Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Haley.
Hi Drew, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My journey in music began when I was young. I always heard melodies in my head as a kid and sang along to every song on the radio. I wrote my first song at 12 when my older brother went to rehab for being addicted to drugs. Not having anyone to talk to about this crisis and not fully understanding it, I relied completely on music and writing as my therapy. From that point on I knew that that is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and I filled all of my notebooks up with songs after teaching myself a few chords on the guitar. I started my first band in junior high and by the time I turned 18, was living in Austin, Tx playing in bars on 5th and 6th street. At 21 I found out I was expecting twins and my plans to tour with my band following the release of my latest album were put on hold. The pregnancy was extremely difficult and I was on bed rest for 2 months before they were delivered prematurely at 32 weeks. Because they were born a little over 4 pounds, they had to stay in the NICU for 5 weeks before I could bring them home. My life had done a complete 180 and I felt like I was riding a rollercoaster of emotion not knowing what to expect next. By the time the twins were 3 months old I had full-blown postpartum depression. I thought of ending my life daily and even heard voices that would tell me “you’ll never be a good mom” “they’ll be better off without you” or “you should just end it now so they can have a better life” “you’re useless” “you’ve blown it” and I could go on… sadly, I believed these lies and my doctor put me on antidepressants and I began going to therapy for the next 2 years. I continued writing songs during these years but focussed mainly on being a full-time mom.
In 2011 when my twins were 3, I moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting. I immediately got plugged in with other artists and played writers’ rounds regularly and attended songwriting workshops. I co-founded Get it Girl Nashville where we hosted monthly songwriter rounds for female artists as well as volunteered at the local women’s shelter. We also raised money for breast cancer awareness, veterans, and several other local charities. In 2016 I took a break from music and decided to go in a completely different direction. I had not had the “breakthrough” in my career or success that I felt I needed. I felt like a complete failure if I’m being honest. For the next 2 years, I didn’t write a song and I taught yoga instead. After doing much soul-searching and feeling like there was something more I should be doing, God put it on my heart to sing and write again. I decided I would do it again but this time I would have a different expectation for myself and I re-defined what “making it” meant. I decided that I’m gonna make music anyway even if I only reach a handful of people. That is enough for me… I am going to only release songs that I believe in, not just something that would be commercial enough to get on the radio. My songs are my legacy and my music is a gift to be shared and that is that. There’s a greater purpose in all that I do and it’s that other people will connect to it and possibly find hope and healing in their journey through my music. I believe that’s part of the reason why I’m here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had many struggles in my career. At times I’ve felt that it’s more struggle than reward but I’ve decided it’s worth it every time. Rejection is something artists in the music business have to face, I don’t care how talented you are. Sometimes you’re just not someone’s cup of tea and that’s ok. It is hard to not take it personally or get discouraged when doors seem to be slamming in your face. I’ve had to have tough skin to survive it this long but there still are times I get really insecure or feel defeated.
When I spend lots of time and money releasing a new single and the feedback is meh and nothing happens.. it sucks. But you just keep moving and focus on the next one. The biggest struggle for me has always been my mindset and core beliefs. If I start slipping there then I”m in trouble. I’ve got to remember my “why” and not get negative
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer/songwriter and you can find my music on all the streaming platforms. I’m most proud of the songs I’ve written for my kids. What sets me apart from other writers is that a lot of my songs come from visions or dreams I’ve had.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
“The Artist’s Way” is a book that has helped me so much throughout the years. I always go back to it.
I recently just got the “she reads truth” app so that I could do bible studies and I’m really liking it
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drewhaley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewhaleyofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewhaleymusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6N_c6IGsVudLC9joWzl6eQ
Image Credits
Arabelle Burke Photography
