Elise Hayes

Watching Elise Hayes perform is like meeting a new friend. With engaging stories, a uniquely expressive voice, and catchy hooks, Elise’s thoughtful songwriting comes packed with a soulful punch.

2010 brought the national release of her debut EP, “Steady the Pace.” The New England based songwriter has been garnering substantial praise across the region. Engineer and producer, Jesus Cardoso, says, “Her music is unpretentious and pure. She has the talent and material of many stars in the making.” Elise recently completed a summer tour spanning the east coast in partnership with the nationally renowned foundation, WhyHunger.

Growing up in New Hampshire, Elise was exposed to a lot of folk music. Her parents were avid listeners of the great singer/songwriters of the 1960s: James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King. It was not until middle school that Elise discovered soul music. “I remember sitting in a used record store in my hometown – They would let you listen to CDs before you bought them. I had grabbed Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder discs just out of curiosity, and I immediately felt connected to the music.”

Her love for a deep groove and attention to heartfelt lyrics has allowed Elise to create a new hybrid of music that is catching people’s attention, fast. “I really just want people to feel like my music is relatable. If someone is listening to my music to escape or become closer to something they are going through, I’m a happy girl.”

Elise’s EP, “Steady the Pace” is available on iTunes and Amazon.