Hayden Pedigo
By Kit Macdonald
Hayden Pedigo's CV is both unique and impressive: guitarist, performer, former political candidate, Gucci model and performance artist – a singular character and performer described, accurately, as “a man, a myth and a master of disguise”. Musically, Pedigo came to relatively broad attention in 2014 at the age of just 20 with his second album, Five Steps, which showcased a remarkably fully-formed sound that recalls the American Primitive guitar lineage of artists such as John Fahey, all intricate guitar work and compositional curiosity.
Balancing this serious artistry with deadpan comedy, Pedigo has developed a thoroughly offbeat and intriguing public persona. In 2018, he ran a spoof campaign to be a City Councillor in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. His run was symbolic and tongue-in-cheek, but his viral campaign videos, which blurred the line between art project and genuine political bid, caught the imagination and introduced his unique worldview to a broader audience, as well as highlighting his knack for performance as social commentary. It's not often a performer as genuinely interesting as Pedigo passes through town, so this is one to grab with both hands.