THE STUDENT SIDE HUSTLER WHO TOOK A HOBBY AND PRODUCED A CONTRACT WITH SONY AND A GRAMMY NOD

In the fast-paced entertainment industry, where creativity, innovation, and business savviness come together, one name has been making big waves: Ethan "Haze" Hayes. At the tender age of 23, Hayes has carved out a remarkable journey, from his dorm room to the production studio, all while pursuing his education at Bryant University, majoring in Entrepreneurship.

Haze, his professional name, started creating beats in high school, for the sheer enjoyment of it. Posting his creations on Instagram and other platforms, he was able to showcase his early talent to a digital audience.

As a freshman in college, he began producing music in his dorm room. He had a small setup with big speakers on his desk. Thankfully, his roommates were accommodating with all the late nights of loud music. Little did he know that these humble beginnings would serve as the foundation for his meteoric rise.

Hayes’s journey wasn't paved solely by natural talent, he studied piano, consumed YouTube tutorials, and embraced a relentless work ethic to refine his skills. When the world was faced with the challenges posed by COVID-19, Hayes used the downtime as an opportunity for intense musical exploration. This time of isolation allowed him to immerse himself fully in his creative process, resulting in his signature sound – operatic with grand melodies. “I want a Haze beat to sound like a movie score,” he says.

Hayes's relentless commitment to improving his craft confirms that his success did not come overnight; it's the result of consistent dedication and a willingness to push one's own boundaries. “When someone looks at what I’ve done, it might seem like an overnight success, but there’s actually been a lot of long nights, and years, that I’ve spent up working. I’m the kind of person who’s always hungry and never satisfied,” he says.

Hayes’s entrepreneurial mindset, marked by a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow, is a crucial lesson for anyone striving to succeed on their entrepreneurial journey and his work ethic underscores the significance of putting in the hours and effort required to refine one's skills.

While many aspiring musicians might choose to prioritize one over the other, Hayes recognized the power of harmonizing his passion with his academic pursuits. Majoring in Entrepreneurship was a strategic move that armed him with the tools to navigate the competitive music industry, while his minor in Communications honed his ability to convey his musical vision to the world effectively.

He stresses that having a solid grounding in business is essential to a young artist. “If you don’t understand the business aspects, you're going to get taken advantage of. This can be a cutthroat industry and there a people around every corner who are going to try to hustle you.”

Despite remaining in school and completing his degree, he has managed to build a brand for himself and collaborate with some of the biggest names in the business, including Nas, Bad Bunny, Future, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk.

The turning point in Hayes's career came when, during his sophomore year, his beat was used in the song "I'm On" by rapper NBA YoungBoy. This transformative moment provided the validation he needed, propelling his career into high gear. Reflecting on this pivotal instance, Hayse reminisces, "That was the first time it felt real to me, and it really kind of kicked my career into action."

How did he connect with some of the biggest names in music? “I’d find an artist I liked and reach out to every single producer they’d ever work with,” he remembers. That led to some success selling beats but more importantly, it generated attention.

Haze's meteoric rise reached new heights when Nas’s critically acclaimed album “King’s Disease II” was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 64^th Annual Grammy Awards. The track, “40 Side” included a beat created by Daze. Though the album did not win, the Grammy nomination validated his dedication and artistry, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in the music production world.

While many would consider a Grammy nomination the pinnacle of success, Hayes is just getting started. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to sign a multi-year deal with Sony Music Publishing, a move that showcases his ability to balance creativity with business acumen. Remarkably, he managed to continue his studies and remained on campus as he completed his degree, even as he partnered with one of the industry's giants. And in May of 2023, Hayes walked across the stage, graduating from Bryant University with a degree in Entrepreneurship, eager to move to Los Angeles and continue his life in music.

Beyond his Grammy nomination and his multi-year deal with Sony Music Publishing, Haze has earned a plethora of music awards that serve as testaments to his growing influence in the music industry. But this tale of success goes beyond accolades—it's a story of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

While Hayes's current accomplishments are undeniably impressive, he remains committed to evolving and diversifying his musical endeavors. With an eye toward the future, he's set his sights on venturing into film scoring, television work, and even the realm of commercials. This ambitious expansion demonstrates his belief in the power of his craft to transcend boundaries and leave an indelible mark across different forms of media.

In Hayes's words, "When you follow your passion like that, you will always find something that you can wake up every morning and be fulfilled doing, which is the best way to live. I’m lucky that I found that at such a young point in my life."

As Ethan "Haze" Hayes continues to compose his symphony of success, it's clear that his legacy will extend far beyond the beats he crafts. He's a living testament to the potential that lies within the intersection of passion, education, and entrepreneurial spirit—a rising star living by his own beats.