INTERVIEW: Hailey Knox — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Hailey Knox

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TAKING us towards the long Easter weekend...

is Hailey Knox, who has been discussing her Hardwired Mixtape and what inspired it; whether there are going to be gigs very soon and some of the albums that have made an impact on her – she chooses some approaching artists that are worth investigation.

I ask Knox what music she grew up around and how important touring is; which artist she’d support if she could and what the rest of 2019 holds – Knox selects a great modern track to bring the interview down to a close.

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Hi, Hailey. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m good! I've been working on new music this past week and hanging with family. I’m very excited to release new stuff and get new music out very soon.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Hailey Knox! I’ve been singing since I was really young and playing guitar since I was seven. I’ve spent the last few years touring and creating music! My last tour was my first headlining tour which was a really interesting experience. I just released my mixtape, the Hardwired Mixtape, which has songs from a lot of different times in my life. I’m going on tour this summer supporting Bailen on the West Coast which I’m very excited about!

The Hardwired Mixtape is out now. What sort of experiences and stories inspired the music on the collection?

I talk a lot about life as a touring musician, missing home; self-doubt and relationships. A lot of the lyrics talk about emotions that I don’t show.

Is there going to be more material coming later in the year do you reckon?

Yes! I have a lot of songs I’m working on. New music real soon!

How has 2019 been for you so far? Has it started pretty hectically?

2019 has been awesome! I had my song, Hardwired, on Grey's Anatomy, which was very cool! It was the first time I had a song on T.V. I am working on new music that I’m very excited about and I went on my first headlining tour!

When you were growing up, which artists/records did you hold dear?

So many. I grew up loving Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber; Ingrid Michaelson, Tyler, the Creator and a lot of different artists and genres. My first concert was Hilary Duff!

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

All of my touring experiences have been very cool and different. I feel like I learn something new with every tour and the people I work with. Seeing people online cover my songs always makes my day. It’s so cool that people connect with my lyrics and sing/ create their own versions.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

I really love DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar. I think the production is unreal and the tone of his voice - and melody/flow in every song is amazing. I am also really into Billie Eilish’s album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? I love the harmonies on all of the songs and the sounds in the production that Finneas uses are so great. I love how she ties in all of the songs at the end. Jon Bellion's album, The Human Condition, is another favorite of mine. He also incorporates all of the songs into one song at the end which I love. His lyrics and melodies really pull you in. 80’s Films and Guillotine are some of my favorites.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shervin Lainez

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would love to support Billie Eilish! On my rider, I would put grilled chicken, sea salt and vinegar chips and tea!

What does the rest of this year hold for you?

Releasing new music, writing more music and heading out on tour during summer!

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I am going on tour during June! I’ll be supporting Bailen on the West Coast. I’m very excited!

PHOTO CREDIT: Shervin Lainez

Might you come to the U.K. and play for us here?

I would love to! I have never been but would love to travel there.

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I really love both. I love creating in the studio and just jamming, coming up with new ideas. However, playing live is also really cool. I get to meet the people who listen and relate to my lyrics. A lot of my songs are emotional and the lyrics are very personal so if you come to my show. I hope you feel that.