We were lucky to catch up with Halle Burnett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Halle, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Over the past 20 years, the music industry has undergone a radical transformation driven by the rise of streaming services, social media, and artificial intelligence. Many musicians, including myself, feel that being an artist today often seems less about raw musical talent and more about crafting a compelling persona that captivates and engages audiences. While this shift doesn’t undermine the achievements of the current successful contemporary artists, it reflects a reality where social media presence and influencer longevity have become crucial for breaking into the mainstream.

As a young, emerging artist, I challenge this industry norm. Although I engage with platforms like TikTok, my goal is to remain as authentic and genuine as possible while presenting myself on social media. It’s easy to become lost in the allure and self-absorption of these apps, but I strive to stay grounded by focusing on creating music that is truly meaningful to me. I hope that, wherever my career takes me, I will always remember that my art first and foremost about personal expression, and a means of processing life, rather than merely a tool for vying for internet attention.

Halle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I began singing and playing piano at a young age. I started classical vocal training at seven and transitioned to contemporary pop training by eleven. It was around this time that I also began writing music. Influenced heavily by artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King, I aspired to reach their level of artistry, even though my early work was far from their genius.

By fifteen, my songwriting practice had evolved, and I started recording my songs. These recordings became a way for me to process complex emotions. I found it easier to be vulnerable in my writing because, in those moments, I was the only listener. My words, no matter how raw or sensitive, transformed into art as soon as they were set to music.

I was fortunate to have a supportive family that encouraged my passion. When it came time for post-secondary education, I chose NYU for its contemporary music programs, which were more aligned with my goals than the Canadian music schools I had considered. At NYU, I was able to fully pursue my dream and realize my potential as a musician and artist through many collaborative endeavours and specialized classes dedicated to writing, producing and performing.

Since releasing my first single in September 2022, I’ve gradually released more singles over the past few years. Watching my audience grow during this time has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me in the coming years.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn in my journey as an artist was the need to please everyone. As a young artist starting out in Toronto, I was eager to make connections with producers and managers. In my excitement about a potential career, I focused too much on satisfying those with power around me. In collaborative settings, I compromised my artistic vision to align with their ideas, often altering my lyrics and original songs based on what these so-called “label executives” deemed best. Over time, I realized that my music was no longer truly mine but a collection of what others thought I should be.

Unlearning this lesson and finding collaborators who genuinely support and encourage my artistic vision were among the toughest challenges I faced. However, achieving this has granted me true creative freedom. Today, I’m proud that my music reflects an authentic representation of who I am, as songs like “Expiration Date” and “Traffic” capture some of my most vulnerable moments.

While I acknowledge that every experience, even the challenging ones, has been a necessary part of my growth, I encourage every young artist to trust their gut and never trust anyone who says they can make “all your dreams come true.”

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing how your art evolves in tandem with your personal growth. Since relocating from Canada to New York, I’ve had the freedom to explore my musical interests without fear. I’ve experimented with new genres, collaborated with diverse artists, and even ventured into production and mixing. This unrestrained creative exploration, free from concerns of judgment or failure, has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

Looking back on my journey since high school, the growth I’ve experienced is clearly linked to my willingness to collaborate. Recently, I’ve been performing and releasing music with my band, Who Shot Lulu. We produce Rock/Jazz music, a genre starkly different from my usual Pop Singer/Songwriter style. Collaborating with such talented musicians has expanded my musical boundaries and inspired me to explore new facets of my sound.

I truly believe that artists should continually engage in the process of growth. It’s crucial to attempt things that might lead to failure because they pave the way to becoming more multifaceted. Another example of this within my career is my song ‘Flatline.’ While my previous two releases were ballad’s characteristic of the genre singer/songwriter, Flatline was different as ventured into electronic music. Originally conceived as a ballad, it evolved into an upbeat, danceable track thanks to my openness to change. The juxtaposition of the track’s energetic vibe and emotional lyrics creates an intriguing contrast. This creative shift, made possible by my willingness to adapt, has been incredibly exciting and affirming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.halleburnett.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halleburnett__/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halle-burnett-234aa5251
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HalleBurnettMusic_
• Other: https://linktr.ee/halleburnett

Image Credits

Uma Fodar