Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Gavin Haley

Red Bull Record’s Gavin Haley is an emerging voice in the world of music. At the age of sixteen, Gavin was living in Belgium competing with the national cycling team when he suffered an injury that resulted in a collapsed lung. During his recovery, he discovered and found inspiration in Europe’s underground music scene and fell in love with the grit and energy of a live performance.

Gavin’s debut single, “Fades Away”, went viral in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Since then, he’s followed that success with hit after hit, all of which have now amassed over three million streams to date. This past April, he dropped an infectious new tune, “96”, that’s sure to give your eardrums plenty of love. Pop Culturalist recently sat down with Gavin for an in-depth conversation.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Gavin: I used to make it a game. As a kid, I spent a lot of time in church. The most entertaining part of my Sunday morning was the worship band. I would challenge myself to individualize every musician’s part in a band of eight or nine people and hear everyone’s part as their own.

I really don’t think there was one moment when I realized that music was what I was meant to do, though. I always assumed that everyone heard music how I heard it. I thought that when someone sang, they would hear the possible piano notes that could be placed behind their vocals. I think I was writing in my mind way before I even started music.

I was also always trying new things. I would hit my dad’s guitar strings with coins, trying to make things that sounded good without actually playing. When I was about twelve, my older sister, Johnnie, started having me sing with her while she played piano, and a bit after that I started going to choir. From there, it all clicked. It’s hard to put into words what I feel when I close my eyes and escape, just by singing.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Gavin: There isn’t one person or thing. Of course, there are artists that I thought were like Gods for a long time, and I still do, but I feel very blessed the world placed different situations and people on this path that gave me messages that resonated with me. They’ve helped me reach the next level. When you’re open to growing through art, there are no limits.

PC: You’re also an accomplished professional cyclist. What did you learn from cycling that you’ve been able to apply to your music career?
Gavin: I’ve learned that everyone will have their own opinion or something to say—athletically and artistically, it’s the same. I’ve learned to drown out any extra noise. No one is going to believe in you more or motivate you more than yourself. I focus on what I can do, and I don’t worry too much about the rest.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “96”. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Gavin: Have you ever heard one of those songs and thought, “This is what love feels like”? I want you to hear eternal love. I wrote it with some close friends and it all came together so smoothly. We didn’t change much. We just let it happen and it felt amazing. I’m so excited for people to hear “96”.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed throughout the years?
Gavin: I like to write in many different ways. My personal favorite is getting the chords recorded, going into the vocal booth, and then singing whatever comes out. A lot of times, I’ll have the structure for the song after that. I don’t think there’s anything more real or raw; whatever comes out means something, and it’s just about navigating the direction.

PC: Can we expect a larger body of work this year? Maybe an EP or album?
Gavin: That’s a goal of mine. I’m writing a lot right now.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Gavin: A lot of new music. I’m excited to roll out the first couple songs soon, and I want to keep engaging with my fans more. I want my fans and people who support me to know they can always reach out—anyone supporting me has my energy. I’m excited to connect with more people at shows, too.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Gavin: New Girl

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Gavin: Mr. and Mrs. Smith

PC: Favorite book?
Gavin: The Lightning Thief series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Gavin: Newsies

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Gavin: Harry Styles is a rockstar!

PC: First album you bought?
Gavin: Hello Hurricane by Switchfoot

PC: First concert you attended?
Gavin: Newsboys

PC: An album that you changed your life and why?
Gavin: A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay. I felt the other side.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Gavin: MSG, The Forum, the O2…all of them!

PC: Hidden talent?
Gavin: I can hoop!

To keep up with Gavin, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “96” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.

Photo Credit: Danny Lane