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Kentucky Singer-Songwriter Hailey Newman's "Out There Somewhere" Is Taking The Pop-Rock Country Music Scene By Storm With Her Impressive Talent and Small Southern Beginnings. 

 

Hailey Newman, the talented Pop-Rock country singer-songwriter from Kentucky, is making waves in the country music scene with her hit single, "Out There Somewhere!" Her small Southern beginnings have led to a huge impact on the industry. 

 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR


  

Hailing from the charming mountain town near Prestonsburg in Eastern Kentucky, Hailey Newman is a rising star in the pop-rock country music scene. Her musical journey took off in 2015 when her electrifying performance of Miranda Lambert's "Mama's Broken Heart" at her Middle School talent show revealed her passion for singing and songwriting. 

Hailey's first taste of public performance came at the Mountain Arts Center's Front Porch Pickin open mic nights in Prestonsburg, where she began to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and authentic style. Drawing inspiration from fierce female artists like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, Hailey is carving her own path in the industry. In 2020, she made a splash by independently releasing five singles that showcased her unique sound. 

Currently, Hailey is writing with Nashville veterans Doug Kahan and Holly Lamar, as well as Texan songwriter Drew Womack, further honing her craft. As 2022 unfolds, fans can look forward to a string of new singles that continue transforming her personal stories into music that resonates and empowers. Hailey Newman is not just making music; she's creating anthems for those who find strength in her words and melodies. I had the pleasure of interviewing this amazing country–pop singer about her career in country music. Here is what she shared with me.  


Hi Hailey, how are you today? I'm doing great. How about you? 


I am absolutely amazing! Thank you, Hailey. Thank you for having me. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much. I'm very excited! 


It's a pleasure to meet you, Hailey! I'm just as excited as you are. Your talent is remarkable, and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to interview you. Your voice is simply captivating, and your music is fantastic. But before we dive into your incredible vocals, I'd love to know more about your background. Where were you born, and where do you call home now? Thank you. So, I'm originally from Floyd County, Kentucky, but I tend to move around a bit. My family lives here, so I spend some days in Kentucky, but most of my time is spent in Nashville. It just depends on the day. I go back and forth between the two places. 

 

Once, I had the opportunity to visit Louisville, Kentucky. The natural scenery was breathtaking! Yes, I agree. Although I have visited a few different states, I haven't seen a place as beautiful as Kentucky. The mountains, trees, and natural bridges are all breathtaking!  

If you're looking for something fun to do while visiting Kentucky, I recommend checking out the "Natural Bridge." It's a drive from here but worth it, especially if you enjoy hiking. The Natural Bridge is a stunning rock formation naturally created. 

  

It appears to be a picturesque spot that I would relish photographing! Hey, Haily, have you encountered any bears or moose roaming around the nearby woods during your hike to that location? I've never crossed paths with any of them, but I'm sure they exist somewhere out there in the mountains. 

Oh, Hailey, I must admit, I'm quite the chicken when it comes to those kinds of things. Exploring the wilderness, trekking through mountains, or hiking doesn't appeal to me. I prefer the comfort of city life, surrounded by people and the hustle and bustle. (Laughs) Speaking of different experiences, I'm curious to know what your childhood was like. My childhood was quite ordinary. I was a cheerful kid. My parents were incredibly caring and encouraging individuals, and my dad has always been my number one fan throughout my music journey. 

We're mostly a close-knit community where pretty much everyone is familiar with each other. Overall, I adore my hometown and am super proud of it. 

How lovely! Having a supportive family and being part of a close-knit community feels like having an extended family. Yeah! It's a small world here, where everyone seems to know each other. And that sense of community is truly special. Festivals are like a big reunion where you're bound to bump into familiar faces. Living in this area has its perks! 

You know, Hailey, I completely understand what you mean about the wonderful aspects of belonging to a tight-knit community. I've had a similar experience living in Palm Springs, California. It allowed me to form deep connections and receive incredible support in my filmmaking career that I probably wouldn't have found in a larger community. So, I can relate to your sentiments. It's truly remarkable. Now, how would you define your character if you could describe yourself in your own words? I have a definite vision of the kind of person I want to become in every aspect of my life. My goal is to be someone who can make a positive impact on others and appreciate all the things that I have. I believe I embody these qualities quite well. I am genuinely grateful, committed, and hardworking, which are valuable qualities for any career path. If life knocks me down, I will always find the strength to bounce back, regardless of how many times I may fail. Ultimately, I want to be someone who inspires others. In the music industry, it's crucial to help and understand others, as musicians and writers also experience the same ups and downs as everyone else. So, I believe that the way I present my music and myself to my audience effectively conveys my message. 

