Gavin Haley
Following up his single “Jet Lag” released last year, singer/songwriter Gavin Haley is back with a brand new single entitled “96”.
The new single portrays the universal feeling of love.
“I think it’s a beautiful message and this song puts me in a happy space. I wanna spread all of this energy.” says Haley.
With the help of August 08 and Barney Bones, the Los Angeles-based artist showcases his heartfelt vocals accompanied by a beautiful choir and a stunning instrumentation.
The former professional cyclist is now signed to Red Bull Records and is set to release new music throughout the rest of the year.
“96” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Frances Haley
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hey I’m Gavin. I’ve got a few nicknames but most just say Gavin. I like fresh juice and jamming with my friends. I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, then have moved around a bit the last few years. Home right now is really wherever my friends and family are. I’m currently in LA. So excited to be here on earth. We have the tools for anything!
What’s your story ?
Story time 🌱 haha. I grew up in a busy house. I’ve got 4 sisters and 2 brothers. There was a time we were mostly all homeschooled together. I feel like my childhood was church, school & athletics. Life came at different speeds and I found my passion for music at key moments. When I was 19 I made the decision to pursue music and I stepped away from racing bikes. I’ve been in LA for a while now writing and learning as much about this space as I can. It’s a blessing to grow with friends out here and to feel the energy this time as an artist truly has.
How was your childhood like? Any favorite childhood memories?
My childhood was blessed… really, It was so sick. And I say that from such a loving place. I’m really thankful for that. Athletics took my siblings and I to some cool places. I wouldn’t change that. I spent a lot of time in Europe, Belgium in particular, cycling and growing. The experience let me see so much.
When did you start feeling creative? Are you coming from a musical family?
I think the earliest I remember was probably when I was 8-9 messing with my dad’s acoustic using coins for guitar picks haha. Not really musical, per say, mostly athletes.
Do you remember the first record you ever bought?
Hello Hurricane by Switchfoot.
When did you start making music professionally?
I’ve been doing music now head on for a few years. I haven’t really thought about it like that though. I feel like I’m finally channeling consistently, and things come how they should. Writing has been a big focus for me. There’s so much to learn. It’s crazy!
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
When it comes to my music dreams, my mom & sister were really supportive through that transition in my life. My family is always supporting me in whatever I do!
You’ve just released your new single “96”. What’s the story behind this song?
“96” is a song for people to jam to in their cars and slow dance to at home for no reason. I wanted a song that felt like love. “96” is about being in love. I’m excited for people to hear it!
When did you start working on this song? Who did you collaborate with?
I wrote “96” a bit back with some close friends who I really look up to. August 08 and Barney Bones are a super team & you can feel the energy in the songs we’ve done. Love creating with genuine, open people!
What do you like the most about this song?
I like that it’s for anyone, it’s universal. Your friends or even parents’ parents could listen & all for different reasons. I like jamming along with it!
What made you want to release “96” as a single?
I think it’s a beautiful message and this song puts me in a happy space. I wanna spread all of this energy.
What can you tell us about the artwork? Who took the photo?
So my sister Frances Haley is an absolute legend. Like, she’s good at everything she tries. We did a mini shoot back in Arizona a few months ago. Everyone was super happy with the photos and we realized that shot matched the song so well. Everything just kinda came together.
You've just signed with Red Bull Records. What biggest changes have you noticed in your career so far?
It’s really beautiful to know I’ve got people behind me. I can focus on what I love and I’m excited for people to hear what I’ve created over the last year.
What's the best thing about being an artist?
I love being able to create something new. Being able to give people feelings or moments they haven’t experienced before through sound. That’s a big opportunity and pretty cool that we get to do this!
What inspires you the most, in life and in music?
I find new inspiration all the time. It’s never really one thing. It’s the feeling of being connected to something higher and finding ways to get closer. Music brings that to me and it’s something I want more of.
What did your experience as a cyclist teach you?
Being patient. Trusting the process and adapting to all types of situations. We can’t control everything but we get to control our reaction to things. It’s carried over a lot to music. I think with athletics the main thing is I really wanna do well in whatever I’m in. Learning a lot as I go!
What are the things you are the most proud of?
Personal growth. This has all come in waves for me and seeing how you come out of things is beautiful. I love being able to grow with the people supporting me. It’s been blessed to connect with so many people this last year.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More art and more trees.. a lot more trees.
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
When to let go. We get to choose who gets our energy and time. I think that’s very valuable. Not afraid to ask for things when intentions are good.
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