Haley Smalls
Interview conducted on Feb. 15, 2022
By Dan Locke
Haley Smalls is a singer, songwriter, and engineer with a classically trained voice, distinctive mainstream sound and noticeable R&B influence. Most say this makes her one of the most intriguing up and coming young artists out of Toronto, Canada. Over the last 4 years, Haley has benefitted greatly from the development that came working alongside Megaman, (Drake, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Tyga, Bow Wow, Yo Gotti) a producer that spent time catering to her musical strengths. This resulted in a chemistry that has been often seen and heard in the music she releases. Since then, Haley has released 3 mixtapes (This Is Me, Imagination, The Cure), an EP (Heart of Gold), and multiple unofficial singles. Haley’s music is available in all online stores and major streaming platforms.
You are from Toronto. What was your upbringing like ?
Yes! Growing up in Toronto is growing up in a cultural melting pot. There is such a mixing of backgrounds and cultures, so you really get to experience different perspectives and you learn a lot about people from different places and walks of life. It wasn’t until I started travelling outside of Toronto that I really gained a different appreciation for my city, because as beautiful as many other places are, Toronto definitely has its own special vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.
How did you discover music?
Sometimes I think music discovered me! Honestly, I don’t recall discovering music. It’s like it was just with me right from the beginning. My mother is a huge music lover and plays music almost 24/7 so I grew up with music playing all the time and she had great musical taste. I used to just sing along for hours to her music collection until I developed my own, and that started from before I can remember. It was the thing I loved doing the most as a child.
How did your parents know that you were ready for a career in music?
Well, the story they tell me is that one day I came home from a friend’s house when I was very young, maybe 5 or 6 years old, and my friend’s mother said to my mother “did you know your daughter can sing?” and my mother was very surprised. I guess she really hadn’t been paying too much attention. From there on, my parents realized I had a gift and started encouraging me to sing at my school and enrolled me in vocal lessons. They were extremely supportive, and my parents started looking for opportunities for me to develop a career in music.
How did you start to write music?
I wrote my first song when I was about 11 or 12 years old and recorded it with a local producer from Toronto in his studio. I still have that recording. From there on I just started writing more and more and found it to be therapeutic as I became older. It wasn’t until I was about 18 that I started writing consistently on my own. Before that, I would mostly write with different writers in the studio with the producers I was working with at the time.
What is your instrument of choice?
I took piano lessons as a child, so I play a little. I started dabbling with the guitar later on, which is something I really want to master at some point. Something about playing the guitar and singing really speaks to me.
Describe your music.
I would have to describe it as nostalgic and versatile with R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop vibes. My favourite artists don’t exist within a box, they are able to transcend genres and still sound like themselves, and that’s what I strive to be like.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance (I think) was for my grade 4 school talent show. I honestly don’t remember it well, but my parents videotaped it and I still have it. I imagine I was nervous, because when I was a child I didn’t even like to face people while singing.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
I’m currently with the Canadian PRO SOCAN, my U.S affiliate is BMI.
What makes a good songwriter?
There are so many different kinds of styles of songwriting, but I think what makes a great songwriter is one who can use melodies that make the listener feel something and lyrics that the listener can relate to. I think the greatest songwriters either consciously or instinctively understand that music is spiritual in nature, meaning it needs to speak to the spirit of the listener and the only way you can speak to the spirit and the heart of someone is by using the energy and frequency of rhythm, melody, and vibration to lift the frequency and vibration of the listener. This is why listening to music can be healing to the soul, it’s a vibrational healing that a lot of us don’t even realize is happening.
Choice of Mic?
Well I haven’t tested them all obviously, but I record on an M149 right now and I love it. It’s very clean and clear, but it’s warm. Neumann makes some great mics.
How did you meet Grammy nominated multi-Platinum producer Megaman?
Well funny enough, although he is also from Toronto and we have many mutual friends, it took for me to be temporarily living in Brooklyn, NY to become introduced to his work. I met up with one of my manager’s long time friends who is also in the industry and he played me a bunch of beats by different producers. I chose only 2 beats, and both of them were Mega’s. I wrote a song to one of them, and when Mega heard it he was impressed and set up a session with me when I got back to Toronto. We’ve been working together ever since.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Yes, my first original song was called “So Happy”. Lol. I wrote it when I was 11 and I recorded it in a studio. I still have the recording.
How did you come up with the song “This is Me”?
“This Is Me” was actually the name of my first project. I came up with the name because it was the first time I ever put out a body of work, and it was the first time that I felt like my music was fully representing who I was.
