Written by Alexandria Anglade
There’s something about an artist who thrives on open-ended creativity and honest self-expression—someone who wears his heart on his sleeve both on and off the stage. HAAD is one such musician. He’s been honing his craft for the past four years, and in that time, he’s learned plenty about the ups and downs that come with chasing a vision. In this article, we take a deeper look into his creative process, his motivations, and how he stays focused on what truly matters in a rapidly changing industry.
For HAAD, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making music. On one day, his ideas might pour out from a melody or a beat; on another, he might “punch in” while freestyling to capture the vibe. The key, he explains, is freedom.
“I love having the freedom to choose how I want to create music,” he says. “Once I get a good solid idea, I can either write off that or punch in and create that way as well. It’s easier for me since I’m not the best writer.”
This flexible approach not only keeps things fresh but also speaks to HAAD’s preference for improvisation—reflecting his belief that sometimes, the best work arises from spontaneity rather than a perfectly laid plan.
Ask ten artists how they know a song is done, and you might get ten different answers. For HAAD, it’s simple: if it sounds and feels right, it’s ready.
“I know when a song is done when it sounds good and feels good to me,” he says. “Having a great ear for music helps. I believe I have what it takes to be around for a long time, and I’m fortunate to work with one of the best producers and engineers, Avoo, who helps shape that final polish.”
By trusting his intuition and listening carefully to each track, HAAD ensures that what he releases genuinely resonates with him first and foremost.
In an age where social media and texting can overshadow real face-to-face discussions, HAAD finds himself bringing conversations front and center in his art.
“I think getting back to the basics of being able to talk to women… a lot of people aren’t the best at having and holding a good conversation,” he notes.
Through playful lyrics and candid truths, he encourages listeners to be themselves. He reminds people that you don’t have to pretend or put on a facade—being genuine will always draw others in, both in personal life and in music.
The music industry is not for the faint of heart, and HAAD has learned that firsthand. Over the past four years, he’s developed what he calls “an amazing numbness” to outside criticism.
“You have to have thick skin to stick around in the music industry,” he says. “Don’t forget to live your life outside of music—do the other things you love. Hit the gym, travel, enjoy the ones who love you, and get right within yourself and with God.”
This balance—knowing when to focus on music and when to step back and refresh—is what keeps him going despite the inevitable ups and downs.
Not every release pans out as planned, and HAAD’s project 1-Dimensional is a testament to that. He admits it didn’t match his expectations.
“I rushed everything… I was so eager to keep putting music out,” he reflects.
He acknowledges that even though it had standout tracks—like the popular “Left On Read Interlude”—he could have approached the project with more patience. The experience taught him to slow down and trust the process rather than rush for the sake of releasing more songs.
While making music is at the core of who he is, HAAD points out that beyond the art itself, there’s a different kind of reward: seeing people connect with his work and, in turn, connecting with him as a person.
“The most rewarding part would probably be people enjoying what I create. Also, me just being myself in real life and my music,” he shares.
He openly admits he’s not perfect—he makes mistakes and stumbles like anyone else. Yet the honesty in that acknowledgement resonates with fans, creating a bond based on shared experiences and mutual respect.
Despite his growing presence, HAAD candidly says he hasn’t felt like he’s truly “made it” just yet.
“I’m going to keep working and continuing to be great until I do have that moment,” he says.
He’s well aware that many people come and go in music, sometimes tempted to give up when the journey gets rough. But the support of friends, family, and fans fuels his determination, reminding him that every track, every performance, is another step toward the day he can look back and say he’s arrived.
HAAD’s story is one of openness, humility, and drive. He’s not afraid to admit when things don’t go as planned, nor is he shy about celebrating his strengths—like his intuitive ear and his dedication to genuine self-expression. For those following his journey, it’s clear that he’s building a foundation that will keep him moving forward, no matter what obstacles the industry throws his way.
His honesty and willingness to learn from missteps make him relatable, and his passion for staying true to himself keeps fans engaged. If you’re looking for an artist who values substance as much as style, be sure to keep HAAD on your radar. Chances are, he won’t just meet your expectations—he’ll find a way to exceed them.
Instagram: @haadyturnt
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