HAYBOY expands his world with new ‘Smartness & Dollars’ release

Daniel Brown is widening the creative world around HAYBOY with new single “Smartness & Dollars” and an accompanying series of hand-drawn illustrations.

The song marks the start of the project’s next album cycle, but Brown is also developing original pen-and-ink pieces influenced by ancient stories and mythology. Each copy from the first vinyl run is planned to include one of those drawings.

Musically, the single continues HAYBOY’s mix of art rock, psychedelia, alternative guitar music and Americana. Brown recorded the core performance live with drummer Dylan Hill and bassist Steven Buehler, favouring an unrehearsed studio take over tightly controlled tracking.

The song’s subject is similarly grounded, focusing on the moment when personal ambition begins to feel less important than friendships, love and genuine connection.

HAYBOY has increasingly operated as a collaborative project, with musicians from acts including Mamalarky, Manchester Orchestra, Ringo Deathstarr, Sun June and Flyleaf contributing across its wider catalogue.