Hailey, that's beautiful. I love your kind heart. I'm always drawn to people with big hearts. That was well said! I am grateful for the opportunity to sing because it allows me to meet and connect with people who support and enjoy my music. Performing and observing how others respond to my songs is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a singer, writer, and musician. 

Music can hold diverse meanings for different individuals. I have various songs whose interpretations differ from person to person. This is what I love about music. 

That's incredible! So, can you recall when you first realized that music had entered your life and that it was a talent bestowed upon you by God? I always smile when I think about my 8th-grade year. Let me tell you, I adore sharing this story! (Laugh) It's truly one of my most cherished tales because it highlights just how much I've transformed since then. That's what makes it such an enjoyable story to recount. 

I have always loved listening to music throughout my life. It was one of my favorite things to do while working on something. When I was younger, I used to listen to my favorite songs on an iPod, which was an MP3 player. During that time, I was a shy kid and had severe stage fright. The thought of being on stage terrified me. 

In eighth grade, my school held an annual talent show. Despite it being a regular occurrence, I had never taken part before, nor did I intend to do so because I was too scared even to consider participating. 

My friends offered to accompany me and sing along with me. Their gesture made me feel at ease, and I thought to myself that I could do it with their support. So, we learned 'Mama's Broken Heart' by Miranda Lambert. 

All of us had a specific part to sing, and when it was my turn, I realized that performing in front of the crowd was not as scary as I thought it would be. I was delighted with how well everyone in the audience received our performance on stage, including my friends. I was amazed at how quickly stage fright dissipated as the song went along. 

I'm so thankful that at such a young age, I was able to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And when I got up there, all my fears just disappeared. It was amazing! I thought to myself, "Wow, this is incredible!" So, when I got back home that day, I excitedly shared the news with my dad. Ever since then, he has been my biggest support system and has helped me in countless ways. He's always been there for me, no matter what. Since that unforgettable day, I've just had this strong conviction that this is what I'm meant to do with my life. 

You know Hailey, I believe that the fear of being good enough is an emotion that stems from our desire to be accepted by others. If we didn't care about what people think, we wouldn't feel afraid. It's all about not wanting to be judged and simply wanting to be understood. To be fair, it's understandable why some may feel this way, considering how society tends to idolize certain individuals, particularly those in the entertainment industry. The music industry is all about being vulnerable. Stage fright can seem scary until you're up there doing it. Once you see how the audience is reacting and you realize that they're not going to throw tomatoes at you and that they are enjoying your performance, then you'll be okay. (Laughs) 

Take risks and embrace opportunities, even if they seem daunting. Life is full of big decisions that can be scary, but it's up to you to face them with courage. That's how I see it. 

 

Wow, that's a beautiful perspective. Can you tell me about your experience growing up in a smaller town? I ask because I grew up in Los Angeles, where there are abundant opportunities in the entertainment industry. But when you come from a smaller town, achieving success requires much more effort and determination. Do you find your location challenging in some respect? Yeah. So, being from a small town, it is hard because not many things happen around here. When I first started, I performed at many festivals and tons of local carnivals. 

I feel incredibly lucky to have had my father's support when I was starting out. Being so young, I couldn't figure out how to get to certain places, but my dad always found a way. I am truly grateful to him. However, succeeding in this industry requires a lot of dedication. As I mentioned before, there will be many setbacks and failures along the way. If you can't pick yourself up and keep going, you won't make it. 

To succeed in this industry, you must have dedication, determination, and a willingness to put in hard work to become a respected artist. 

That's what goes into making it in this industry because it's not easy. It's highly competitive, and many people are doing what you do.  

As someone from a small town, there isn't much happening around me. Therefore, I focus on developing my craft and songwriting skills. I tend to write about my personal experiences, and I think that's why many people relate to my music. Every song I write is an individual piece of me, so I put my all into it, whether it is about myself or someone else. That's how I approach songwriting and give it my 100%. 

