Publicity Campaign: Haydn Lawson - ‘Nail Biter’
A bold new voice in Naarm’s indie scene, Haydn Lawson (he/him) unveils his debut album ‘Nail Biter’, presenting an unflinching, cinematic journey through heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. A true chronological depiction of Haydn’s life across 2022-2023. ‘Nail Biter’ finds Haydn at his most vulnerable and ambitious, weaving orchestral grandeur, indie grit, and experimental textures into a cohesive narrative about moving through trauma and finding hope.
Born from a period of personal upheaval and creative expansion, ‘Nail Biter’ stands as a testament to collaboration and community. Haydn worked closely with a host of Melbourne musicians, including Salvador Peralta on guitar and bass, Harry Millikan on drums, a string quartet led by Evan Lawson (Forest Collective), harpist Katia Mestrovic, and a choir organised by Imogen Cygler. The album was mixed by Anton Hagop and Mike “Spike” Streefkerk, and mastered by George Georgiadis at Little Wing Sound.
Visuals for the album and singles were crafted with Haydn’s partner Jackson (JXN Miles), alongside photographers Jarrad Levy and Young Ha Kim. The album artwork is inspired by the surreal work of Hayley Chiu, who explores human connection to place. The cover portrays the uncertainty and fluidity of moving between homes and carrying the memories along the way. Shot amongst the trams of Melbourne’s Flinders Street, it features Haydn in a Napoli jersey, a nod to his family history, but captured in a new city. Each single was released with visuals that channelled Haydn’s lived experiences and embraced his anecdotal lyrics. From motocross rides and road trips across the Nullarbor, to the car wreckers for his latest single ‘110.’
‘Nail Biter’ unfolds as a true chronological account of Haydn’s journey from the aftermath of a toxic relationship, through self-doubt and anxiety, toward acceptance and empowerment. The album opens with the yearning optimism of ‘The Days To Come’, plunges into the cathartic chaos of ‘110’, and navigates the pain and healing that follows. The title track, ‘Nail Biter’, is an electronic outlier, an anxious, introspective anthem about embracing every part of oneself. The second half of the album marks a turning point, with Haydn physically and emotionally departing from his past. Tracks like ‘NULLARBOR’ and ‘Memories’ reflect on leaving Perth, reconnecting with family, and finding strength in vulnerability. The album closes with a message of reassurance and hope for Haydn’s younger self, inviting listeners to find their own reflection in the music.
Haydn’s singles have already resonated with listeners for their pop-rock energy and narrative depth. His work has been praised for its grand, genre-defying production and heartfelt lyricism. ‘Nail Biter’ cements Haydn as a songwriter unafraid to bare his soul, offering a time capsule of identity, resilience, and growth.
