Hayden Pedigo

Texan avant-garde musician, politician, performance artist, and model Hayden Pedigo is man, myth, master of disguise; un-picker, finger-picker, absurdist, perfectionist.

An innovative instrumental artist from Amarillo, Texas, known for his unique blend of Americana, psychedelia, and fingerstyle guitar, he has created a distinct voice in the genre.

Pedigo, also known for his unorthodox bid for Amarillo City Council (featured in the film Kid Candidate), now makes a departure from the conceptual personas of his earlier works in The Motor Trilogy, embracing a more stripped-back and honest representation of himself.

While previous records were experimental in style and often featured different characters and masks, this new release is about showing his true self, with no gimmicks. Pedigo, influenced by John Fahey and experimental elements like prog-rock and psychedelic music, has created a genre-defying piece, drawing inspiration from both American primitive guitar and contemporary music.

He cites influences from prog-rock bands like King Crimson, the heavy textures of Led Zeppelin, and the experimental rap of Bladee, incorporating micro-sampling and a sense of abstraction. The album's production, led by Scott Hirsch (known for his work with Hiss Golden Messenger and William Tyler), pushes the boundaries of his earlier works, blending intricate guitar with ambient and experimental layers.

Raised in Amarillo, Pedigo’s music often reflects his Texan roots, steeped in the oddities of small-town life and the culture of the American South. His upbringing and experiences, such as his memory of a truck stop named “Jesus Christ is Lord Not a Swear Word Truck Stop Travel Centre”, feed into the uncanny and larger-than-life atmosphere in his music. The album’s title is inspired by a poignant Little House on the Prairie episode, tying together the themes of loss, nostalgia, and personal reflection.

Pedigo is part of the Mexican Summer label, home to a range of forward-thinking artists like Devendra Banhart, Jenny Lewis, and Kacey Musgraves. His collaboration with these artists, alongside his own distinct musical journey, places him among a diverse and genre-defying collective of musicians. This final installment of his trilogy invites listeners into Pedigo’s world, where emotion, craftsmanship, and unique sonic landscapes collide.