Hunter Hayes Woos With Blend of Pop and Chops

Hayes performs for industry tastemakers at his final tour rehearsal this morning (1/9) at Soundcheck.

Hunter Hayes’ musical chops weren’t the only thing on display at today’s (1/9) final rehearsal for his upcoming tour. His enthusiasm and professionalism were evident as the young singer, 20, wooed members of the media and other VIPs gathered at Soundcheck.

Warner Music Nashville chief John Esposito introduced his rising star, explaining how Hayes has worked to be an artist since his childhood days when he gazed at a screen-saver of a tour bus.

There’s not much Hayes doesn’t do, from songwriting to overseeing almost every aspect of the making of his debut album. He co-produced the project, played every instrument on the recording, and wrote or co-wrote every track on the Atlantic Records release. His blend of pop/rock country makes him an ideal opener for the Rascal Flatts Thaw Out 2012 tour, opening Thursday, Jan. 12 in Charleston, WV.

Onstage the multi-instrumentalist stuck mainly to guitar, except when he slowed the jaunty mood and took a seat at the piano for “Wanted.” Lyrics that looked they were written in chalk adorned the black equipment and instruments.

Hayes’ love of coffee inspired his meet and greets with fans, so the theme carried over to today’s event where an espresso bar offered an array of drinks and treats. He explained that he enjoys the casual setting of a coffee house to talk with fans and hear their feedback. On the road, a $50 package gets music lovers a VIP Coffee House Experience, including cool merch and coffee with the singer at the venue. It shouldn’t be long before teenage girls are lining up in droves.

In fact, Hayes’ popularity is already bubbling up with climbing single “Storm Warning” and a recently wrapped headlining tour with sold out dates. As an opener, he’s shared the stage with Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Hank Williams Jr., Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. He’ll be at the Best Buy in Brentwood, Tenn. tomorrow (1/10) for an acoustic performance, and meet and greet. His Good Morning America debut is set for Jan. 24.