Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Hayes
Hi Rob, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From my early days as a U.S. Marine to my current role in the music industry, my journey has been all about resilience, vision, and creating something that moves the culture forward. My time in the Marines gave me the discipline and determination that have fueled every step of my career. When I transitioned from military service, I found myself in the fast-paced world of entertainment at Live Nation, where I had the chance to be part of groundbreaking world tours for legends like Madonna, U2, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Jay Z.
Those experiences ignited a passion for music and live production, leading me to roles where I could shape the industry in new ways. Today, as the founder of Thirty Dark Zero Records, I’m using my platform to empower independent musicians with an AI-driven mobile application that integrates artist management, tour logistics, and music distribution—paving the way for artists to take full control of their careers.
I’m also a creator at heart. I recently released 5pm Shadow – Man of the Hour, a dance music album distributed through Roc Nation, and re-released Segunda Parte – 90 Seconds Until Midnight, a hip-hop album that brings my story full circle. Both projects capture different sides of my journey and my dedication to pushing musical boundaries.
My creativity extends into storytelling, as I’m currently working on my book, Authority, which reimagines my life as a fictional 18th-century king named RobHayes, or Robert The Great. Inspired by figures like Napoleon, Columbus, and the legendary heroes of epic sagas, Robert The Great rises from military ranks to become the ruler of a failed kingdom, restoring it through alliances, battles, and sheer willpower.
Every step of my journey has been about more than personal achievement; it’s about building a legacy. Through music, storytelling, and empowering others, I’m here to create meaningful change, make bold moves, and, ultimately, to leave something lasting for the next generation of artists and creatives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth. Last year, I went through a painful divorce and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and watching her go through that was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. But she fought hard and came out on the other side healthy, and that resilience showed me where my own strength truly comes from. Her journey was my inspiration to finish working on 5pm Shadow – Man of the Hour when I felt like the weight of it all was too much.
In this industry, support can be scarce, and I’ve often felt like I was on my own in pushing this project forward. Still, seeing my mom’s courage reminded me that, no matter the obstacles, I have the resilience to keep moving. Every time I look at this album, I see it as a tribute not just to her fight, but to the strength that lives in all of us.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from other artists and producers is my unique blend of experiences, vision, and purpose. Coming from a military background, I bring a level of discipline and strategic thinking that’s not often found in the creative world. That foundation has taught me how to handle high-stakes situations, think on my feet, and approach my work with a sense of mission.
I’m not just producing tracks or dropping albums; I’m building a movement. My goal is to move the culture forward, to push boundaries in ways that elevate the entire industry. With Thirty Dark Zero Records and its AI-powered mobile platform (in development) , I’m focused on giving independent artists the tools they need to control their own destinies. I want to make sure other artists have the same opportunities I’ve worked hard to create for myself.
Creatively, I draw inspiration from a wide range of influences, from dance music titans like Deadmau5 and Calvin Harris to hip-hop kings like Nas and Kendrick, every project I release reflects a unique aspect of my journey. I’m here to leave a mark that’s more than music—it’s about legacy, empowerment, and a commitment to elevate not just my own career but the entire landscape. That focus, combined with a resilience shaped by personal challenges, makes me different in a way that’s both purposeful and powerful.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite memories takes me back to a 4th of July in Chicago when I was a kid in 1998. My dad had taken me to the city to watch the fireworks, and we found ourselves at this incredible luxury high-rise overlooking Lake Michigan. The view was unforgettable, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect—the Bulls had just won a title, and the whole city was buzzing with celebration. The fireworks lit up the night sky, reflecting over the lake, and I felt like I was in the middle of something magical.
But what stands out most was meeting the woman who owned that high-rise apartment, Mildred Johnson. At the time, I didn’t know who she was, only that she was kind, elegant, and had a presence that filled the room. Later, I learned that Mildred was one of the first executives behind the publishing company that created Jet magazine—a pioneer in her own right. That day, without even realizing it, she planted a seed in me. Being around her inspired me, showing me that breaking boundaries and building legacies was possible. That night, with fireworks blazing and the spirit of Chicago alive, I got my first glimpse of what it meant to make an impact and leave a legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thirtydarkzerorecords.com
Image Credits
Thirty Dark Zero Records, LLC.
