I spend my money erratically. I think we all do, but hey, it’s part of being young #NoAdulting. I can go from about $200 in the bank for a few days and then live off 78 cents for a week until my next paycheck. That is why when I heard in August that Herobust was coming through Fayetteville, Arkansas on Halloween weekend I snagged those tickets up so fast it was probably the first one sold. After two long months arrives the revered college playground, Halloween. My super cool friend Brittany Bratten (Insta: BrittanyBratten), who met Hayden Kramer (Herobust) five years prior as an opener, hooked me up by getting to meet him after the show! I was walking around with these two posters that I had made for him for about two hours and I finally got to set them down as I headed to the backside of the famous George’s Majestic Lounge. Hayden came out a few moments later and I truly enjoyed the post-riot show discussion where I got to ask him a few questions about his start and the more recent progressions of his career. It was a pleasure speaking with Herobust and couldn’t wish to meet a cooler guy so far.

He started making rap and trap beats at the ripe age of 14. If that speaks volumes to everyone out there; it is just to go out and do it, whatever it may be, make your start. The Atlanta, Georgia music community has been notable for many up and comers in the music industry and that is the same for Herobust. Below are the questions I followed up with him throughout the week after.

Who have been some of your biggest influences in dance music?

Herobust: "Diplo, Squarepusher, Kraftwerk."

When was the Ahh-ha moment of your career of DJing and sound design? How did it make you feel?

H: "I would say that I had a bunch of separate “ah-ha” moments throughout this whole creative career, and each of them brought me closer to what I want my music to sound like. Having said that; I think that the most recent/biggest ah-ha came with the ‘Im Aloud’ EP. I feel that that EP was the culmination of my knowledge and skill up to this point, and I know that its how I want my music to sound like at this moment in time."

Can you tell me more about Skurrrt and how you came up with it?

H: "You ever need to make a getaway real quick? Haha! Skurrrt is an explanation of dipping out when a situation takes a turn for the worse real quick; Characterized by the noise tires make when you hit the brakes, or when you peel out. SKURRRT. It started as a pun with the name Burt Reynolds/Skurt Reynolds. I like playing words like that."

When would you be able to look at your career and say “wow I’ve made it."

H: "Never. Hahaha! I don’t think I will ever look at myself and think, “You’re a famous person who everyone wants to hear play their music.” I think if I ever did, that would be the end of me growing as an artist. However, I also feel that if an artist that I really love and respect knows my music really well. I think that would be an ego boost."

If you could give advice to your younger self right now, what would that be?

H: "Work on your music. Finish it. Even if you don’t think it’s the best, finish it. You will be better for finishing it."

For my friends who haven’t gotten into dance music yet, could you name 5 people they should give a listen to? After you of course.

H: "Definitely. My homies Getter, Ookay, NGHTMRE, Boombox Cartel and Kayzo are killin’ it right now!"

*Here is my favorite answer 😉

You mention at the end of each of your performances at George’s that you like playing here. How does this place compare to the larger festivals?

H: "Yo, FayetteTRILL goes hard fam! I love coming to play shows for y’all just because of the energy. Larger festivals are dope, but they’re super hectic, and the people there are there to see someone else along with you, and also they have to conserve their energy for the other acts at the festival. I love the energy that Fayettetrill brings to the shows. They are 100% there to have an awesome time, and go HARD!"

What has been your favorite place or festival to play at? Or how have each of them been unique to you?

H: "Each show is unique in it’s own way. The crowd, the music I play, the atmosphere. I love being able to travel and experience new places!"

What are some memories of DJing you will never forget?

H: "Going b2b2b2b2b with Getter, 12th Planet, and Protohype at HARD was awesome! That was an unforgettable moment for me, and I hope it was for everyone at that show too."

All I can say is that as a fan for about two years is that you have to check out his music if you have not. He is a very energetic DJ with a great performance and you can tell from in the crowd the passion he has for his music and others’ talent as well. Happy Trails, get BUSTED.