Chris Hau

Similar To: Ed Sheeran, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Macklemore
Genre: Acoustic ,Hip Hop / Rap,Pop,Rock,Singer-Songwriter,Soul
If there was ever a person who was made to make music, it was Chris Hau. The Aurora, Ontario native has been making music since childhood; it’s clear that this is what he was born to do. From age 15 Hau has played for audiences, been recording and released an EP entitled The Ambassador of Comfort in 2010. He even formed a band with his high school English teacher called The Bloody Five. After leaving the band, Hau has had a multitude of musically themed adventures: from performing with a guitar circle consisting of people ranging in age from seventeen to eighty, playing bass as a random substitute on a cruise ship with the house band, jamming on a beach in Turks and Caicos with a forty-year bonfire guitar veteran, or busking in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Now that Hau has branched out on his own, his true musical style is free to come out; a blend of folky pop that is mesmerizing to any and all who hear it. It shows a very different side to Hau than what came out the Canadian Punk influenced music he was playing with his former band. That time with the band helped him not only to cultivate his song writing skills, but taught him the importance of live performance, and gave him a chance to shine as the charismatic rock star he was meant to be. The 21-year-old acoustic singer songwriter has begun to make a name for himself in the indie music scene. His openness, youth and exuberance is apparent in his music, live and recorded.
Playing music is just one of several ways that Chris is able to win over new people. Chris not only makes great music, but helps others to achieve their desired sound and image as well. A recent graduate of the RTA School of Media at Ryerson University, he now produces music for local musicians in his home studio. Chris is also an accomplished athlete, making people gasp in awe at his surfing skills as he rides for Phase Five Wakesurfers (out of Florida). His vivacity draws people to him. When experiencing Chris Hau one-on-one or on a stage in front of a crowd, the passion that he exudes is irresistible.

“I’m just looking to write and play songs that I truly love,” says Chris as he pushes his hair out of his eyes. “It’s just me and my acoustic guitar up there and my stories are a way of connecting with people on a deeper level.” With his high energy live performance and a natural connection with the audience, Chris is and always will be a force to be reckoned with. - Canadian Music Week

Similar To: Ed Sheeran, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Macklemore
Genre: Acoustic ,Hip Hop / Rap,Pop,Rock,Singer-Songwriter,Soul
If there was ever a person who was made to make music, it was Chris Hau. The Aurora, Ontario native has been making music since childhood; it’s clear that this is what he was born to do. From age 15 Hau has played for audiences, been recording and released an EP entitled The Ambassador of Comfort in 2010. He even formed a band with his high school English teacher called The Bloody Five. After leaving the band, Hau has had a multitude of musically themed adventures: from performing with a guitar circle consisting of people ranging in age from seventeen to eighty, playing bass as a random substitute on a cruise ship with the house band, jamming on a beach in Turks and Caicos with a forty-year bonfire guitar veteran, or busking in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Now that Hau has branched out on his own, his true musical style is free to come out; a blend of folky pop that is mesmerizing to any and all who hear it. It shows a very different side to Hau than what came out the Canadian Punk influenced music he was playing with his former band. That time with the band helped him not only to cultivate his song writing skills, but taught him the importance of live performance, and gave him a chance to shine as the charismatic rock star he was meant to be. The 21-year-old acoustic singer songwriter has begun to make a name for himself in the indie music scene. His openness, youth and exuberance is apparent in his music, live and recorded.
Playing music is just one of several ways that Chris is able to win over new people. Chris not only makes great music, but helps others to achieve their desired sound and image as well. A recent graduate of the RTA School of Media at Ryerson University, he now produces music for local musicians in his home studio. Chris is also an accomplished athlete, making people gasp in awe at his surfing skills as he rides for Phase Five Wakesurfers (out of Florida). His vivacity draws people to him. When experiencing Chris Hau one-on-one or on a stage in front of a crowd, the passion that he exudes is irresistible.

