We recently connected with Molly ‘Mawlz’ Hanley and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly ‘Mawlz’, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My interests and passions have always centered around creative expression. I trained in dance, theater and music during my childhood. Perfecting my craft in music has been my main focus throughout the last decade, but I’ve also branched off into songwriting, as well as video and audio editing/production. I’m versatile and multi-faceted when it comes to my creativity, and ever since I moved to Los Angeles I’ve been exploring a little bit of everything. When I was in high school. I was initially very invested in seeking a career in the field of professional makeup artistry – actively working on paid MUA gigs around Pittsburgh in my teen years, mostly glamour and special effects. At first, my plan was to go to a professional makeup school in Hollywood, CA so that I could do makeup for the movies. Around that time, I went to my first recording studio. I loved singing, rapping and songwriting. Once I had my first recording studio experience, I was hooked. I loved the process and hearing the song build. It was a magical atmosphere for me. At that point, I decided that I wanted to pursue music more seriously. I would say I knew I was on a creative career path since middle school.

Molly ‘Mawlz’, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 because I was signing to an independent music label. I worked with that label for about two years before we parted ways. I learned a lot about the entertainment industry from that experience, and then applied that knowledge to further my own artistry. Networking, and the relationships I’ve built and maintained with other creatives over the years, have been the foundation of my ability to achieve certain goals on my music journey. I’m blessed to have been able to work alongside and learn from some truly extraordinary creative professionals.
Right now, I’m focusing on my artistry and songwriting. I’m working on getting in to more writing sessions and honing in on a sound for myself. It’s an ongoing process, creating and recreating self.
I’m currently releasing music that I’ve held on to for awhile, and I plan to keep releasing singles – it feels good to get it out there. I recently released ‘Make Sure You Love Me’ , and ‘Tequila’ – both songs I primarily produced – and ‘Gratitude’ produced by J Classic. My music is on all streaming platforms under the artist name : Molly Mawlz.
I created a podcast/music talk show called ‘Mawlz and Donn’ with my friend and fellow artist, Donn John$on. We invite upcoming artists, small businesses owners and entrepreneurs to come on the show and tell their story. Our mission is to highlight Indy talent and provide them content & promotion of their craft, idea or product. Although we paused podcast production over the summer to complete our personal side missions, we’ve been actively planning new episodes. The show has introduced me to such a vast and inspiring network of creatives.
I’m able to say that I have vocals on a song that charted on Billboard, from a feature on a song for rapper, Bag Of Tricks Cat.
I’ve thrown showcases, performed in showcases… produced, hosted and edited a podcast…produced, recorded and released singles… co-produced and released a music video (‘Right Back’), I’ve product/music video modeled, and so much more.
The more creative gigs I can get myself into, the better.
There’s been so many highlights and notables along the way thus far, but I know I still have so much more to create, and to learn – so I always feel as though I’m just beginning.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Creatives need fair deals when it comes to contracts with big corporations that employ them like the streaming services, and absolutely need AI protections via legislation as well. Creatives should be fairly compensated for their contributions. On a personal level, creatives always benefit from the support of family, friends and community when it comes to their goals and aspirations. Self determination is key, as depending on outside validation is dangerous for a creative, but having people actively support and believe in you never hurts.
Artists should take advantage of platforms like HRDRV, created by Mickey Shiloh, which caters to any and all of the independent artists needs. Tools such as these were once only a major label signed artists dream – now available as a work station and social network for music creators. This platform/website is designed for your artist development, self publishing, handling splits, song registrations, production library, placement opportunities, workshops and more. It’s subscription based and has tier pricing- every upcoming artist should know that HRDRV exists.
I’ve been subscribed since it launched, and it just keeps getting better.
I release my music via HRDRV.
I believe all creatives benefit when we share the industry knowledge we’ve attained, and connect each other to available opportunities.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I don’t think any journey is linear, life is not. People who’d describe themselves as a non-creative may not understand the path of the creative, which is akin to the unknown. Many people have professions that may be more black and white, in the sense that- you can study, acquire a degree or trade, and work solely providing the service that you had somewhat of a roadmap to learn to provide. Creatives may also choose a more ‘stable’ profession that centers around the strongest facet of their creativity rather than exploring gig work in all facets. Many creatives that I know deal with others projecting their own uncertainties and fears upon them. I think it’s difficult for some people to understand how artists rely on their own understanding and application of their gifts value – and not on a more commonplace capitalism byproduct game plan. It should be understood that there needs to be business plans associated with the artists goals to achieve a certain level of success and financial freedom, but that it is not as cut and dry as most industries. It takes discipline, determination, passion and persistence to succeed in creative pursuits. It also takes strong networking and interpersonal skills.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MollyMawlz
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mawlzdonn9424?si=qApCv2Qzy2czzzZn
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/molly-mawlz/1472157018

Image Credits
Darren Michaels