Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Malynda Hale

We need to talk about Malynda Hale. The singer-songwriter, vocalist, advocate, and podcaster can do it all, and she’s not afraid to tackle tough topics while spreading an inspiring message of love and empowerment. This past March, she dropped a fun, upbeat single, “The La La Song”, dedicated to her husband. Pop Culturalist spoke with Malynda about the song and all her endeavors.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Malynda: My mom always says I popped out singing. She even has cassette tapes of me singing when I was two. But I distinctly remember when I was five-years-old and I heard Whitney Houston sing the national anthem on the Super Bowl and I said, “I want to do that.” Ever since then, I’ve had a clear vision of where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I started singing in church, then moved on to doing musical theatre, eventually went to school for opera, and then moved into a full-time career performing.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Malynda: I have quite a few influences musically. Growing up, I listened to a lot of legends like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles. Then the older I got, I was exposed to performers like Audra McDonald and Heather Headley, who made me want to get the best training possible so I could sing forever. Then during college, I started to find the sound I wanted for my artistry and I latched onto Gavin DeGraw.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “The La La Song”. What inspired the track?
Malynda: I had been so focused on writing songs of inspiration and empowerment that I wanted to just take one song and write something fun and loving and makes people feel good. In the earlier days of my music career, I focused a lot on love and I didn’t want that to get lost. So I wrote this particular song for my husband! He’s my biggest supporter and the love of my life. I also just wanted to write a song that’s super easy to sing along to and will get stuck in your head! I think I accomplished that.

PC: How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
Malynda: Anyone who knows me and my husband knows that we have a very loving and fun relationship. So since he inspired the song, I thought it would be a lot of fun to let people into our world a little bit with a home video-style music video.

PC: You also have your own podcast, #WeNeedToTalk. How did that come to fruition?
Malynda: I started #WeNeedToTalk as a live panel discussion series that I host every few months in Los Angeles where we tackle important topics that need to be talked about. But, I always finish the panel discussion feeling like so much more could be talked about! So I decided to create a podcast. I think it’s important to use your voice for good. I think the sooner we are able to have open and honest discussions about the things that are important, the sooner we can come to conclusions on how to do something about them. The podcast will of course feature discussions of serious issues but we’ll also talk about light pop culture subjects as well, so there’s a little something for everyone.

PC: You’re an advocate for a lot of important social issues. Have you always known you wanted to use your platform to spread awareness?
Malynda: It has always been a big part of my life but I didn’t really start using my music as a means to express my views on those issues until recently. I’ve found that music is such a powerful medium, so if I can get people to think about something in a different way because of my music, then I’m doing what I set out to do.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you have learned being a part of this industry?
Malynda: To not let my hunger and desire for success be louder than my intuition. It’s easy to get caught up in people’s words and their trails of promises, but you have to trust your instincts and know when something is right for you. Don’t just say yes to everything because it sounds like a good opportunity.

PC: You’ve accomplished a lot in your career. Is there a particular moment or milestone that sticks out to you?
Malynda: Thank you! Sometimes I feel like I haven’t accomplished very much because I’m always working towards my next goal, so I never take time to truly be proud of the things I’ve done. But I think one of my favorite moments from last year was opening for O-Town at The Troubadour. I was a huge boy band fanatic growing up and they were one of my favorites so it was a huge moment for me.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Malynda: I have a few concerts throughout the year and I’ll be releasing quite a few singles. My main focus is to build my online presence, get on Spotify playlists, and connect with brands and organizations that align with my views to make a difference in the world.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Malynda: Anything Shonda Rhimes has created! But before it went off the air, my life belonged to Pretty Little Liars.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Malynda: I love scary movies, so I absolutely love the Saw series.

PC: Favorite book?
Malynda: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Malynda: Aida or Ragtime

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Malynda: A lot of pop/rock songs, but I currently love The Score.

PC: First album you bought?
Malynda: Patrice Rushen

PC: First concert you attended?
Malynda: Keith Sweat

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Malynda: Carnegie Hall

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Malynda: Gavin DeGraw’s first album Chariot, because I knew that was the kind of artist I wanted to be.

To keep up with Malynda, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “The La La Song” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.