Hazlett on Touring and the Joy of Becoming Who You Dreamed Of

Sal Fasone
1 day ago
5 min read

Australian singer songwriter Hazlett has built a devoted following through his introspective storytelling, unguarded sincerity and songs that feel like late night conversations set to melody. After releasing a warmly received new album and spending much of the year on the road, he has become one of those artists whose honesty draws people in as much as his voice. When we meet backstage near the end of his European run at Union Chapel in London, he reflects on the whirlwind of 2025, the lessons he has learned on tour and why next year might finally be the moment he lets himself stop and breathe.

So 2025: What has been the highlight for you?

I want to say the Hyde Park show, but I honestly do not remember that show happening. We cut it from the list at one point, but so many people on this tour have said they saw me at Hyde Park and came to this tour because of it. That show is just a complete blackout in my head. Maybe it was because everything was not processed at the time. There were so many people watching. Technically it should have been the highlight. But I think the real highlight has been how busy I have been. The fact that I am tired is almost the highlight in itself. It makes me feel like I really did everything I could.

When we first met you told me that touring like this was one of your dreams?

I do complain. I say things like I cannot get a support act, nobody wants to listen to me.But yes, I am living it and I am into it.

How does it actually feel?

It feels good. I am really bad at processing things in the moment though. Even this year I never stop and say that was fun. After this tour finishes and I go back to Australia to see my parents, I think that will be when I finally get the journal out and reflect a bit.

Do you keep track of how many shows you have played?

It is easy to lose track. I think we are approaching the 150 mark this year.

What has been the biggest and most important lesson you have learned about touring and about yourself?

Last year when I played Lafayette I was touring basically on my own. It was fine but it was not sustainable. That was the first real lesson.This year it has been about leaning on people. The guys in the band call me mum because I am always checking that everyone is okay. I organise coffee expeditions and movie nights and room numbers. That is the stuff that makes me happy.Even on stage, it is not fun when you mess up, but it is easier when you can turn around and laugh with someone. That has been a big lesson. Life is better with people. You are better with a team.

Do you find it difficult to understand why people want to be involved in your world?

Yes. This is getting psychological, but yes. There have been people on this tour who came back with tattoos of my handwriting. I do not know how to process that. There are long queues outside. I try to put blinders on and not think about it because it helps me focus. Someone asked me recently if it is crazy to think about how popular I am. I have never stopped to consider that I am popular. I think if I acknowledge that I have made it, it will all disappear. That is the strange superstition in my head.

I think you have made it when you show up in peoples Spotify Wrapped.

My friends sent me their Wrapped results and I got a little video message of myself saying if you are hearing this, thank you. It was funny.

Union Chapel tonight. A very special venue. What can we expect?

I think this will be one of my favourite shows. I love any venue where you can make noise and let it echo through the whole place.We were tweaking the set list because we have played so many traditional music venues and even some club shows. Each space feels different.This one has a sense of respect to it because it is a church. You feel like you have to treat it differently.

You and the band have been together for months at this point ...

Yes. We started in September and this is our fourth month in a row together. People see the good side, the travel and meeting people and of course the shows. But the physical and mental side gets challenging at the end of the year. I try to be honest when people ask how I am feeling at the merch desk before the show. I usually say I am exhausted. Not because of them. Talking to people and playing the shows is the fun part. The draining part is the packing and repacking every day .At this point I cannot wait to stay in one place for more than twenty four hours. We had 36 hours in Dublin and it felt like a holiday.

Do you get to explore the cities you visit?

A little. I try to keep everyone tight knit. I send the crew a list of coffee shops before we arrive in a new city. I plan alternate activities for anyone who wants something else.You try to create a little family on the road.But you do not get much time. Once sound check is done the window closes fast before the venue fills and everything begins.

When we first met your dream was to open for Noah Kahan. Then you did. What is the dream now?

I am still figuring that out. Next year I want to take more time to make the next album.I am not working on it yet because I cannot write properly while touring. My plan is to take the first half of next year off from touring and let inspiration come to me. I do not want to force anything.

So in 2026 what can we expect?

Not much (laughs). A real break.I have said that before and then I made an album in January. But this time I think I will actually stick to it.I also feel like maybe people need a break from me. I have been in everyone's faces for two years. They can live their lives for a bit and I will come back when the time is right. Of course I will miss the stage eventually. I always do. But I want the next album to arrive naturally and slowly. I want to watch it come to life over time instead of rushing through it.