Conversations with Donnell Hayes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnell Hayes.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Im Haze aka (WhoGotDaHaze), from Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Decatur, Georgia. After being self taught to engineer in high school, I went to study audio engineering at SAE Institute, I built a career working with artists across Atlanta, eventually becoming an in-house engineer for a studio and label. Having worked with everyone from underground talent to Grammy-nominated artists, I continue to develop emerging talent while growing my engineering education platform and sports media company. I am currently finishing my self-produced album “Donne11,” set for release in late 2026.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. My journey has been filled with highs and lows. After graduating and building a studio in my mom’s house, I spent years recording artists and chasing my dream, but the income wasn’t always enough to sustain me. I faced legal troubles, personal setbacks, and then the COVID pandemic completely disrupted my momentum.

I moved back to Cleveland during the pandemic and went through a period of depression where I wasn’t creating much music. Dealt with back to back deaths of close ones in a span of years. By the end of 2022, I returned to Atlanta determined to rebuild my career, even spending time living out of my car while pursuing opportunities.

Things began to change when I landed an internship at a studio and label that eventually led me to becoming an in-house engineer. Looking back, the road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge strengthened my work ethic, faith, and commitment to the craft.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a recording and mixing engineer, producer, songwriter, and artist. I specialize in helping artists bring their vision to life, whether that’s through recording, production, songwriting, or creating a professional final mix.

What I’m most proud of is my growth and perseverance. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve continued to push forward, invest in myself, and work toward the goals I’ve set. I’m also proud of the projects I’ve been a part of and the artists I’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout my career.

What sets me apart is that I move at my own pace and stay true to who I am. I’m not focused on trends or chasing attention online. I’m a family-oriented person who values real relationships, hard work, and continuous learning. Being involved in multiple areas of music gives me a unique perspective, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft. I consider myself a student of the game first, and that mindset helps me continue growing as an engineer, producer, songwriter, and artist.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I like arts and craft stuff; big projects or small. Paint, color, draw etc. Im a great inline skater.

Pricing:

• Recording for $35/hr.
• Mixing $110 per Track
• Mastering $75 per Track

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/whogotdahaze?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whogotdahaze?igsh=MTI5YzY2d3g1c3QzNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whogotdahaze?si=P96z2qSW6Sne-yJC
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/45BJpgDOjVokTPNyox