Meet Haley Johnsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Johnsen.

Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with singing at a very young age, attempting to match every note Ariel sang in the Little Mermaid.

However, it took me 18 years to find the courage to sing for other people. After a few terrifying assembly solos in high school and singing in my college chamber choir and A Capella group, I found myself auditioning for American Idol in the summer of 2011.

I made it all the way to the top 24 and had a brief moment of recognition before it was time to go home and start the real work. After three years of writing and learning to become a better guitarist and performer, I eventually released my first album Through the Blue in 2015.

I have toured nationally and internationally for the better part of 8 years opening for larger acts such as Joseph and KT Tunstall, and just released my 5th studio album, Goner.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing music has been one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Each tour, each album, and each year has presented new obstacles for me as an artist, but with the challenges come so many incredible moments. I think the fact that I am so hard on myself and a bit of a perfectionist has made my journey a little more complicated.

Having high expectations for how something should perform and being disappointed in the result can feel catastrophic. But the thing I am most proud of is that I haven’t given up. Being hard on myself has allowed me to constantly grow in my craft.

My greatest lesson in it all has been showing myself more love and realizing that this career is not for the faint of heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing about me is that I will say yes to something even if I am not qualified at that moment. I have done so many crazy things that I thought to myself, “Am I insane?!”First off, I had only ever performed a few times solo in front of people before I made it to the top 24 of American Idol. I was just learning as I went.

Also, a few years ago I was asked to join as the backup vocalist and bass player for Big wild. They asked if I played bass, and I said yes. Which was untrue. I had one month to learn bass (while I was on my own tour in Europe) before going on a month-long tour with him. I have now been in the band for four years!

What matters most to you? Why?
Something that matters a lot to me is staying accountable to myself and not letting myself get lost in the noise of self-doubt. Learning how to be kind to myself as well as disciplined has always been a challenge, but having those things in balance allows me to show up as my most prepared and authentic self in all assets of life.

When I am clear and confident, I can be of better service to others, and myself, and live a more fulfilled life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.haleyjohnsenmusic.com/
• Instagram: http://www.haleyjohnsenmusic.com/
• Facebook: http://www.haleyjohnsenmusic.com/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/haleyjohnsenmus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfqDFFSn4H2-j889UQKPKQ

Image Credits
Amanda Jackson Pastel Studios