So, to achieve success in any career, you need to be highly motivated and determined. Setting your goals and putting in significant time and effort towards them is the key to becoming the best and reaching your life goals.  

Absolutely! Coming from a small town can really give you the opportunity to shine brightly in a more intimate setting. It's like being a big fish in a small pond, right? You have the chance to really hone your craft, whether it's writing or singing, with the support of the people who care about you. They provide valuable feedback and encouragement, helping you grow and prepare for bigger stages. It's all about building a strong foundation within your community so that when you do step out into the world, you're already equipped with everything you need to succeed. Yeah, that is true. Especially when I was younger, even after my very first performance, I still had some stage fright. However, most of it gradually disappeared over time. Every time I had a show, I would always practice in front of my parents. As a child, they were the most important people in my eyes, and I wanted to impress them. 

Their approval meant everything to me because I believed that if they liked it, then others would, too. It was a crucial factor for me. My strategy was to perform in front of my family first, and once they approved my performance, I knew I could pursue this path. Their unwavering support system played a vital role in helping me overcome my fears and the challenges I faced along the way.  

Everyone's journey is unique, and their experiences may differ. Even if you don't have an extensive support system, it doesn't mean you should give up. Remember, you are your own biggest supporter. Keep pushing forward and believe in yourself. 

With unwavering determination and a positive perspective towards your goals, there are no limits to what you can achieve. I firmly believe in this, just as I believe in my incredible support system, including my beautiful family and the wonderful people who listen to my music. My mindset shapes a significant part of my career. Without this strong foundation, I wouldn't be where I am today, surrounded by my biggest support system. 

 

That's fantastic! So, you're classified as a pop rock country singer. I'd love to hear more about your music genre and what captivates you the most about the style of music you write, sing, and perform. I feel like I have a diverse range of musical interests, but if I had to categorize my music, I would describe it as a blend of country and pop with a touch of rock. I enjoy singing 80s music, but my natural voice has a country twang due to my upbringing. At the same time, I appreciate pop music. 

Given my varied tastes, I thought it would be interesting to incorporate a pop-sounding instrument with a country twist in the background. The result is a unique sound that adds texture to each song. For example, in my song "Somewhere Out There," you can hear a softer, more country sound. I enjoyed writing and recording this beautiful song. There are so many different elements in each of my songs. 

I love that song so much! As a hopeless romantic, it's one of my all-time favorite songs that I've ever written. I had a lot of fun working on it, and it was definitely different from most of my other songs. 

Another song I wrote, "You Don't Even Know Me," has more of a pop-rock vibe than a country feel, and it's quite powerful. I enjoy creating unique and interesting things that people can talk about and understand. My song“Out There Somewhere” resonates with me as a person and with the people around me. 

I've received a lot of positive feedback on the song, including from family and friends in my community who say it relates to their personal experiences. This is the best part of what I do. I love hearing how much people love my songs and how they can relate to them. To me, the genre of my music is interesting, different, and unique, and that's what I love about it. 

Great! So, if you were to choose a song from a genre that you haven't tried before, such as R&B or soul, and take a cover version by an artist like Michael Jackson or Chaka Khan, and turn it into a country song, how would you approach it? What would your version be like? When you mentioned Michael Jackson, it immediately made me think of his song "Man in the Mirror." I think it would be fun to create a country-pop version of the song or even "Smooth Criminal." As a big Michael Jackson fan, I would choose between these two songs. I believe it could be an interesting project. 

 

Definitely, you know, some people have already done it, like Dolly Parton with her song 'I'll Always Love You'. Later, Whitney Houston also recorded it and gave it her own touch. It's interesting to see how a song can transform when it's interpreted in different genres. So, I was curious to know how you would make it your own. Yeah. 


If you, as an independent artist, were presented with an opportunity, let's say a major record label wanted to sign you, do you think you would prefer to remain independent, or do you believe you would take the offer and embark on the journey with the major label? It would be a fantastic opportunity for anyone, and being an independent artist has been perfect for me. I have met so many great people along the way, and my ultimate goal is to get out there and make others happy. If signing with a label would help me achieve that, then I would be interested. It would enable me to do more shows, which is what I want more than anything - to meet the people who support me and be out there. So, if that would help me achieve that, then yes, I would.   

