Who i am
Hi!
My name is Haley. Thanks for visiting my website. I’m flattered you’re here! Feel free to watch videos of my performances, listen to my tunes, and ready my life story as many times as you want ? Below I have compiled everything to know about me for anyone who is curious! 🙂
Things to know about me as a human:
On the map, there are several places I’ve called home. My journey began in NJ > NC > SC > TN > and now CA. Each of these places have been (and continue to be) influential to my music and spirit. I’m obsessed with putting my lens on life into words/music and hearing other people who do that too. In my spare time I enjoy deep conversation, figuring out how things work, cooking (mostly plants but I also make chocolate), yoga + meditation, tea + coffee, travel + exploration, and choreographing karaoke performances (yes, it’s better with dance moves). My spirit animal is definitely a groundhog. Hibernating and recharging are essential for me to process information (especially in Winter), but I’m also energized by others and being around good company. Music is how I express, process, and communicate with others. I’m grateful for it, and I’m grateful that you’re listening.
My journey to music:
My first spark to play music was when my mom played a book-on-tape in the car (I know, old skool ?) about this girl at an orphanage who studies violin with Antonio Vivaldi. After that, all I wanted to do was be her (minus the orphanage part) and learn how to play the violin. So I begged my mom to get one and the rest is history!
My musical journey:
After lots of torture and hours/years in the practice room honing my classical craft, I graduated high school from UNC School of the Arts where I studied violin with Joseph Genualdi. Then I attended college at University of South Carolina Honors College where I graduated with a BM in Music Performance and studied violin with William Terwilliger. You’d probably think that my life goal would be to become an orchestral member of the NY Philharmonic. But a whole new world opened up to me in college when I joined our student newspaper, The Daily Gamecock. I was super interested in journalism, going to concerts, and writing concert/album reviews. What could be better than going to concerts for free and sharing my perspective? I was deeply inspired with the artists and musicians I interviewed and how they were able to make music their own. I, too, wanted a way to creatively connect with the music I was playing. One night I was playing violin with an awesome friend in my dorm who played guitar and we wrote our first song. I was so inspired that I went home during Winter break and wrote my first album “Beautiful To Me” (2009).
Columbia, SC:
I recorded my album with the help of a production student and I started connecting with peers playing at the Starbucks open mic on campus. My first ‘real’ gig was an acoustic show at Gap as a winner of their “Born to Play” competition, in exchange for a pair of 1969 jeans. Local radio stations started putting my music on rotation and press outlets began reviewing my music. I slowly started playing local shows and festivals, won my University’s Battle of the Bands competition (which I was also honored to judge a year later), and toured regionally in the Southeast in between homework and classes.
I met Jay Clifford (of Jump Little Children) and Josh Kaler (of Slow Runner) who produced my second album ‘Taking Time (2011) at their studio Hello Telescope in downtown Charleston, SC. We toured together across the Southeast and I returned home opening shows for artists like Edwin McCain and Chris Barron (of Spin Doctors).
I feel so fortunate and grateful that my friends and family generously gathered to fan fund the album made possible via Kickstarter because they truly Kickstarted more than just the album. I couldn’t believe I was putting my music and feelings into the world and although I knew it would be challenging, I decided to continue pursuing my career as a songwriter. My roommate at the time suggested I check out Nashville and I immediately jumped on to the idea. I thought, why not? I took a deep breath, and moved.
Nashville:
Nashville is where I tuned in to the craft of songwriting. I moved into a tiny house with a bunch of roommates, wrote songs and performed in between my part time gig selling memberships at a local massage clinic. I craved to learn everything I could about writing my best songs. I read lots of books, took workshops, and co-wrote with published and hit songwriters.
It wasn’t easy. I auditioned to play at the Bluebird Cafe and got rejected the first time. I went back to the drawing board, came back with new material, and was selected to play spotlight performances regularly.
After co-writing and honing my songwriting skills that year, I released my favorites in a third fan-funded album ‘Lady with a Rocket’ (2012), produced by Trey Roth at Black Cat Studio. The album inspired me to take off and tour independently, and that’s when I decided to make the road my new home.
US & Europe tour:
I met so many incredible people all across the United States and Europe playing alongside artists like Cas Haley of America’s Got Talent, Pearl and the Beard, and at venues like the Bitter End in NYC, Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. When I came home to Nashville, I was honored to perform regularly at Bluebird Cafe, and played violin for artists at the Grand Ole Opry. iTunes recognized ‘Lady with a Rocket’ as “New and Noteworthy” and I performed for audiences in Germany, France, Holland, Spain, and the UK. I was also invited to do a TEDx talk to perform the song. It was a blast!
What inspires the music I currently make:
I wanted to capture the experiences from my international travels, so I decided to continue the storyline of ‘Lady with a Rocket.’ My upcoming album ‘Astronaut’ (releasing December 13, 2018) is my attempt to take listeners on a trip around the world and into outer space. When listening, you’ll travel to Paris, detour to the Middle East, dive into the ocean, and soar up into the stars. Along the way, I’ve realized that while your surroundings can be inspiring, it’s who your with that really matters.
Lennon Leppert worked closely with me to produce a string-inspired pop album. Throughout, you’ll hear a snapshot of polaroids set to music, a quartet arrangement of the song melodies, and the story of a new beginning in sunny Los Angeles.
If you’re curious what it sounds like you’re welcome to preview the sounds by clicking on the ‘Music’ tab above.
