People’s Artists to Watch 2023
Meet Hayes, the Talented Emerging Artist You Won't Want to Miss This Spring
Hayes Warner doesn't want fans — she wants to build a community.
"I hate the word 'fan' because I think it diminishes how important people that support my music really are to me. I would not be able to do this without people believing in my music, and really they're a part of my team," the New York City native tells PEOPLE. "I want to have a connection with the people that support me."
Inspired by artists like Avril Lavigne, Pink, Joan Jett and Gwen Stefani, Warner grew up sneaking into concerts with a fake I.D., desperate to be surrounded by music from a young age. After learning to play piano and write songs as a kid, she started taking music seriously in high school.
"It turned into an obsession to the point where I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I took any opportunity to get into a writing session or work with a producer, and was able to really hone in on who I was as an artist," says Warner, who studied musical theater in college "because it was the closest I could get to being onstage like a rockstar."
She's currently putting the finishing touches on a debut EP featuring her "edgy, sassy, rhythmic, energetic and emotional" sound and will soon hit the road for headlining shows and opening slots for Lewis Capaldi.
Listen to Warner's latest single "Airport."