THE INTERVIEW: MEET HAYLEY RICHMAN

This is my interview with Hayley Richman, a Montreal native with a hell of a voice. I found her on YouTube and she agreed to do an exclusive interview for the Studio. My favourite thing is discovering new music and new artists, and I would never put anyone on the blog who I don't believe in 100%. This girl has a voice that aches with a quiet power and a soulful, ethereal feel to her whole look and sound. Together these things can make magic. At only 14 years old I believe she can make a name for herself on both the Canadian and American markets. Let me know what you think and if there are other questions I should ask in my next interview, or any new artists I should interview! 

GZ: Hi Hayley. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what do you do?

HR: Hi! I'm an (almost) 14 year old girl who's currently living in Montreal and has always loved music. I've recently started making YouTube videos with my dad because I love to sing and wanted to share music with other people.

GZ: When did you begin singing? Have you had any kind of training? Do you play any instruments?

HR: I've been singing since I was a little girl, but it's only become a big passion of mine recently. I think I was more interested in listening to music than actually creating it, but that's changed a lot over the past couple of months. I've never had any training. I do play the piano, but I've never been interested enough to become really good at it. But yes, I do bash away at the piano while belting out a song. ;)

GZ: No training!!!!?? Wow. You mentioned in a YouTube comment that the place in your videos is your dad's home studio. Is your dad involved in the music industry? Has music been a big part of your life growing up?

HR: Yes, actually. My dad owned a record company, and then later sold it. And before that, he toured & played with many bands all over the world. He's the biggest music fan I know - it's his whole life. Between playing guitar, listening to music, and (now) programming/recording music with me, it's a lot of what he does every day. So naturally, since I've always been exposed to music in my household, I became a real fanatic too. Music has always been there for me, and I'm really glad that I was introduced to it - my dad introduced me to nearly all of the music I listen to now. He also has all the CD's, as I'm sure you've seen in the background of my videos..

GZ: That's awesome. What's your favorite genre/style of music? Favorite band/singer? What's your favorite song to sing?

HR: Honestly, I have so many right now but my all time favourite band is Radiohead. At the moment though, I'm also into the legendary vocalists like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera, as well as the Roger Waters solo albums. (He's the singer from Pink Floyd). I think Lana Del Rey is a unique new artist, and I appreciate the production and orchestra in her music. Oh, and I love Queen, Freddie Mercury is great. As for songs to sing.. I could go on forever, but right now it would have to be a certain Christina Aguilera song from her new album "Lotus". I'm actually going to cover it on my channel in the near future, so I don't want to give it away! ;)

GZ: Great choices. I love the mix of old and new, Freddie Mercury and Lana Del Rey, who would've thought. Where do you want to go with music? Is it something you do for fun or do you want to make a career out of it?

HR: Well I really want to pursue music, whether or not I try to make a career out of it. I'd like to keep improving and learning because it's really what I love to do. I think that things will start to make more sense to me as I get older and begin to realize what I want to do with my life. But right now, recording is just the best thing, and it makes me happier than anything else! I fully plan on continuing to make music and get myself out there, and I believe things will fall into place later in terms of a career.

GZ: You'll get there. And I think the fact that making a career out of it is NOT necessarily your ultimate or only goal really shows a purer love of music. I notice you sing a lot of older stuff - Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, R.E.M. This is great taste for a 13-year-old!! How do you feel about music today? Do you listen to any pop or are you not a fan?

HR: Admittedly, my dad helps a lot to choose the songs that I sing, but they're always songs that I am familiar with and love. I think we like to do the "classics". As for popular music today, I don't really listen to anything on the top charts. I guess I just find it a pity that most people my age don't look past the top 40 or whatever, instead they just listen to whatever is on the radio. I guess they just don't care enough to look into other stuff - it's their loss.

GZ: Completely agree. If you could collaborate with any artist in the history of music (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

HR: Hmm, really tough one because I love so many artists, but I guess it would be Radiohead because I wouldn't be able to miss a chance to sing with such geniuses. It would also be a rare and unique opportunity, because they don't collaborate with other singers at all really. I think the only time that they did was with Bjork, but never live. I also think the fact that my voice being female and Thom Yorke's being male, our tones might sound interesting together.

GZ: Hopefully one day that will happen! To wrap up, what advice would you give to other aspiring artists?

HR: I don't think I'm in any place to give advice given that I am still 'aspiring' as well, but I guess just to get yourself out there! I'm working hard to make my voice known, and to have as many people hear my music as possible. YouTube has done me wonders, as well as some people I've come in contact with. I'm also trying to let go of any shyness I might have, and not be afraid to sing in front of anyone and everyone. And most of all, I just keep practicing! Doing it is the only way to get better, so I just sing as much and as often as possible! :)