Aubrey Hays

Mississippi Gulf Coast-born Aubrey Hays howls a torrential cloudburst in 2021 single “Statue,” backed by the screams of guttural guitars and a trumpet, before nestling into an outro of dainty arpeggios. “I can dip myself in gold/ And travel to places bought and sold among men/ Oh will I ever be whole again?” the self-described “lyric-forward pop musician” ruminates. Delivered with the musical prowess Hays honed as early as 4 years old, their visceral discography – soon to expand with an EP in the works – unleashes the unknown and sentimental. The singer-guitarist’s hypnotizing voice leaps as they cast a spell in the more hopeful “I Wanna See This Through”: “Wouldn’t it be nice to believe in yourself?” Shrouded in the Rose Garden, the Austin-based storyteller will perform as the fifth and final artist of this year’s Music in the Garden outdoor concert series. Enjoy this free, all-ages event, which includes food and beverage options from Downtown Burgers and Austin Beerworks, respectively. – Angela Lim