser residing in Brooklyn, New York.

A conservatory-trained musician with a deep connection to diverse musical histories, Hayes has toured internationally and worked as a session musician on acclaimed albums and films. As a guitarist and session musician, he has worked with artists such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, Myrkur, Randall Dunn, Wolves in the Throne Room, Zola Jesus, Stephen O’Malley, Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Wayne Horvitz, Úlfur Hansson, Hanna Benn, and choreographer Kate Wallich. As a performing artist, Hayes has opened for acts including Sun Ra Arkestra, Algiers, Xiu Xiu, Martin Rev (Suicide), and many others. 

In 2018, Hayes performed guitar on Jóhann Jóhannsson’s award-winning score to Panos Cosmatos’ cult horror film Mandy (starring Nicolas Cage and Andrea Riseborough). In 2022, he recorded guitars on the opening theme for the Crackle original series Salvage Marines.

Hayes earned his Bachelor of Music in classical composition at Cornish College of the Arts in 2013, where he studied with composers Wayne Horvitz and Jarrad Powell. Upon graduating, Hayes immersed himself in the creative music and art ecosystem of Seattle, playing in bands, composing chamber music, songwriting, and producing original scores for contemporary dance, theater, and film. Will was as a member of experimental electronic collaborative Newaxeyes, touring the US, and releasing three albums including Black Fax (Important Records, 2018).

Equally tempered by influences ranging from extreme metal to contemporary classical and free jazz, Hayes is compelled by the esoteric and drawn to the fringes of popular and art music. He delivers a uniquely estranged interpretation of American music, and imparts sonic range, emotional depth, and improvisational flexibility to live performance and session work alike.