Hunter Hayes Says Songwriting is Therapeutic

Like most songwriters, Hunter Hayes draws a lot of inspiration from his personal life. The singer says that writing music has been therapeutic for him.

"[Songwriting is] calling a friend knowing full well you're wasting your time talking about whatever it is you're talking about. You know that, and you don't care, and they don't care, and they're not listening, but you just need to get it off your chest," he tells People. "Sometimes you just gotta get it out, you know? Songwriting is that kind of feeling. I can spare my friend a long, two-hour phone call about what's going on and just write it into a song."

Hayes' newest single 'Invisible' is very personal for the singer, who was bullied in school and never really felt like he fit in with his classmates. Hayes says he doesn't stay away from difficult subject matter.

"It's really been an interesting journey songwriting specifically for this record and saying to myself that nothing is off limits," he says. "I had high hopes and big dreams this song would find its way to even one person that needed to hear it. That perspective of 'I know it's difficult right now, but it's all going to get way better' – I was lucky to see that in my story and felt like it was important to share that."

Despite the fact that Hayes has gained success in the music industry, he says that he doesn't have all the answers when it comes to being comfortable in your own skin.

"I feel like if I had the answer, I'd be able to write a book because I'm always looking for that answer myself," he says. "I'm constantly trying to figure out how to get rid of my own insecurities."

'Invisible' is the first single off of Hayes' upcoming album, 'Storyline.' The album is available at Amazon.