Smooth pop hooks and percolating rhythms line up neatly in the work of Australian producer, singer, and songwriter Hayden James. After breaking into DJing while still a teen, James debuted as a solo artist with 2013’s “Permission to Love,” inspired by his marriage proposal to his wife. His first major calling card came with 2014’s “Something About You,” another deeply romantic club track that melded his soulful vocals with those of guest George Maple. It charted in multiple countries and was nominated for an ARIA Award to boot. James has curated a string of intuitive collabs since then, making creative sparks with Boy Matthews, Running Touch, Icona Pop, and Crooked Colours. Yet he’s just as locked in when working on his own, as heard on 2022’s effervescent “Hold Tight” and 2024’s pop-house valentine “All In.” His supple vocals and heart-on-sleeve lyrics have become as much of a hallmark as his lush, airy production style, keeping the mood resiliently upbeat as he explores the many shades of love and devotion.