“I’m just looking to write and play songs that I truly love,” says Chris as he pushes his hair out of his eyes. “It’s just me and my acoustic guitar up there and my stories are a way of connecting with people on a deeper level.” With his high energy live performance and a natural connection with the audience, Chris is and always will be a force to be reckoned with. - Canadian Music Week

I kicked off my Canadian Music Week with a jaunt over to The Central to see Chris Hau’s acoustic set. I had first heard of Chris through his brainchild, Reel Music Media, a company that “manages talented artists, develops breathtaking music videos, produces songs, promotes live events, and everything else in between” (via Reel Music Media). This company also boasts Samara York, a singer featured in Demo a few months back. Just as Samara had impressed me with her talent, I was prepared for Chris to do the same.

Chris Hau at The Central
What I was not prepared for was a breathtakingly personal set from a barefoot performer who looks as though he should be on the California coast, surfing and soaking in sunlight. Instead, he was performing on a stage in the frigid Toronto weather, providing the receptive crowd with a beautiful combination of personal story-telling between songs, followed by even more personal music. Chris pounded on his guitar, belted out songs that brought him and the audience close to tears (“Last Call”), and gave everyone some personal advice, telling us that, “If there is someone out there who makes you happy, chase that shit down.” Chris wove Macklemore-like rap into his acoustic indie sound, and even threw some screaming in there à la Sum 41 (see “Heroes”).
After his set, I managed to catch Chris for a few words and he told me that he is a surfer. I couldn’t help but think, that explains the bare feet.

It never ceases to amaze me that there is incredible music out there that many people do not know about. Chris Hau and 41st and Home are just two examples of this, but this is why CMW is so wonderful: it is the perfect opportunity to explore even more wonderful music, as some of Canada’s best indie bands join together in Toronto to put on one hell of a week. - Demo Magazine

I kicked off my Canadian Music Week with a jaunt over to The Central to see Chris Hau’s acoustic set. I had first heard of Chris through his brainchild, Reel Music Media, a company that “manages talented artists, develops breathtaking music videos, produces songs, promotes live events, and everything else in between” (via Reel Music Media). This company also boasts Samara York, a singer featured in Demo a few months back. Just as Samara had impressed me with her talent, I was prepared for Chris to do the same.

Chris Hau at The Central
What I was not prepared for was a breathtakingly personal set from a barefoot performer who looks as though he should be on the California coast, surfing and soaking in sunlight. Instead, he was performing on a stage in the frigid Toronto weather, providing the receptive crowd with a beautiful combination of personal story-telling between songs, followed by even more personal music. Chris pounded on his guitar, belted out songs that brought him and the audience close to tears (“Last Call”), and gave everyone some personal advice, telling us that, “If there is someone out there who makes you happy, chase that shit down.” Chris wove Macklemore-like rap into his acoustic indie sound, and even threw some screaming in there à la Sum 41 (see “Heroes”).
After his set, I managed to catch Chris for a few words and he told me that he is a surfer. I couldn’t help but think, that explains the bare feet.

It never ceases to amaze me that there is incredible music out there that many people do not know about. Chris Hau and 41st and Home are just two examples of this, but this is why CMW is so wonderful: it is the perfect opportunity to explore even more wonderful music, as some of Canada’s best indie bands join together in Toronto to put on one hell of a week. - Demo Magazine

We’re kicking off a new series here at Addicted Magazine, and it’s for all the music addicts out there. Every week, we will be highlighting a new band or artist that we’ve discovered and sharing it with all of you. From Toronto bands trying to break into the indie music scene, to famous international artists that you just may not have heard of, an addiction worthy band or artist will appear on our virtual front page for your reading and listening pleasure. So please enjoy our first edition, featuring singer/songwriter Chris Hau.

