Hayden Miethe
INTRODUCTION: "There is something innately captivating with the juxtaposition of arts, cultures and social norms. Hayden is the kind of man that spits on the boots of what you expect and presents you with a vivid picture of what could be if you opened your mind a little bit. If the epic beard, traditional tattoos and classic, country, bad-boy style doesn't have you intrigued yet, then take the fact that Hayden has 8 kids, a loving wife, a growing career as a rap artist and is involved with a pilot for a new show on A&E and we're guessing you'll be as hooked on Miethe as we are." -Jacob Fulton
1. So, Hayden, tell us about your journey as you played Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars series -
Honestly, I was more thrilled when George also asked me to play the lesser role of JarJar Binks - but it didn’t go as planned - let’s not talk about that! #%$^&%
2. Tell me about this album you are currently in process of funding! (you can help fund this album here: http://www.gofundme.com/vinyljones) It looks really interesting and I personally can’t wait to see you reach your goal!
This project is titled VINYL JONES AND THE DOMESTIC. I like to describe it as one part Americana, one part hip-hop and one part Holy Ghost. OR hip-hop if done by Johnny Cash - if that makes any kind of sense. I mean, it does to me. :)
As you may have guessed by now I rap - BUT- I have ALWAYS been a fan of fitting hip-hop into places where it probably shouldn’t be i.e. my old new wave band KNAPSACKHEROES! that was once described as “Duran Duran being eaten by Heavy D.” When that band fell apart I needed a break from all the synth and began to fall in love w/ outlaw country & western - Johnny, Waylon, Dolly etc …
THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES lp is an album of collabos with friends both old and new. Every song is a duet. It features Kevin Max (dcTalk), Peter Keys (LYNYRD SKYNYRD), JUDAH & THE LION, Manchild (MARS ILL), Brian Bonds (Florida Georgia Line), Brian HEAD Welch (KORN) and Josh Engler (AudioA) among several others with the lp being produced by the incredible Jasen Rauch (who has worked w RED, KORN & Breaking Benjamin)
Now don’t let the genres of the artists contributing fool you - this is Americana. Story telling. Emotive. In the vein of NEEDTOBREATHE, Mumford & Sons or The Head and The Heart. I think we are on to something incredibly unique. Can’t wait to get it out unto the marketplace and see what the reactions are.
3. I also see that more than a musical artist, you are also a graphic designer- what motivates you to be so involved in the creative world?
God. I know that’s vague but honestly, God is a God of creativity. The first words in the Bible involve His creative nature. Since childhood I have always been one to “make things” as a way to express myself. It’s just my thing. :)
4. Where are your stomping grounds?
Music City, TN baby - good ol' Nashville! The hippest city on the planet. I love everything about this town. Even the tourists - come visit!
5. How did you meet your wife?
Nicole and I met on a college study trip to the United Kingdom. We spent a month together as friends, 15 hours a day and upon my return to the US of A, I sat down with her and said, “I intend to marry you”. That was 20 years and 8 kids ago. She is my world. Alongside my music endeavors, my family also has a docuTV show in development with 495 productions (Jersey Shore, Party Down South) that features Nicole in all her amazingness. We just filmed the pilot for A&E a few months ago. You won’t want to miss it once it hits the air. She will captivate you - Nicole is the real star.
6. How long did it take for you to glue that beard to your face?
Took forever in the beginning but once I realized I didn’t have to glue one piece of hair on at a time, it moved much quicker. Ha. In reality I didn’t really track it - I think like 9 months. :)
7. This will make or break our friendship… Who is your favorite comic book hero? (Cough: Batman)
I have to pick just one?!?!? COME ON! I’d say Green Lantern, Wolverine & Punisher to name a few. Before the music bug bit I spent my childhood drawing comics and had plans to move to NYC and draw for Marvel. So this here is real life. BTW save yourself a few dollars and rent the 1990 version of TMNT - it’s so much better.
8. Have you ever captained a pirate’s ship?
Hasn’t everyone?! Of course mine was in Fantasyland in Disney. Go every Christmas with my kiddos. It’s our mecca.
9. Where’d you get your bowler hat?
I’m a regular on Hell on Wheels. You didn’t know??
10. Any last words?
BUY BARE & HATCHET CLOTHING! (oh and always remember that “good monkeys don’t fly”) That is all.
Check out Vinyl Jones and the Domestic on Facebook: fb.com/vinyljonesandthedomestic
Interview by: Tricia Kaufman