Interview with...Hayley, the Golden Busker 2019 winner!

We caught up with Hayley aka Hallie the winner of the Golden Busker 2019 for a quick Q&A. Here is what she had to say...

Question 1: How has your life changed since winning the Golden Busker 2019, tell us a bit about the journey so far?

Since winning the Golden Busker there has been a lot of changes in my life!
 I’ve moved from Waterford where I’ve been living the past 7 years back to Wexford and have had to start a fresh chapter and a new life again which has been tough leaving some family, friends and home behind but since has brought a multitude of positives and support to my life which I didn’t realise how much I needed to heal and more forward.  Change is always so difficult but I believe that everything happens for a reason and you have to hold on to whatever hope you can and keep fighting through difficult times and allow more love and good things in even if you feel undeserving of it.

Question 2: Who have been your biggest influences musically?

I have a pick a mix of influences and genres and a lot of musical background from my family which inspired me growing up but a few main ones are My Chemical Romance, Lady Gaga, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Banks, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Meatloaf, Paramore, Bon Ivor, The Used, Dermot Kennedy, Lewis Capaldi and The Veronicas.

Question 3: You’ve spoken before about wanting your music to help people and a big advocate of mental health, what advice do you have for anyone who is struggling at the moment?

Do what you love no matter how little or big you can achieve, even when you feel like you don’t deserve to do what you love.  Get help and go to therapy, communicate as much as possible and do what you need to do for your own mental health, it’s so hard to admit you suffer and how heavy of a burden it makes you feel to the people you love because you fear you will bring them down too.  The right people won’t make you feel like that and know that you have to mind yourself on the very bad days, baby steps and day by day.  Channel how you feel into something you love and even though it makes you feel alone know that there are others feeling the very same and we all need each other to get by and fight through demons together.

 Question 4: How would you describe your style of music, what genre would describe you best? 

Honestly, I’m not too sure, I’ve tried to put myself into a genre, but I don’t write to sound a certain way, the main thing for me is channelling my emotions by being real, raw, vulnerable and honest.

Question 5: Where do you get your inspiration for lyrics and songs?

My lyrics are never ending, I have copies and notepads, voice memos, even my notes on my phone are always being filled.  Writing is my therapy and helps me deal with events and personal things that I have to get out and deal with.  I could write lyrics for anything if I sat down and brainstormed but my own songs I have to feel what I sing because that’s why I started to write music, I needed an escape and an outlet for everything I hold inside and carry.  I can lose myself in the songs and allow myself to just be me for who I am and no comparison to anyone else because we are our own worst critics. I’m a deeply sensitive and emotional person and song writing makes me feel like I belong in the world even if it only reaches one person to make them feel less alone.


Question 6: What's next for you, what's the dream goal?

At the moment I have to put things on hold for a few weeks due to a jaw operation I need from damage from grinding and anxiety.  I can’t wait to be able to sing with less chronic pain and tension and I hope the recovery time won’t be too long after!
My dream goal is ongoing, releasing my music and touring, I hope my music can reach people and they can relate to my songs, I honestly can’t believe I even won the Golden Busker I don’t think it will ever sink in!

Being a touring artist is the dream goal, writing songs and music forever and I’ll do anything to achieve that dream!  I’ve had several interested parties and opportunities that I can’t believe are real and I can’t wait to share everything when the time is right!

Question 7: Just for fun! If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take 2 albums with u what would they be?

My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster

Question 8: We are excited for your EP launch and can't wait to hear it and see your music video... Can u give us any hints of what to expect??

I can’t wait to be able to release everything and start to believe all of this is actually happening!  A lot of surprises and waves coming very soon this year!!!

Thank you to everyone who believed in my music and to the judges, sponsors and Golden Discs for making this lil ladies dreams a reality!