Courtesy of Strathmore R&B singer Jay Hayden will perform Wednesday at the Music Center at Strathmore.

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When Jay Hayden first imagined a career in music, it was as a producer rather than a recording artist. In pursuit of his dream, and to gain visibility and credibility, Hayden produced his own album.

“I decided to put out my own project and produce myself as an effort to reach other artists,” Hayden says. “My intention at first was not to be an artist myself.”

But little did the Washington, D.C. R&B singer know that his efforts with his first independent album “Love Counseling” would lead to the surprise smash “No Where,” which made the Billboard Top 100 R&B chart in 2010.

“Being able to achieve this, it allowed me to believe in my dream, to believe in that mission impossible,” he says.

The experience launched a solo career for Hayden, who is preparing for the release of his sophomore album “Believer” this April while continuing his tenure in the Artist in Residence program at Strathmore. Hayden is the first R&B singer to take part in the program that helps develop emerging artists, and will perform in a pair of concerts at The Mansion at Strathmore on Wednesday and again on Jan. 25.

Calling the program an “artist bootcamp,” Hayden has found his residency experience valuable for learning about the business aspects of the industry as well as providing networking opportunities.

“I definitely recommend the program to anybody who is an aspiring artist, no matter what level they are on at this point,” he says.

Wednesday’s concert will feature an acoustic set primarily from his first album, with Hayden on piano. “Love Counseling” was inspired by his experiences with friends who were always seeking his advice on relationships. His time in the program also has yielded a new song commissioned by Strathmore called “Loving Me” about the plight of military wives that will premier at the latter concert featuring a full band.

Loving Me, he says, “is based off of stories that I’ve heard from different individuals and me being around different veterans. I can’t wait for people to catch the lyrics.”

Growing up in Prince George’s County, Hayden developed a passion for music at a young age and joined a jazz and go-go band as a teenager, which helped launch him into the industry. In addition to his work as a solo songwriter and musician, he is known for collaborating with artists such as Ashford & Simpson, Tank, Mya and Lil Romeo.

Since the success of his own project, Hayden also has produced for artists including V.Rich and Raheem Devaughn — who will join Hayden on the track “Gently” on his upcoming album. By balancing his performing and producing careers, Hayden hopes to follow in the footsteps of the many of the music moguls he admires. He named his upcoming album “Believer” as a nod to the road that has taken him where he is now, and also to the dreams he has ahead of him.

“Believing is the first step that one truly has to take,” he says. “You have to believe no matter what anyone tells you.”

ccalamaio@gazette.net

Jay Hayden performs an acoustic show 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Tickets are $12. Hayden performs again with a full band on Jan. 25. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.