Hayden Pedigo

Hayden Pedigo: man, myth, master of disguise; un-picker, finger-picker, absurdist, perfectionist. The unorthodox contender for Amarillo City Council, subject of the film Kid Candidate, and creator of the acclaimed Letting Go (2021) and The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored (2023) now embarks upon the release of his new album I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away and reveals his truest self. Solidly honing in on his technical craft after two years of non-stop touring with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Devendra Banhart and Hiss Golden Messenger, Hayden Pedigo is ready to peel back the curtain and let the world in. His most emotionally candid record, more technically demanding and intricate than ever, “there’s something really human” about this release, Hayden professes. Produced by Scott Hirsch, there’s “no face paint, no blue skin, the character on the front is no longer a character — it’s actually just me. I’m trying to tell the audience, I actually want you to meet me, I want you to know who I am.” Though we finally meet the maker, tenderly look him in the eye, it is all too brief; I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away plays itself out, and with a tip of the hat, a creak of the mechanical arm, a slam of the truck door and a puff of smoke, Hayden Pedigo is gone — just as quickly as he was revealed.