Haley Johnsen – Goner

By starrymag | November 30, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

Q) My sound has evolved and changed a lot over time, but it’s currently combining elements of pop, folk and rock, but with a tinge of nostalgia. It’s dreamy, soulful, powerful, earnest and honest.

Q) Who are your top three musical influences?

A) Brandi Carlile, KT Tunstall, Joseph

Q) Tell us the story behind the single “Goner.”

A) I began writing “Goner” in a bathtub at home while listening to instrumental music. Only the first two lines of the first verse came to me. I was about to turn thirty-two years old and was feeling like I had just lost my entire year. I was feeling like I was running out of time to make my dreams happen. I decided to go on a solo writing retreat and demo out a song each of the four days I was there. “Goner” was the first song I finished and demoed. In a tiny vintage trailer off the Washington coast. It’s a song about coming back home to myself.

Q) You also recently shot a music video for “Goner.” How did you come up with the concept for the video?

A) This video is an ode to where the song was written. In a tiny vintage trailer at Sou’wester Lodge in Seaview. WA. I wanted to go back to where it all started and recreate a magical time that was so special to me. I wanted to incorporate the visual of letting go of what I can no longer control, falling into it with the scene of me falling backwards into the ocean. There is also a message of staying true to your child like self and then showing how you can still find that same joy and curiosity as an adult. I wanted the video to be colorful and pretty while still conveying the deeper aspect of the message of the song.

Q) “Goner” is the first single off your upcoming full-length album. What can fans look forward to with the new album?

A) My fans can look forward to all kinds of different sounds. Definitely more synths, more rock n roll, more grooves. 80’s, 70’s, retro vibes. It’s pop unfused indie rock inspired by everything from The Cars to Weyes Blood to Fleetwood Mac.

Q) With an upcoming album, is there a potential tour or virtual shows in the works?

A) Yes, I am working on booking tours for next year as we speak! Be sure to follow me on Bandcamp for updates.

Q) Originally you were well known for your time as a contestant on Season 11 of “American Idol.” What was the biggest take away from being on that show that you have applied to your career?

A) My biggest take away from that show was to be true to myself. To not put myself in any box people expect me to be in. I’ve been told I should do so many different things. I decided I would just do everything I wanted on this record. No boxes!

Q) If you could do a collaboration with one of your “American Idol” cast mates, who would it be and why?

A) I would want to do a collab with Reed Grimm because his energy is electrifying, his voice is insane, and he brings the groove. His music oozes happiness and depth.

Q) You were also a competitive gymnast growing up. How did your time as a gymnast influence you in your music career?

A) Gymnastics taught me to be extremely disciplined and continue to strive for greatness even when I was exhausted. Sometimes I wonder how I am able to keep going in this career and I definitely attribute my stamina to my time as a gymnast.

Q) Who are you currently listening to?

A) I am currently listening to Kacey Musgraves, Remi Wolf and Willow.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

A) I’d just like to say thank you so much to those of you who have been on this journey with me since the beginning and those who just discovered me. I can’t wait to share more of my music with you all and hope it brings you a sense of peace, euphoria and that you’re not alone in your struggles of “enoughness.” You ARE enough.

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Goner”