“Drunk on Leaving,” the first single off of Hatt’s upcoming self-titled EP, sets the tone for the new direction of his latest work. After driving-cross country to begin a new chapter of his life on the west coast, Hatt was inspired by the awe and freedom one only finds after leaving everything behind. With a full band behind him, Hatt delves into the rootsy, heartland rock sounds of Petty and Springsteen, while weaving in elements of his youth in punk and indie rock. The record was produced by Alex Newport (City and Colour, Death Cab for Cutie, Bloc Party) at Tiny Creatures Studio in Joshua Tree, CA and mastered by Carl Saff. Hatt also recruited his good friends Andrew Burton and Nick Lowry (both of Super Vehicle) on guitar and drums.
Writing about such topics has helped Hatt get out of his. Hatt spent most of his early adult life playing guitar and touring in bands nationwide. After a ten-year hiatus behind the chair as a professional barber, he made his return to music with 2023’s “High is Gone” and “The Mend.” These stripped down indie-folk songs showcase his knack for intimate storytelling, coupled with an acoustic guitar and a crooning vocal.
In April, 2025 he released an alt-country single “Catch a Serpent,” which was recorded at Tiny Telephone in Oakland, CA with Maryam Qudus (La Luz, Spacemoth) and mastered by Grammy Award winning Pete Lyman (Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers). Supported by a cast of session musicians including pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton (Vincent Neil Emerson, Jesse Daniel), this track is a folksy narrative on the opioid epidemic plaguing the Northeast.
With a fresh sound and fervor, this upcoming record defines a new era for Hatt’s career. “Drunk On Leaving” and “Lyin’ to Yourself” will be released in May and June with the full EP out in July 2025 on streaming platforms. Plans to tour both coasts in support are to be announced.
