From Cheerleading to Chart Topping: The Journey of Alberta's Indie-Pop Sensation, Hailyn Heisler
EARLY BEGINNINGS AND MUSICAL ROOTS
Hailyn Heisler’s musical journey started in the most organic way possible. Growing up, she was always humming tunes, and by the age of seven, she was already crafting songs. "I'm sure it didn't make much sense, but the idea was there," she reminisces. Despite dabbling in drums, cheerleading, and basketball, it was singing and songwriting that truly captured her heart.
"I have been around music my whole life," she says. "I was singing before I was talking." Her early life was marked by numerous ups and downs, necessitating a constant process of reinvention. These experiences, though challenging, laid the foundation for a deeply emotional and authentic musical style.
THE LEAP TO AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST
It wasn't until 2018 that Hailyn Heisler took the bold step of launching her career as an independent artist. "I just instantly fell in love with being in a studio," she recalls. Her first gig came amidst the looming threat of COVID-19, which, unfortunately, led to cancellations and a period of isolation that she describes as a significant setback. "That unfortunate event ruined a part of me that I am still trying so helplessly to get back."
Yet, Hailyn remained undeterred. She channeled her energy into her upcoming EP, whose title remains a mystery but is abbreviated as 'IGWBIGB.' "I am so excited for this piece of art to be out. I think it’s more 'me' than anything I've already created," she shares.
INFLUENCES ANS INSPIRATIONS
Her musical inspirations are as eclectic as her style. Growing up, she idolized Destiny's Child and dreamed of being in a girl group. Paula Abdul’s enduring career and personal struggles resonated deeply with her, and she found a kindred spirit in Kelly Clarkson. "Kelly Clarkson changed the whole trajectory of my life back in 2002 by inspiring me to go after my dreams," she says. This led her to post covers on YouTube and pursue her singer-songwriter ambitions.
As she navigated her early career, discovering her sound was a journey in itself. Influenced by artists like FLETCHER, Holly Humberstone, and Chappell Roan, she gravitated towards indie-pop. "A lot of my favourite music is Indie-Pop, and I also just connected most, musically."
A UNIQUE MUSICAL STYLE
Describing her musical style as unpredictable, Hailyn explains, "I’m forever wanting to change it up and try new things." Her early experimentation with diverse sounds evolved into a love for stacking vocals and harmonies, drawing inspiration from artists like FLETCHER and Holly Humberstone.
Recently, her creative process took a new direction. "My producer and I just completed my latest song where he laid down some acoustic guitar and his roommate hopped on the track with his drums," she says, noting the transformative impact of live instruments. She dreams of forming a band to bring her music to life on stage.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Her songwriting process is as dynamic as her musical style. Sometimes, it’s the EQ of a synth or the warmth of a bass that sparks an idea. "I can hear like, ‘Ah! That’s exactly what is missing to make the track complete and magical!’" she exclaims. Collaboration plays a key role, with her co-writers helping to refine her lyrics and melodies.
Many of her lyrics come to her in dreams, or during moments of intense inspiration. "I can sit down and write a full song in an hour or so," she reveals. The support of her creative team has been instrumental in discovering her artistic voice.
NAVIGATING THE INDIE MUSIC SCENE
As an indie artist, Hailyn faces numerous challenges, from self-promotion to dealing with rejection. A particularly memorable experience was auditioning for America's Got Talent in 2019, which ended in disappointment. "I felt sort of stuck, questioning my life and if this was really meant for me," she admits. Yet, she emerged stronger, using each setback as motivation to improve and persist.
Her advice to aspiring artists is to create what they love and to see rejection as a necessary part of the journey. "If you’re not being told ‘no,’ you’re probably not trying," she advises. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and drawing inspiration from the music that resonates most deeply.
DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS
Looking ahead, Hailyn’s goals are as ambitious as they are heartfelt. She dreams of booking more gigs, recording covers, and eventually touring. "Since I stepped foot on a tour bus as a child, I thought it was the coolest thing and dreamed of touring on an actual tour bus one day," she says. Performing on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Drew Barrymore Show are on her bucket list, as are collaborations with her musical idols.
Ultimately, Hailyn hopes to create a space where listeners feel seen and understood. "I hope to be a role model and that people feel the same way about me, as how I feel about my favourite artists," she reflects. With her unwavering dedication and raw talent, this Alberta indie-pop artist is poised to make a lasting impact on the music world.
As she continues her journey, Hailyn Heisler remains a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative magic of music. Her story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: she is an artist to watch, with a voice and vision that are uniquely her own.
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