This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Maya Stokley. Find her on Instagram at @maya.aesthetic. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Y’all listen, I am causally scrolling through Instagram (because I deleted TikTok, someone saves me), and I happen to stumble upon a video of a singer, an amazing singer at that. Platinum blond hair, mesh top with jeans, and his hands slide down that microphone stand, and my mind is blown! I was screaming, crying, and kicking my feet! But, besides the visuals, the song he sang was vibey and groovy and got my head bouncing to his melodic words. A whole new world was unlocked for me, and I haven’t been the same since I discovered Haiden Henderson! The 22-year-old breakthrough pop-rock star is currently on tour and having a blast! So why not learn more about him here?!
(Wait, the scream at the end kills me everytime!)
How Did Haiden Start?
Okay, I believe we can all agree that Haiden is a fantastic talent, especially with the video above! However, he had some humble beginnings when he grew up around the Stockton, Bakersfield, and Fresno areas in California, as based on his interview with Ones to Watch. In the interview, he mentioned that once his family generated more income, they could move down to Southern California and live in Ojai for high school. I will not reveal any more information about his upbringing because Ones to Watch did an amazing job interviewing Haiden!
Haiden released his first single, “Want to Want You,” in 2021; it sounds different from his current singles! The song has a sultry texture with somber melodic vocals to accompany the guitars and tiny piano accompaniments in the verses. In the chorus, you can tell that the 2000s Jonas Brothers’ sound has a hint of Justin Bieber in his tone. As a debut single, it is absolutely beautiful, and it solidifies his songwriting abilities! The song got me like:
To keep the ball rolling, Haiden Henderson released his sophomore single called “Unless” in 2021. This upbeat single is a true testament to him finding his sound as an artist. From a somber ballad to a 2016 One Direction pop sound, he can create a pop record! Also, his falsetto in the chorus sounds like a whisper, and it’s so good! ADDITIONALLY, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE LYRICS! It sounds like he is talking about his thoughts throughout, and honestly, it eats LIKE BAD!
He Is Just On The Come Up!
After a few more releases in 2022 and 2023 like “Can’t Hurt Me”, “Sorry to Your Next Ex”, “Wasted” and “you don’t even like me”, his sound is maturing to who he is today! In 2023, he released his first EP “Choke on My Heart” and I just have to say:
lover boy EP Review!
Now, in 2024, he has a new EP out called “lover boy” that highlights all of his growth as a musician by blending alternative, pop, and rock into his own distinctive sound. The first song on the EP, called “Bleachers,” is an absolute banger to start the EP off! With the booming plucking of the guitar and the electrifying drums in the verses and choruses, it feels like you are in a 2000s rom-com, and you are about to demolish a sports team! That high school feeling really pumps up your stamina for a fantastic listen!
NOW HELL OF A GOOD TIME is such a good listen! As if bleachers weren’t enough to keep the ball in its court, “hell of a good time” takes the cake! The difference between “bleachers” and “hell of a good time” is the dance backbeat! The second single has that driving force of the guitar and bass to get my hips swaying and nod my head like crazy! Also, the “Na na na” after the chorus is so GOOD! It reminds me of Hollaback Girl, and it is so catchy! Think of yourself riding your car into New York City on a summer night, blaring this out of your speaker!
Also, I will let “K.O” slide! I love a good “la la la” part in any song. What you know about Haiden Henderson? This track has a simple backbeat with his fast lyric delivery, and it shows his ability to breathe and annunciate such words; it sounds like he is rapping! Also, “you are a knock out baby, K.O” is such a good hook! I love how the song is so pleasant to the ear!
Oh You Thought I Was Done With This EP?!
Now, you know I love a good storytelling song, and “broken in” embodies it so well! The 5 Seconds of Summer influence is so apparent in this song, and honestly, that 2014 rock boy band vibes are everywhere in this song. Think of those Disney Channel music videos back in the day that would play as commercials! The song gives me the feeling of a beach party and Haiden is singing the song in his head while having fun with his friends and the person he is in love with. Honestly, potential music video, thoughts?
The fifth song on the EP, “Good Side,” showcases Haiden’s softer side through the acoustic essence of the guitar and his sweet, honey-like voice. The stripped aspect of all of the basses and snares leaves the listener vulnerable and enables them to pay attention to what Haiden is singing. It is giving rom-com montage and the loved one is accepting the other’s flaws. It is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard because it is real; love is about accepting flaws and seeing the beauty in them. In my tier list, “good side” is like one of the top three songs on this EP for me!
To finish the EP off, Haiden Henderson uses an upbeat song like “one before the one” to end his chronicle of his sound to leave the listeners with a good-feeling song! And I have noticed that most of Haiden’s songs are about partnership, relationships, unrequited love, and more. What is more relatable at this point? I relate too much to his songs; he is clocking me badly! Honestly, from his YouTube single days to his 2024 self, his musical journey is just beginning and he is creating his sound masterfully!
“sweat” Single Review
When I tell that Instagram reel changed my life, it really did! I love a good dance track and “sweat” is such a gem! Honestly, yes, it is sensual, but it is a pivot from Haiden Henderson’s style of storytelling. And, I am here for it! The lyrics of “You don’t need to be a gym member
and “let me show you how to use your legs” is like CRAZY! But, I like crazy and this song speaks to me! You are at the club, jamming to the son, and someone comes up behind you, and you’ll dance the night away. I’m telling you Haiden Henderson’s discography is PERFECT for a young adult romantic comedy like get this man his deal! Anyways, stream “sweat” because it is too good to describe in my fangirl words!
Haiden Henderson si such a joy to watch and listen! If you are in the mood to find a new artist or someone that out of your musical comfort zone, I highly recommend Haiden! And, you will not regret it!
Do you know about Haiden Henderson? Have you heard his music or watched his music videos? Share in the comments below!
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