Stephen “Hamie” Hayman, best known as singer in Heavy Pettin expands on his singing career and what the future holds with regard to new music and live gigs.
Who were your influences in the early days and have you always wanted to be a singer in a band
I would say growing up it would be Mott, Queen, Slade and T-Rex and as I got older AC/DC Zep and Aerosmith. I really started wanting to be a singer in a band when I was about 14.
Have you ever auditioned for the vocal spot in any notable bands?
I have never auditioned for another band while I have been in Pettin. But I have been offered the vocal gig in a band that I won’t mention.
Have you ever thought about releasing a solo album?
I’ve never wanted to have a solo career … it’s never really appealed to me.
In the eighties you and Heavy Pettin were on an upward trajectory supporting heavyweights like KISS and Ozzy Osbourne but by the end of the decade it was all over, what happened?
We just never had the right people round about us making the right decisions and it eventually took its toll.
Some vocalists are on strict dietary regimes or gargle with special liquids. How have you kept your voice in tip top shape all these years?
I actually believe I sing better now than I have ever done, and that’s due to vocal exercises and singing in church over all the years.
Do you still get the same buzz out of singing live as you did in the past?
Oh yes. I love playing live…whether it’s in a club in front of 500 or some festival around the world…I still feel the same excitement before I go on stage.
Are there any musicians that you have not worked with, but would like to in the future?
Over the years I’ve jammed with and hung out with some amazing friends who just happen to be awesome musicians in some big bands. So that’s always a blast.
Have you or would you consider producing other bands?
That is a lot of hard work…I’ve helped friends in the past…but it’s not really my cup of tea.
You live in the States. Assuming Heavy Pettin is not a fulltime concern for you, what do you do for a living?
I have been lucky enough to make a really good living over the years singing, so I’m good hahaha 😂
I see you have upcoming gigs scheduled in South America, do you have any touring plans for the UK in 2024?
We are doing Firefest in October but nothing major till we release the new album…then we will be back out around the world promoting it.
Do you have anything else in the pipeline at the moment that you can share?
Most definitely….we have just finished recording our new album and it sounds amazing. We are all so excited about it and can’t wait for you guys to hear it. So be on the lookout for the first video and the album when it drops this year.
🤘☠️🤘 Hamie.
Interview by Stuart Dryden
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