Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My name is Hailey Ezzell! I am originally from eastern North Carolina, but I have spent most of my life in South Florida. So, because of that, I have a good appreciation for many types of music. I like everything from 70s rock to musicals to country music to orchestral and more, and that appreciation has grown me as, not just a listener, but a songwriter.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Hailey Ezzell”?
A: I have been working to spread the good news by playing live local shows, posting online, and arranging interviews with kind folks like yourselves! To new listeners, I say, welcome! Thank you for the opportunity to become one of your new favorite artists. Buckle in and enjoy the ride!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I am, and always have been, greatly inspired by the amazing artists of the 70s and 80s. Styx, Heart, Foreigner, Journey, Guns N Roses, and others have worked to develop, not just my music taste, but the framework of how I write and create my original music. In terms of new artists, I am a huge fan of Evanescence, Halestorm, and Plush, and I find them extremely inspirational as a woman in the rock scene.
In terms of songwriting inspiration, I find a lot of ideas in the world around us. If I overhear a funny turn-of-phrase, or find myself in a strange situation, I write it down and let it stew for a while. Some of those ideas go nowhere. Some of them grow legs and start making moves. Those are the ones that become songs.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Wanting You (Band Version).”?
A: “Wanting You” is an unrequited love song. A sappy, longing, yearning, burning, depressing dirge of a song where I get to just sing my lungs out. It came to me, nearly, in a dream. Just as I was about to fall asleep one night, I could feel the lyrics start popping into my head. And instead of rolling over and lying to myself that I would remember it in the morning, I grabbed my phone and wrote it down. I wrote two verses and a chorus and told myself I would write the bridge in the morning. I ended up not needing it,and the song as you hear it today is the same, lyrically, as when I wrote it in the middle of the night. With the exception of one single word. I will let you listeners submit your guesses as to which word that is, haha.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: I would have to say “classic”.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Wanting You”?
A: “Wanting You” may be the only easy song I have recorded. During other songs on my album, I had to build a studio, lose a studio, build a temporary studio, and then lose a studio again. I have had players move away. I broke my knee and had to relearn how to walk. This album nearly killed me, haha! But “Wanting You” came the easiest of all. She was a very gentle, easy song to get onto tape and I am grateful for that. Any other crises and I might not be here right now!
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I wouldn’t say that my music has any one specific message. My goal with my music is to make my listeners feel the same way that I feel when I hear my favorite song. I want to write songs and create music that makes people feel seen and understood. I want them to find comfort in my words, solace in my voice, and warmth in my music.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would absolutely love to collaborate with Amy Lee from Evanescence. She is a huge inspiration to me. I have been told a few times that she and I sound somewhat alike, which is always the biggest and best compliment to receive. I would also like to work with Styx, which is my favorite band.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Don’t do it, haha! No, but for real. This industry is my absolute dream and nightmare wrapped up in one. It is my deepest passion and the biggest thorn in my side. But, I can’t quit it. I love it too much. So, my advice is this, if you really want to pursue music- do it. The industry will do everything it can to test your faithfulness, but if you really, truly want it, you will be able to keep trucking.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Just keep going. Things will move slowly, but they will move, so just keep pushing.
