Watch Walker Hayes Perform Live at Paste Studio

Alabama native Walker Hayes is all about second chances. Nearly a decade ago, the singer-guitarist journeyed to Nashville and landed a publishing deal and then a contract with Capitol Records Nashville in quick succession, producing singles “Pants” and “Why Wait for Summer” in 2010 and and 2011. But when the songs failed to catch on, he was dropped by the label and started working nights to support his family, figuring his shot at a music career was over. But you take the man out of music; you can’t take the music out of the man. Hayes never stopped writing songs. Last year, he recorded two EPs, and in early 2017 he unexpectedly signed a deal with Monument Records, a new imprint of Sony Music based in Nashville. Now his second album, Boom, containing 10 new songs, is scheduled for release on Dec. 8, and first single “You Broke Up With Me”—which is more about the music industry than any girl—is available for digital download.

Hayes stopped by the Paste Studio on Monday to perform songs from Boom.