Local artist profile: Hayden Becker

THIS week we finish off profiling local heavy rockers Lost in the Past by chatting with rhythm guitarist Hayden Becker, who said the band’s long-term goals include being a major part of the next generation of metal music.

What motivated you to take up rhythm guitar?

I began learning some songs and riffs at the end of 2024, including Nirvana and Green Day songs as well as Crazy Train, to begin progressing from open chords on the acoustic guitar I played as a child.

After meeting Aaron in early 2025, I began to learn rhythm guitar parts for some of the songs he was playing.

How would you describe your style?

My style has a focus on bringing power to the songs I play using power chords and a variety of drop tuning riffs.

This came about by listening to and learning songs by bands including Slipknot, Korn and Linkin Park.

Which other rhythm guitarists inspire you?

Mick Thomson from Slipknot and James Hetfield from Metallica.

Thomson’s riffs challenge my technical playing and speed, and Hetfield’s emotion through his music influences much of what I’d like to put into my projects.

Have you had any mentors over your career so far?

My year 11 and 12 guitar teacher Ash has taught me much of my technical foundation and was the first to start pushing my abilities.

Aaron has also been one of my biggest supports, pushing me out of my comfort zone in my learning and playing abilities, helping me progress to a point I never would’ve thought I’d be at.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a rhythm guitarist so far?

The highlight so far has definitely been the first time I stood up on a stage.

Something I’ve struggled with for a long time is social interactions and that first time, looking out at the audience, it all rushed away and it was like nothing mattered except the music we were playing.

How can people check out your (individual) work online?

At this point all of my published work is with Lost In The Past.

However, any individual work in the future will be posted on my Instagram account @hbecker_music

Where do you see yourself, as well as the band, in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

My idea of the next few years includes the band travelling to different parts of Australia and building new connections in both our local and extended communities.

Completing year 12 this year and starting university next year will bring some challenges but with (our) long-term goals, the effort now is well worth it.

I think the boys (Aaron and Riley) and I have similar goals in mind – playing stadiums, headlining festivals and being a major part of the next generation of metal music.

What would you say to young regional aspiring rhythm guitarists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

One of the biggest things I’ve learnt since joining Lost In The Past is you can’t coordinate and control everything that happens.

Things will go wrong, but it’s about being adaptive and having a positive mindset.

Confidence is another struggle I had early on and still face at times, but just to be up on that stage is something many people in our generation can’t even do.

Something a very special person to the band always says is “if you don’t believe it yourself, they won’t believe it”.

Stay positive when setbacks happen and always believe in yourself.