Have you looked into taking the same route in entertainment as McKenzie Small did?
Everyone is on a different journey, and I think it’s imperative to keep your eyes on the road and focus on what’s best for you. For me, I’ve always been laser focused on the music. I would love to get into other avenues of entertainment like acting and things of that nature, but it’s something that I’ve always seen myself doing once my music career is fully established. Mckenzie is a beautiful, multi-talented woman and she is doing what’s best for her and I am fully supportive of her journey. That’s my girl for life.
How was it to hear that Beyonce praised your version of her song “Pretty Hurts”?
It was a moment for sure! I was obviously super surprised, and very honoured. We only realized it because we started getting comments pouring in that kept saying “Beyonce posted this” and I honestly didn’t believe it until I saw it for myself. I’ve been a Beyonce fan since childhood so it was an incredible feeling to be acknowledged by her.
What is the process of writing your music?
I have a few different processes and they’ve changed over time. When I first met Megaman he put together a writing group and we all used to write together every day. That was an amazing experience because it exposed me to different writing styles and created a constructively competitive environment that made everyone better. These days I really like to write alone. When I can just be in my own zone with no distractions I feel that’s how I can get my best work done. I don’t mind being in the studio with a bunch of people, but my preference is to keep it minimal and just have people there who are actively involved in the creative process. If you’re not involved, I’d rather you not be there.
Tell me about your new single “Do Better”?
‘Do Better’ is a song I wrote about a year and a half ago. It’s been part of a big vault of music that I have that’s constantly growing over time. My team and I felt that it was the right one to release as the first single off of my next project because we felt it was one that could really be appreciated by all ages and all places. It was produced by GC and executive produced by Megaman and Trackmasters.
How did you get the idea for the video?
My team and I went through a bunch of ideas for the video and as we went through the motions of planning and brainstorming at first we wanted a contrast with a dark vibe, but we encountered a bunch of obstacles while going in that direction so we started to imagine a concept that matched the vibe of the song which is very playful, light, bright but with a kind of sarcastic tone, especially since the lyrics are that of a fed-up person in love. We also wanted to incorporate some comedy or funny moments so we came up with the ‘Shitty Boyfriend’ idea and it all started to come together, so we started writing scripts for a few skits and on shoot day everyone did an amazing job executing the vision.
What can fans expect from your upcoming 5th project?
They can expect diverse sounds, great production, nostalgic vibes, some hard shit and some softer feels. I’m hoping there’s something for everyone. That’s my hope for every project. I’m also blessed to have more support this time around with an amazing team so the fans can expect some dope visuals and just growth all around.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I think streaming is great, it’s obviously changed so much about the way we distribute, market, and play music but evolution is inevitable and with every stage of evolution there are pro’s and con’s. The pro’s in my opinion are that music is more accessible than ever creating a more diverse musical taste in listeners for the most part. It also has really shifted the power to the artist, because anyone can release music now and so you can more commonly create a fanbase as an independent artist and make a living off of your music without relying on a label. The con’s are that since the accessibility has increased tenfold, music has definitely become a bit over saturated which has kind of sucked a lot of the substance out of it as a whole, but as we evolve as a collective that is naturally changing and as people crave more substance in their lives the music will follow.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
I don’t think musicians have forgotten, but not everyone is a musician so maybe the ones that aren’t probably don’t realize. It’s a good observation though.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both are great. Both have their upsides and downsides, but I see everything in life that way. Digital is convenient, and it opens the doors to a literal universe of consciousness better known as the internet where we can transcend borders. This wasn’t possible before. Vinyl is eclectic and memorable. Eventually we’ll have another medium, and it will be a mirror of where we are in our evolution as human beings, as the others were.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?
The first song that comes to mind is ‘All is Fair in Love’ by Stevie Wonder. Maybe because of the questions about my childhood. I remember hearing that song many times growing up, but my parents split up when I was 20 and it gave the song a whole new meaning. It stirred up all kinds of emotions, listening to that song. I think that’s what’s so beautiful about music. It can mean different things to you at different times. This is what makes the best songs classics.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
One thing I always say is that there is always a light in the dark. There is polarity in everything, it’s universal law and so I think that Covid is really just a catalyst for change. I don’t think it’s killed live music, but I definitely think it has transformed and is still in the process of transforming our entire reality and that includes music. Transformation is necessary, nothing stays the same because nothing is meant to.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist’s career?