“I’m just looking to write and play songs that I truly love and are as genuine as possible,” says Chris as he pushes his hair out of his eyes. The Aurora native, with his kind eyes and surfer-boy good-looks, first came onto the music scene as a part of the multigenerational new age dark punk group The Bloody Five—a band Chris formed with his high school English teacher a few years ago.

Having seen the Bloody Five rock, and rock hard, many times, it was always Chris Hau who stood out to me. He couldn’t be contained to the stage; he leapt across and off of it, all the while playing killer basslines. I always thought Chris should break out on his own, and sure enough he did as a solo, acoustic artist. His new material ranges from sweet and fun loving to poignant and sombre. That breadth of content would be surprising coming from someone so young (Chris is only twenty-one), but if you met him you wouldn’t question it; he’s an old soul with a young spirit, and a true desire to succeed. Check out his video for his single “Heroes”:



And, for the younger crowd, “Watch your Back” (beware, girls under the age of 20 will surely swoon upon watching this.



His charisma translates on stage just as well now that he’s a solo artist. “It’s just me and my acoustic guitar up there and my songs and stories are a way of connecting with the audience” says Chris. And connect he does, as fans, newfound and veteran, clap, sing and dance along to what Chris Hau is laying down. Check out some photos of Chris’s recent live show at the Rivoli here in Toronto, and see why we think Chris Hau is addiction worthy. - Addicted Magazine

We’re kicking off a new series here at Addicted Magazine, and it’s for all the music addicts out there. Every week, we will be highlighting a new band or artist that we’ve discovered and sharing it with all of you. From Toronto bands trying to break into the indie music scene, to famous international artists that you just may not have heard of, an addiction worthy band or artist will appear on our virtual front page for your reading and listening pleasure. So please enjoy our first edition, featuring singer/songwriter Chris Hau.

“I’m just looking to write and play songs that I truly love and are as genuine as possible,” says Chris as he pushes his hair out of his eyes. The Aurora native, with his kind eyes and surfer-boy good-looks, first came onto the music scene as a part of the multigenerational new age dark punk group The Bloody Five—a band Chris formed with his high school English teacher a few years ago.

Having seen the Bloody Five rock, and rock hard, many times, it was always Chris Hau who stood out to me. He couldn’t be contained to the stage; he leapt across and off of it, all the while playing killer basslines. I always thought Chris should break out on his own, and sure enough he did as a solo, acoustic artist. His new material ranges from sweet and fun loving to poignant and sombre. That breadth of content would be surprising coming from someone so young (Chris is only twenty-one), but if you met him you wouldn’t question it; he’s an old soul with a young spirit, and a true desire to succeed. Check out his video for his single “Heroes”:



And, for the younger crowd, “Watch your Back” (beware, girls under the age of 20 will surely swoon upon watching this.



His charisma translates on stage just as well now that he’s a solo artist. “It’s just me and my acoustic guitar up there and my songs and stories are a way of connecting with the audience” says Chris. And connect he does, as fans, newfound and veteran, clap, sing and dance along to what Chris Hau is laying down. Check out some photos of Chris’s recent live show at the Rivoli here in Toronto, and see why we think Chris Hau is addiction worthy. - Addicted Magazine

