Interviews
Haven – Swimming In Your Feelings
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe my sound as a mix of female Bazzi, Shania Twain and Julia Michaels. I grew up on Shania Twain, so it has a flavor of the confidence she has in a lot of her music. I also love the conversational and vulnerable lyrics from Julia Michaels and the production style of Bazzi, so I try to incorporate pieces of what inspire me and make me excited as a listener into the music I create.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Some of my musical influences are Julia Michaels, Selena Gomez, Bazzi, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift!
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Swimming In Your Feelings.”
A) I’m so excited for “Swimming In Your Feelings” to be out everywhere! [smiles] I wrote “Swimming In Your Feelings” about a year ago. It was when I first started making trips to LA. Long story short… I dated an LA boy, we broke up and I wrote a song about it. I feel like most of us have felt like we’re swimming in somebody’s feelings at some point. Even though it’s technically a breakup song, I wanted it to feel like a jam instead of another sad song. So, I hope y’all turn it up and enjoy it! [smiles]
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I feel like the topic of the song where you’re swimming in someone’s feelings is a relatable topic and something most of us have been through, whether it’s in a relationship or friendship. We’ve all been through situations where you care too much or more than the other person. Hopefully, that resonates with the listeners, but I also just hope it’s a song that people feel good listening to. I didn’t want it to be a sad song.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) My songwriting process is different every time, but overall, I am very melodic driven. I let the melodies I hear in my head drive how I’m feeling and what I feel like writing about. Sometimes the lyrics come first though, and I’ll write music to the lyrics. It’s never the same. It really just depends if the music is inspiring me or if I have a concept/lyric on my mind that inspires me that day. It’s always a different process depending on my mood.
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I usually try to direct the overall sound of the project, letting my producers know the vibe and sounds I want, but I also like to give them space to do their magic as well. I’m very involved in the vocals, hearing my own harmonies, knowing where I want doubles and how I want my tone to fit the overall mood. I would say my music is a collaboration with my co-writers and producers. I am very involved in all aspects when it comes to my music, but am also always open to collaborations, fresh ideas and working together to make the best music we can!
Q) When can fans expect an EP or full album from you?
A) Starting in 2020, I will be releasing a new single every six weeks!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!
Q) You have toured with Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith and Hunter Hayes. What did you learn from your time on the road with them?
A) I am so thankful to have had those experiences. I learned a lot about performing and I got to meet so many new people. Doing those dates was a dream come true. Looking back on those shows, I realize how lucky and blessed I was to have had those opportunities.
Q) What can fans expect from a live Haven performance?
A) It’s been so cool to put together a set! I’ve got some awesome choreography so there’s lots of energy, but I also play guitar so there’s some acoustic stripped moments as well! Performing is my favorite part of music. I love putting on a show and meeting people from all over the world.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) My favorite place I’ve played is the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, opening for Lady Antebellum. Growing up in Iowa my goal was always to play that stage. So, to have gotten to play there was a dream come true and I will never forget that experience.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) My dream collaborations would be Shawn Mendes, Selena Gomez, Shania Twain, Bazzi and AJ Mitchell!
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve currently been listening to Selena Gomez’s new singles! I love her song “Lose You to Love Me.” I have had it on repeat!
Q) You are a big supporter of Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Why is this cause so close to your heart?
A) I started becoming involved with The Rally Foundation for kids with cancer in Nashville around 13 years old. While singing at events to help raise money, I learned that only 4% of federal government cancer research is going to studying pediatric cancer, which is unacceptable. It’s something I didn’t realize until I became involved with Rally. I’ve met so many incredible, smart, beautiful kids and it breaks my heart to see a child going through any type of illness. Kids should be outside playing with their friends, not stuck in a hospital bed. I was hospitalized a lot when I was younger, so my heart truly goes out to childhood illnesses and any families that have to go through that.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) Social media is such a blessing for me because it’s a way to connect with people all over the world. It’s allowed people who have never heard my music to be able to hear my music. I love it! When we released “Swimming in Your Feelings” people from all over the world started making videos of them swimming in crazy random places to the song on TikTok! It’s so cool to see people having fun with the song on social media and making videos! The hashtag #swimminginyourfeelings for the song has over 2.4 million views now, which is so crazy!
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you SO, SO MUCH for your support!! I am so incredibly thankful for every single person who listens to my music, shares it with their friends and follows this journey. I love y’all and I couldn’t do this without the support. Thank you so much! <3
Listen to “Swimming In Your Feelings”
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