Who i am
Hi!
My name is Haley. Thanks for visiting my website. I’m flattered you’re here! Feel free to watch videos of my performances, listen to my tunes, and ready my life story as many times as you want ? Below I have compiled everything to know about me for anyone who is curious! 🙂
Things to know about me as a human:
On the map, there are several places I’ve called home. My journey began in NJ > NC > SC > TN > and now CA. Each of these places have been (and continue to be) influential to my music and spirit. I’m obsessed with putting my lens on life into words/music and hearing other people who do that too. In my spare time I enjoy deep conversation, figuring out how things work, cooking (mostly plants but I also make chocolate), yoga + meditation, tea + coffee, travel + exploration, and choreographing karaoke performances (yes, it’s better with dance moves). My spirit animal is definitely a groundhog. Hibernating and recharging are essential for me to process information (especially in Winter), but I’m also energized by others and being around good company. Music is how I express, process, and communicate with others. I’m grateful for it, and I’m grateful that you’re listening.
My journey to music:
My first spark to play music was when my mom played a book-on-tape in the car (I know, old skool ?) about this girl at an orphanage who studies violin with Antonio Vivaldi. After that, all I wanted to do was be her (minus the orphanage part) and learn how to play the violin. So I begged my mom to get one and the rest is history!
My musical journey:
After lots of torture and hours/years in the practice room honing my classical craft, I graduated high school from UNC School of the Arts where I studied violin with Joseph Genualdi. Then I attended college at University of South Carolina Honors College where I graduated with a BM in Music Performance and studied violin with William Terwilliger. You’d probably think that my life goal would be to become an orchestral member of the NY Philharmonic. But a whole new world opened up to me in college when I joined our student newspaper, The Daily Gamecock. I was super interested in journalism, going to concerts, and writing concert/album reviews. What could be better than going to concerts for free and sharing my perspective? I was deeply inspired with the artists and musicians I interviewed and how they were able to make music their own. I, too, wanted a way to creatively connect with the music I was playing. One night I was playing violin with an awesome friend in my dorm who played guitar and we wrote our first song. I was so inspired that I went home during Winter break and wrote my first album “Beautiful To Me” (2009).
Columbia, SC:
I recorded my album with the help of a production student and I started connecting with peers playing at the Starbucks open mic on campus. My first ‘real’ gig was an acoustic show at Gap as a winner of their “Born to Play” competition, in exchange for a pair of 1969 jeans. Local radio stations started putting my music on rotation and press outlets began reviewing my music. I slowly started playing local shows and festivals, won my University’s Battle of the Bands competition (which I was also honored to judge a year later), and toured regionally in the Southeast in between homework and classes.
I met Jay Clifford (of Jump Little Children) and Josh Kaler (of Slow Runner) who produced my second album ‘Taking Time (2011) at their studio Hello Telescope in downtown Charleston, SC. We toured together across the Southeast and I returned home opening shows for artists like Edwin McCain and Chris Barron (of Spin Doctors).
I feel so fortunate and grateful that my friends and family generously gathered to fan fund the album made possible via Kickstarter because they truly Kickstarted more than just the album. I couldn’t believe I was putting my music and feelings into the world and although I knew it would be challenging, I decided to continue pursuing my career as a songwriter. My roommate at the time suggested I check out Nashville and I immediately jumped on to the idea. I thought, why not? I took a deep breath, and moved.
Nashville:
Nashville is where I tuned in to the craft of songwriting. I moved into a tiny house with a bunch of roommates, wrote songs and performed in between my part time gig selling memberships at a local massage clinic. I craved to learn everything I could about writing my best songs. I read lots of books, took workshops, and co-wrote with published and hit songwriters.
It wasn’t easy. I auditioned to play at the Bluebird Cafe and got rejected the first time. I went back to the drawing board, came back with new material, and was selected to play spotlight performances regularly.
After co-writing and honing my songwriting skills that year, I released my favorites in a third fan-funded album ‘Lady with a Rocket’ (2012), produced by Trey Roth at Black Cat Studio. The album inspired me to take off and tour independently, and that’s when I decided to make the road my new home.
US & Europe tour:
I met so many incredible people all across the United States and Europe playing alongside artists like Cas Haley of America’s Got Talent, Pearl and the Beard, and at venues like the Bitter End in NYC, Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. When I came home to Nashville, I was honored to perform regularly at Bluebird Cafe, and played violin for artists at the Grand Ole Opry. iTunes recognized ‘Lady with a Rocket’ as “New and Noteworthy” and I performed for audiences in Germany, France, Holland, Spain, and the UK. I was also invited to do a TEDx talk to perform the song. It was a blast!
What inspires the music I currently make:
I wanted to capture the experiences from my international travels, so I decided to continue the storyline of ‘Lady with a Rocket.’ My upcoming album ‘Astronaut’ (releasing December 13, 2018) is my attempt to take listeners on a trip around the world and into outer space. When listening, you’ll travel to Paris, detour to the Middle East, dive into the ocean, and soar up into the stars. Along the way, I’ve realized that while your surroundings can be inspiring, it’s who your with that really matters.
Lennon Leppert worked closely with me to produce a string-inspired pop album. Throughout, you’ll hear a snapshot of polaroids set to music, a quartet arrangement of the song melodies, and the story of a new beginning in sunny Los Angeles.
If you’re curious what it sounds like you’re welcome to preview the sounds by clicking on the ‘Music’ tab above.