Chris Hau is ready to step into the spotlight by honouring his hero.
The Aurora musician released a debut single and video, Heroes, at The Supermarket restaurant and bar in Toronto Jan. 31.
Mr. Hau, 21, was a member of the local punk rock band The Bloody Five, but has decided to start a solo career in the folk-pop music genre.
“Always in the back of my mind, I had this project that I was working on,” Mr. Hau said, noting he sings and plays guitar, bass and keyboard on the track. “I’ve been balancing, but, eventually, I had to decide if I wanted to be in a rock band for the rest of my life or be a singer/songwriter and be my own man.”
Heroes is a tribute to Mr. Hau’s uncle, Glen Cotter, a former Canadian Football League player.
The Toronto Argonauts signed Mr. Cotter in the 1980s, but he sustained a career-ending injury shortly after.
Despite that setback, Mr. Cotter persevered and became a role model to Mr. Hau.
Mr. Cotter died of a heart condition about six years ago.
“It was one of the hardest moments of my life. He was one of my best friends; a second dad,” Mr. Hau said. “He was the one who got me into playing guitar and taught me the fundamentals. We used to jam to The Who. I caught my first fish with him.”
So far, Mr. Hau has received plenty of support for latest venture.
The Heroes video was partly shot at Rogers Centre in Toronto and Argos representatives were on hand for the launch.
Mr. Hau will graduate from Ryerson University within the next few months.
He plans to tour and already has a reggae-style song in development.
He is heavily influenced by a variety of musical artists, ranging from hard rock to soft adult contemporary, which has helped ease the transition between styles.
“My dad was always the heavy rocker. My mom liked James Taylor,” he said. “I just couldn’t picture myself in a rock band five or 10 years down the road. There’s something about an acoustic guitar that just speaks to people and seems right to me.
“I’m just going with the flow of life. I’m grateful people are taking the time to listen.”
For more information on Mr. Hau, visit chrishau.ca - Aurora Banner

Singer and guitarist Chris Hau is branching out on his own with his first solo record. The first single “Heroes” will be released on January 31, to be celebrated with one of Hau’s amazing live performances at The Supermarket in Kensington.

“HEROES” SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE

After growing his musical skills with Toronto punk rockers The Bloody Five, Chris Hau has branched out on his own with a new sound to match; folk meets pop, perfect for sunshiney days at the beach and bonfire sing-alongs on clear summer nights. Though Hau’s music appears to be young and light hearted, he’s recently worked to create a more mature and powerful sound, which can be heard in his soon to be released single, “Heroes”.

Chris Hau’s debut single “Heroes” is an elegy to his late uncle Glen Cotter, a former CFL football player and one of the most influential people in Hau’s young life. Hau teamed up with producer Sean Michael Paddison (Michael Jackson, Vanilla Ice) to record “Heroes”, and the poignant music video is striking visual representation of Hau’s beautiful tribute to a man that meant so much to him.

Glen Cotter was signed to the Toronto Argonauts in the early eighties, but in 1984 he dislocated his shoulder while training. The injury ended his career when it had barely started. Despite the heartbreak he suffered, Cotter persevered in life and became one of the great role models of Hau’s young life. A musician in his own right, Cotter was an inspiration to his nephew, and supported him during his formative years as a guitarist. Sadly, Cotter passed away when Hau was just 16. At that tender age he immortalized his uncle in a song that will now signal the beginning of Hau’s own promising career as an indie musician.

Hau is currently in his fourth year at Ryerson University at the RTA School of Media, and the video for “Heroes” was created as part of his final project. Together Chris and his mentor Martin Wojtunik wrote, directed and edited this amazing video, which stars Hau as himself, and Jim Canale as Glen Cotter. In an uncanny turn of events, Canale shared a very similar story to cotter; not only were they similar in physical build and appereance, they had also played the offensive guard position in the same farm leagues. They also both experienced the same injury that cut both their football careers short. And to top it all off, Canale drove the exact same car that Cotter had driven. As a result, the pair got along extremely well, appearing for all the world like uncle and nephew. The video, in a series of flashbacks and pensive shots of Chris, will tell the story of Chris losing his uncle, the pain and despair he felt, and his slowly coming to terms and looking forward with new hope. And for true authenticity, the video was shot at the Rogers Centre and at Glen Cotter’s old farm.

The single and video will be released at the end of the month, and that release will be celebrated by a live performance at Supermarket in Kensington Market. The Toronto Argonauts will also be in attendance to help celebrate the launch.