That’s a hard question to answer because I don’t think I could really speak on anyone else’s experience as an artist during the pandemic. I’m sure it has benefitted some people in some ways, and I’m sure it’s probably been devastating for some as well. Perspective is everything. For me, it hasn’t really done either but that’s the perspective I choose to have. I believe in cause and effect, therefore I don’t believe things happen without reason so I accept the outcomes as they happen good or bad and understand that it’s all part of the experience of life.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’m a really low key person, naturally. So my life hasn’t changed too much. I’ve been in the studio, writing, working, eating good food and watching Netflix on my down time. But that’s my regular life, lol.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I have a bunch of food allergies so my options are naturally limited which makes my diet a bit healthier than the average person but I’d say that I try my best to cook at home instead of eating out. It’s hard when you’re busy, but it’s a lot healthier for me. I also try to exercise at home and stay physically active as much as I can, when I can. I am a chocolate addict though… lol.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Not really, I read a lot and work on music. That’s it!
Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, then Omicron, which has caused many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music.
How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you and fans safe?
Omicron has been scientifically proven to be similar to a cold or light flu, so that’s great news. I think if we all do what’s best for each of us according to our very different health needs we’ll find ourselves in a much safer space mentally and physically.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlists on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I don’t think it ever won’t be a thing. As long as there’s money and greed there will never be an even playing field in anything. The music business is just that, a business. It’s no different than any other business.
The show Star Trek introduced people to the holodeck: an immersive, realistic 3D holographic projection of a complete environment that you could interact with.
Today holograms are already being used in a variety of way, such as medical systems, education, art, security and defense
Performers like Tupac, Michael Jackson, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, Buddy Holly, Ronnie James Dio, Marylin Monroe, and Whitney Houston have done it already. The band ABBA just announced that they will be doing a comeback together after nearly 40 years as holograms on their next tour. With ABBA it was with the help of George Lucas .
If the cost was down to the point you could do it also, would you be willing to do Holographic concerts in our living room?
Given the right opportunity, yes I would but I definitely prefer a live in-person show. You can’t fully replicate the energy that you feel in a room with thousands of people. It’s like the difference between being on the phone with someone vs speaking to them in person – it’s not the same and some things are just better said in person.
In the past if a musician stops doing music they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you couldn’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Music has always been my number one, and there’s never been a number two. However, as I’ve grown into myself I realized that my real passion lies in energetic healing and music is just my tool to do that. So as long as I could find another tool to do the same, I would be happy.
What is your happy place?
Warm weather, high vibrational people, a cool breeze, and good music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, John Legend, ZZ Top and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young sold 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180 song catalogues to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited . Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artists based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
On January 19, 2021 Hipgnosis Song Management acquired 80% of Kenny Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering the country superstar’s discography from his 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation.
Someone who was totally against selling his rights was David Crosby. He did not want to sell his publishing rights. In addition, it was not an easy thing for him to do. However, by making a deal with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, it took a big weight off his shoulders. He could pay off his house and cover other bills. Now he does not have to work for a living. It should be noted that David is battling tendinitis in his hands, which hurts his ability to play guitar.
Do you think you would be willing to sell your back catalog if someone like Universal is willing to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
I’m open to any opportunity that could be beneficial, but I think that decision can only be made with an oversight of the existing circumstances at the time of the offer and the offer itself. It would have to make sense, taking into consideration all factors at that specific time.
Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like a dance challenge and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment.
TikTok has become a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners. In which it has become a place for music artists to earn revenue when people use their music. Which in many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to huge boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok algorithmically generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch.
Because a song can go viral because of this.
Sony Music and Warner Music Group- , The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
To me TikTok and all of the other social media platforms are just tools that we as artists can use as mediums to promote our music and brand to the fans so I’m open to any and every platform that will allow me to do that. I think that it’s just all about how you use the platform. One thing I don’t like to hear is music executives trying to put every artist into the same social media blueprint. That’s like trying to make 10 people wear the same size shoe. Everyone is different, so there should be a different strategy for every artist. This doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from other influencers, nothing is truly original, but when you tailor it to yourself that’s how you retain your identity as an artist,
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
Some of them on TikTok include Cassyette, YukoEXE, Ashinikko, Palaye Royale, Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots), Yungblud, Morrissey, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, and Mick Jagger.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could become a force in the future of streaming music?
I’m sure it could. The more platforms to promote emerging talent, the better!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you for the interview! I appreciate the support. My new single ‘Do Better’ is out now on all platforms, and the music video is up on my Youtube Channel. Also, be sure to look out for more singles and my upcoming project dropping this year! Thanks again.
