Anaya Hayes

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24: You're very known as a model/celebrity host so what lead you to music or was that your actual first love?

Anaya Hayes: I actually got my first modeling work using my press kit photos from my artist package. I had a music manager a few years ago and it didn't work out very well, so I left him. But I had photos from my press kit and as quickly as I posted them online, modeling work came rolling in. Music is my heart.

24: I recently sent you a message about interviewing you as a model and not as an artist but I actually wanted to talk about both so tell me how has it been a hard transition with people still thinking of you as Anaya Hayes the model?

Anaya Hayes: It's been difficult. I've been calling it the Reincarnation of Anaya Hayes. It's a spiritual process for me. It takes a whole different type of confidence to make music. With modeling you can hide behind the veil of the character or emotion you're portraying, but with music you have to let your heart out. It's very humbling.

24: Your new single "Want It" ft. JD Era produced by Spinz is out, so tell me how has everyone been responding to it?

Anaya Hayes: It's been amazing! I feel so blessed. "Want It" has gotten a great reaction and I feel very proud of it. It's been getting a lot of love on the radio and a ton of support online. It's also currently one of the 20 most requested urban songs on the radio in Canada. Within the next few months you'll be seeing a music video for "Want It" starring myself and JD Era and you'll definitely hear it played even more as the word spreads. I had the senior VP of artist development at J records contact me and tell me she heard "Want It" while she was vacationing in Turks and Caicos  and she loves it!...It's def an international song and as a new artist I'm just glad that people like it.

24: What will Anaya Hayes bring to the music world?

Anaya Hayes: An edge to pop/R&B music. I think I'm going to come with a sound people aren't use to, but will still be easily accepted. Sometimes I'll rap, I'll sing, it's sexy, it's strong…I'm really excited about the whole project. The great thing about being an artist is that I get the opportunity to express a different side of me with each record, so be ready to expect the unexpected!

24: I know Spinz produced the first single but the chemistry seems to be great, so did you and him have any other collaborations on the album and who else did you get production from?

Anaya Hayes: Spinz and I have great chemistry! He really pushes me in the booth and as an artist you need that from your producer. He also really believes in the project and he works really hard. He went above and beyond helping me push this record. I don't want to give anything away but there will definitely be more collaborations with Spinz. He's one of the best in this country.

24: Does being a model/artist actually work to your advantage because of all the contacts and networking you have made as a model?

Anaya Hayes: As a model I was able to walk through certain doors that an upcoming but still unknown artist would never be able to. Through my experiences I've found that most popular artists seem to have a "thing" with unknown artists. They usually feel intimidated or bothered when another artist asks for advice or for help. As simple as that seems, as a model/event host I was able to learn a lot from observing the artists I had to work with. Also I've learned what it takes to be a model which is incredibly important in a visual aspect for being an artist. You have to be able to promote yourself as well as sell products, and I now have a lot of experience doing both!

24: What should the fans expect from the album?

Anaya Hayes: It's all a work in progress…but guessing just based on the direction I'm in right now….I'd say a pop album but a lot rougher. Look for some crazy production that beats up your speakers. Think "Velvet Rope" Janet Jackson, the new Britney Spears, Nelly and Timbo, "Stripped" Christina and Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls. It's dirty and rough around the edges but still very smooth. It's ear candy.

24: What are some of the other things you have been working on as a model & artists?

Anaya Hayes: I recently signed 2 mobile distribution deals that, between them, cover all mobile content, wallpapers, voicetones and ringtones. In a little bit you'll be able to download Anaya Hayes to your cellphone throughout the U.S! I also shot for the Sept/Oct 2007 issue of BlackMen Magazine and I received a phenomenal response from the spread. I have 3 films I'm shooting for in 07/08, one indie and two major motion pictures so 
I'm very, very excited about that!! I'm performing everywhere with JD Era and still hosting tons of parties so visit www.myspace.com/AnayaHayesMusicSpace to see where I'll be.

24: What's your next big career move?

Anaya Hayes: The acting thing is definitely a huge step for me because I'm getting to explore something I always wanted to pursue. I'm starring in 2 films and playing a smaller role in the 3rd which is all amazing. I feel so blessed!