Release date for single: January 31st, 2013

Release date for vide: January 31st, 2013

Show: The Supermarket (http://www.supermarkettoronto.com/) 8pm

About Chris Hau:

Born and raised in Aurora, Ontario, Chris Hau has been making music since childhood. While studying at Cardinal Carter high school, a talent show brought together two teachers and two high school students; and The Bloody Five was born. In 2011, Hau left the band to branch out in on his own with a mission to discover his own personal sound. From playing bass on a cruise ship with the house band, jamming on a beach in Turks and Caicos with a forty-year guitar veteran, to busking in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Hau wandered the world with his guitar on his back, and has continued his musical evolution. His solo musical style is a blend of folky pop that is mesmerizing to any and all who hear it. It shows a very different side to Hau than what came out the Canadian Punk influenced music he was playing with the Bloody Five. That time with his band helped him not only to cultivate his songwriting skills, but taught him the importance of a live performance, and gave him a chance to shine as the charismatic rock star he was meant to be. Chris Hau’s dream is to make music and tell compelling stories, to entertain people, and most of all, to make them happy. - The Examiner

Singer and guitarist Chris Hau is branching out on his own with his first solo record. The first single “Heroes” will be released on January 31, to be celebrated with one of Hau’s amazing live performances at The Supermarket in Kensington.

“HEROES” SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE

After growing his musical skills with Toronto punk rockers The Bloody Five, Chris Hau has branched out on his own with a new sound to match; folk meets pop, perfect for sunshiney days at the beach and bonfire sing-alongs on clear summer nights. Though Hau’s music appears to be young and light hearted, he’s recently worked to create a more mature and powerful sound, which can be heard in his soon to be released single, “Heroes”.

Chris Hau’s debut single “Heroes” is an elegy to his late uncle Glen Cotter, a former CFL football player and one of the most influential people in Hau’s young life. Hau teamed up with producer Sean Michael Paddison (Michael Jackson, Vanilla Ice) to record “Heroes”, and the poignant music video is striking visual representation of Hau’s beautiful tribute to a man that meant so much to him.

Glen Cotter was signed to the Toronto Argonauts in the early eighties, but in 1984 he dislocated his shoulder while training. The injury ended his career when it had barely started. Despite the heartbreak he suffered, Cotter persevered in life and became one of the great role models of Hau’s young life. A musician in his own right, Cotter was an inspiration to his nephew, and supported him during his formative years as a guitarist. Sadly, Cotter passed away when Hau was just 16. At that tender age he immortalized his uncle in a song that will now signal the beginning of Hau’s own promising career as an indie musician.

Hau is currently in his fourth year at Ryerson University at the RTA School of Media, and the video for “Heroes” was created as part of his final project. Together Chris and his mentor Martin Wojtunik wrote, directed and edited this amazing video, which stars Hau as himself, and Jim Canale as Glen Cotter. In an uncanny turn of events, Canale shared a very similar story to cotter; not only were they similar in physical build and appereance, they had also played the offensive guard position in the same farm leagues. They also both experienced the same injury that cut both their football careers short. And to top it all off, Canale drove the exact same car that Cotter had driven. As a result, the pair got along extremely well, appearing for all the world like uncle and nephew. The video, in a series of flashbacks and pensive shots of Chris, will tell the story of Chris losing his uncle, the pain and despair he felt, and his slowly coming to terms and looking forward with new hope. And for true authenticity, the video was shot at the Rogers Centre and at Glen Cotter’s old farm.

The single and video will be released at the end of the month, and that release will be celebrated by a live performance at Supermarket in Kensington Market. The Toronto Argonauts will also be in attendance to help celebrate the launch.

