Hailey Hall is a singer-songwriter from Long Beach, who is constantly perfecting her craft and working to pursue her life long goal of being an artist.
Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: I grew up in Long Beach, it’s where I have spent all of my life. As a kid, I was always drawn to music and all things creative. My dad played a little bit of guitar, so I have many memories of singing silly songs with him- if I wasn’t busy rocking out to Taylor Swift with my mom in her car. For my 14th birthday, I got my first guitar. Shortly after, Covid hit and I was bored out of my mind. With all the new free time, I got really into playing guitar and eventually writing my own songs. I am starting to pursue music more seriously both independently and in a band with two of my best friends called Broken Record. Finding a balance with school and work can be tough, but I am super excited for what the future holds.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of making/writing music?
A: The most rewarding part of writing music is definitely the feeling when the songs come together. I tend to be very critical of my music and a bit of a perfectionist, so sometimes the beginning stages of songs are hard for me. But once I get into the studio and hear all the different pieces come together, I realize how much I love the process and want to do it all again.
Q: What is the inspiration behind your songs?
A: I am really inspired by the young adult experience as a whole. I like to write from a real place and reflect on situations I’ve been in or feelings I’ve experienced. I take a lot of inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, who are great storytellers and can capture a bigger theme from what appears to be a mundane moment that others would quickly write off.
Q: What three songs do you think capture “you” the best for a first-time listener?
A: Because I am new to releasing music, I only have two songs out as a solo artist. However, I think they are super representative of my sound and vibe. My first release was “damage control” with a mellow indie folk vibe. My latest release was “passenger seat”, which definitely picks up the energy from “damage control”.
Q: What does your ideal day look like?
A: My ideal day would start by sleeping in, because I am kind of a night owl. Next, I would probably hit a local coffee shop to get an iced vanilla latte with oatmilk because they are always better than the chain places. Ideally, I would spend the rest of my day in the studio working on songs with some of my closest friends and co-writers. Oh, and I would 100% get Thai food for dinner after.
Q: What’s advice you live by?
A: Anything is possible if you really, REALLY, put your mind to it.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I am definitely inspired by my mom and dad. They are both such great, hardworking people who are so supportive of me in every way- whether it’s creatively, by coming to all of my shows or academically, putting me through college. I am so grateful for them.
Q: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: I think people would be surprised to learn that I never took guitar lessons because I was too nervous to play or sing in front of others-I taught myself completely. I have come a long way since then, getting over super bad stage fright and performance anxiety! Now I am able to play my original songs at local venues and for whoever wants to hear.
