Originally from southern Mississippi, Michael Hays moved to Austin, TX in the late 90's, where he recorded several EPs, composed and arranged instrumental music in GRACKLE, worked in a wind chime factory, and earned an Associate of the Arts degree in music composition.

Hays continued west to Los Angeles in 2004 and co-founded The LARKS, a mostly Americana outfit heavily influenced by The Band.  Over the next several years the LARKS played the famed tiki bars and haunted restaurants of old Los Angeles until the band was derailed by two members joining AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB and subsequent touring. 

Meanwhile, in 2006, Hays appeared on legendary guitarist RICHARD THOMPSON's "Sweet Warrior". Later that year, he joined forces with THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS, playing rock and roll extensively throughout California over the next 3 years and contributing to recording sessions with the likes of SUZI QUATRO and MIKE CHAPMAN (producer/songwriter - Blondie, The Sweet, The Knack, Tina Turner…).

In 2010, Hays united with ex-RINGERS cousins Patrick and Joe Hursley and ex-VHS or BETA mercenary Mike McGill to form the rock powerhouse INDIANS, who released their DAVE COBB produced debut EP in 2011. Due to a copyright dispute, the band changed their name to WE WERE INDIANS, and released their second EP in 2013. WE WERE INDIANS' song "Long Way From Home" was the theme song for 'Blood Sweat and Gears', a BBC production that aired internationally for 2 seasons.
Hays and WWI singer Joe Hursley also started a project called REAL WILD LOVE.  They have one LP, Neon Safari, featuring members of Awolnation. 

In 2014, Hays re-located back to Austin, TX, where he released his self-titled solo album. Produced in Los Angeles by fellow LARK, former American Music Club, and current ZIG ZAGS bassist, Sean Hoffman, the record included personnel from The Pretenders, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, American Music Club, Swans, and Crooks on Tape.

From 2019, Hays was in Texas singer-songwriter Jeremy Nail’s band, playing alongside Bukka Allen (Mark Lanegan, Terry Allen) and Chris Searles (Alejandro Escovedo).

His sophomore LP, Red Willow, was completed in early 2021 and features guest appearances from RICHARD THOMPSON, ERIC HEYWOOD (Ray Lamontagne, Son Volt), Bukka Allen, George Sluppick (Chris Robinson), Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones), and Brad Houser (Edie Brickell).  Once again produced by Michael Hays and Sean Hoffman, the album is due to drop later this year.

ardenland is an entertainment company specializing in concert promotion, festival management, corporate events, private parties, fund-raising and university concerts.  Having produced hundreds of events throughout the Southeast and across the country; backyard barbecue's to city festivals, clubs to stadiums, ardenland has the experience to help make your event a success. With 25+ years in the entertainment business I have helped build careers with young new artists and produced events with legends and superstars. Whether it's securing the proper location, hiring talent, sound, lights, staging and advertising, ardenland can help guide your organization through all the intricate details needed to host a successful event.

Lisa Hudgens is following