Release date for single: January 31st, 2013

Release date for vide: January 31st, 2013

Show: The Supermarket (http://www.supermarkettoronto.com/) 8pm

About Chris Hau:

Born and raised in Aurora, Ontario, Chris Hau has been making music since childhood. While studying at Cardinal Carter high school, a talent show brought together two teachers and two high school students; and The Bloody Five was born. In 2011, Hau left the band to branch out in on his own with a mission to discover his own personal sound. From playing bass on a cruise ship with the house band, jamming on a beach in Turks and Caicos with a forty-year guitar veteran, to busking in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Hau wandered the world with his guitar on his back, and has continued his musical evolution. His solo musical style is a blend of folky pop that is mesmerizing to any and all who hear it. It shows a very different side to Hau than what came out the Canadian Punk influenced music he was playing with the Bloody Five. That time with his band helped him not only to cultivate his songwriting skills, but taught him the importance of a live performance, and gave him a chance to shine as the charismatic rock star he was meant to be. Chris Hau’s dream is to make music and tell compelling stories, to entertain people, and most of all, to make them happy. - The Examiner

It’s tough to “make it” in the always moving music biz nowadays and it’s probably tougher to “make it” as a 19-year-old acoustic solo artist from Aurora, Ontario, Canada. But wakeskating fan and waterdancing shredder Chris Hau doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream and showcasing his talents to the world. Chris’ EP The Ambassador of Comfort is six tracks that will soothe the soul while putting the mind at ease. Standout tracks include “California” because that’s where I’m from and will never leave, and “Every Second You’re Around.” Also check out “Wonder Mc” if you want to hear a white dude play an acoustic guitar, sing, and lay down some serious raps. Keep up the good work Chris, you’re on your way my friend. - Alliance Wake

It’s tough to “make it” in the always moving music biz nowadays and it’s probably tougher to “make it” as a 19-year-old acoustic solo artist from Aurora, Ontario, Canada. But wakeskating fan and waterdancing shredder Chris Hau doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dream and showcasing his talents to the world. Chris’ EP The Ambassador of Comfort is six tracks that will soothe the soul while putting the mind at ease. Standout tracks include “California” because that’s where I’m from and will never leave, and “Every Second You’re Around.” Also check out “Wonder Mc” if you want to hear a white dude play an acoustic guitar, sing, and lay down some serious raps. Keep up the good work Chris, you’re on your way my friend. - Alliance Wake

You know those awkward silences that occur after meeting a new person? Well, chances are Chris Hau doesn't. With an incredible gift for gab, the Aurora, Ontario native seems like the type of guy who can turn any frown upside down with his big personality.

"Want to know the truth [about how I got into music]? A friend of mine got a guitar and he said 'Hey man, want to start a band?' So, the next day I went out and bought one," laughs Hau.

Born into a town with a massive pop/punk music scene, Hau said that he couldn't control his love for the classic oldies. After finding a local hotspot for an older demographic, Hau decided to expose his sound to a more mature audience, performing jazz and big band favourites.

"I liked doing the pop punker covers like Blink 182. But I began going to a restaurant," he said. "I went every Tuesday for four years. I went every session, and I played music for older people, like in their 50's and 60's."

But this old soul isn't very old at all. The mere 19-year-old has already managed to accomplish a couple of big feats. For starters, his music is spreading like the plague. He's been featured in the York Region newspapers, he recorded his album, The Ambassador of Comfort,at an established recording studio, and after mixing and mastering his first solo release, he sold one hundred copies in under seven days.

"My friend got a job at a record label. He said to come in and record on weekends since no one came in then," he explains. "I sold one hundred CDs instantly. After that, I ordered another thousand, and I am halfway through that."

His sound fuses everything that he loves about folk, jazz and big band, the only difference is it has been modernized.

The music on his release is a collection of stories, calling them the soundtrack to his life. He says they are all very personal moments, but there is one track significantly more important than the rest to the singer.

"There is a song called 'Heroes' and it is about my uncle. He was a huge influence on me. He inspired me to just do it and love it," Hau says. "He always would say 'Letâ??s jam!' I think he is the first person I every jammed with, actually."

Hau, who has a passion for life and everything music, continues to work at, what he calls, his "bread and butter" job, but he says no matter what, he will spend the rest of his life writing and creating music.

"Music, I think it's good for your soul." - Your Media Pass

You know those awkward silences that occur after meeting a new person? Well, chances are Chris Hau doesn't. With an incredible gift for gab, the Aurora, Ontario native seems like the type of guy who can turn any frown upside down with his big personality.

"Want to know the truth [about how I got into music]? A friend of mine got a guitar and he said 'Hey man, want to start a band?' So, the next day I went out and bought one," laughs Hau.

Born into a town with a massive pop/punk music scene, Hau said that he couldn't control his love for the classic oldies. After finding a local hotspot for an older demographic, Hau decided to expose his sound to a more mature audience, performing jazz and big band favourites.

"I liked doing the pop punker covers like Blink 182. But I began going to a restaurant," he said. "I went every Tuesday for four years. I went every session, and I played music for older people, like in their 50's and 60's."

But this old soul isn't very old at all. The mere 19-year-old has already managed to accomplish a couple of big feats. For starters, his music is spreading like the plague. He's been featured in the York Region newspapers, he recorded his album, The Ambassador of Comfort,at an established recording studio, and after mixing and mastering his first solo release, he sold one hundred copies in under seven days.

"My friend got a job at a record label. He said to come in and record on weekends since no one came in then," he explains. "I sold one hundred CDs instantly. After that, I ordered another thousand, and I am halfway through that."

His sound fuses everything that he loves about folk, jazz and big band, the only difference is it has been modernized.

The music on his release is a collection of stories, calling them the soundtrack to his life. He says they are all very personal moments, but there is one track significantly more important than the rest to the singer.

"There is a song called 'Heroes' and it is about my uncle. He was a huge influence on me. He inspired me to just do it and love it," Hau says. "He always would say 'Letâ??s jam!' I think he is the first person I every jammed with, actually."

Hau, who has a passion for life and everything music, continues to work at, what he calls, his "bread and butter" job, but he says no matter what, he will spend the rest of his life writing and creating music.

"Music, I think it's good for your soul." - Your Media Pass

He’s a little bit rock and roll and a little bit big band.
Aurora’s Chris Hau, who will perform as part of this weekend’s Aurora Jazz Festival, takes his musical inspirations from his parents — two people with completely different tastes in music.
“My dad used to play in a heavy rock band,” he said. “My mom always played softer music in the car. Growing up like that, it grows on you. Music has always been in my life. You get hooked on it.”
Mr. Hau, 19, released his first solo CD, The Ambassador of Comfort, earlier this year and is showcasing his multi-genre talents for the second time at the festival.
His CD is a compilation of songs he wrote during high school that detail new adventures, the loss of a family member and experiencing love for the first time.
“It’s a collection of comfort songs for each situation in life,” he said.
“I want it to be a sound track for different moments.”
He creates his soft, acoustic sound with his left-handed Taylor guitar.
Although many think of jazz as music for an older generation, the genre breaks away from musical trends, Mr. Hau said.
“Jazz is light-hearted,” he said. “It’s music everyone can enjoy.”
This weekend, he brings his youthful sound to the jazz stage, putting a modern twist on classic big band tunes.
“The Aurora music scene was all pop and punk, all catchy tunes,” he said. “I’m not taking an old song and ruining it, I’m putting a new spin on it.”
One of his favourite tunes is Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon, a crowd pleaser that also appears on his new album. He sings the famous lyrics to a faster tempo.
“Doing a cover (song) opens the doors to people’s interests,” he said. “It’s always interesting to see young people put their own take on jazz.”
This is the first time Mr. Hau will perform solo at the jazz festival, having performed alongside the Sunday Skyline band last year.
But performing solo for a large crowd is something Mr. Hau has always wanted to do since he started his first band in Grade 7.
“Back then, my goal was to play for a crowd,” he said. “I don’t get butterflies as much. If I go off stage with a huge smile, that’s all that matters.”
Mr. Hau is also the bass player for the local rock band The Bloody Five. - ERA Banner