 

Great! So far, in your music career, where would you say you have reached in terms of success? Has your independent journey taken you to new heights since you first started? In other words, from the time you decided to embark on this independent journey to where you are today, where has it taken you? Absolutely! I wholeheartedly believe that your story is what defines your uniqueness. Throughout my own journey, I have witnessed tremendous personal growth. Over the course of eight or nine years, it's only natural for a person to evolve and change. Engaging in this career has not only brought immense joy to my life, but it has also filled me with excitement. I am incredibly grateful for the countless opportunities I have had, and I truly believe that music has played a significant role in shaping me into a better person. My ultimate goal is to continue striving to be the best version of myself. While I am content with where I am now, I always keep my sights set on the next step. Setting goals is crucial for success and the realization of dreams. Throughout the years, I have overcome numerous challenges, each one contributing to my growth and development. I firmly believe that even the most embarrassing or difficult moments have played a vital role in shaping who I am today. I have no regrets whatsoever. 

 

Wow!“Out There Somewhere” when I heard that song, and it completely blew me away. Your vocals are captivating, and as a woman, I feel that many women can relate to it. I remember praying for a great man before meeting my amazing British husband and moving to England last year. My prayers were answered, and I have no regrets. Being a hopeless romantic, I always had a vision of the kind of man I wanted in my life. When I heard this song, it resonated with me, reminding me that my 'somewhere out there' was in Great Britain. Please tell me more about the inspiration behind this song. I believe that everyone goes through a phase in their life where they crave someone or something. When I composed this song, I intended to convey this sentiment as some of my friends were feeling low and lonely, thinking that they couldn't find anyone suitable for them. This thought hit home with me, and I wanted to create something that could touch them. Since they listen to my music, I decided to write this song with the hope of making them feel better. I hope my music can help them and others who feel the same way. As a hopeless romantic, I believe somebody, or something is out there for everyone. That's what I loved about writing this song; it doesn't have to be a person; it can be anything that gives you purpose. Everyone has a meaning and purpose on this planet, and I want my song to convey that no matter where you go or who you become, you're not alone and have a purpose. 

 

Hailey, that's great! I'm interested to know who your musical influences are, and if you were presented with the opportunity to collaborate with one of them, who would you select? I am a big Luke Combs fan. I love his music and his writing style.  He's a big country singer and he writes his songs so authentically. 

He has a large following, but you can easily see how genuine he is, and that's what I love about him. His songs are not just random compositions; they are stories. He is a great storyteller through his music. It would be incredible to have the opportunity to write and sing with him. 

 

You should totally do it, Hailey! I would be thrilled, and it would be amazing if that could happen! 

 

You never know what excellent opportunities could come your way. With God, anything is achievable if it aligns with His plan for you. Now Hailey, I'm curious, is your newest single, "Somewhere Out There," accessible on vinyl? I don't have my music on vinyl yet, but it's something I'd love to do in the future. It would be awesome to have an actual record, like newer and older musicians. You can find my music on Spotify and Apple Music under Hailey Newman. My website is haileynewman.net, where you can stay updated on anything I do. I'm also on all social media platforms @ Hailey Newman. 

Awesome! Do you have any upcoming tours or shows planned? Yes, I am currently working on a couple of shows that are still in the development stage. I am focusing on my writing and recording, and I am excited about the future. When I have any upcoming shows, I will promote them on social media. So, keep an eye out for that.   

 

Alright, Hailey. As we wrap up, I have one last question for you. I love ending on a note of wisdom. If you had some advice to offer to those struggling to promote their music and find their way in the industry, what would it be? Starting a career in the music industry is a personal journey that demands a competitive mindset. Making sure that this direction matches up with your genuine dreams is very important. The first step is to discover yourself. 

There's always going to be challenges, no matter where you stand. Life, in general, can be a tough ride; however, I urge you to embrace a positive mindset. It's a practice I've always followed. 

The music industry can be tough to navigate, but the key to success lies in staying true to yourself. Don't strive to be someone you're not. Embrace your unique qualities and let your personality radiate. Remember, music is about self-expression and enjoyment, so revel in it. 

It is important to show others who you are by being true to yourself. If you want to pursue a music career, go for it with all your might. Don't be afraid to ask for help, regardless of your age. Sometimes, asking for help can be challenging, but it's okay because you'll need it along the way. Just keep a positive mindset, and you'll be successful. I truly believe anything is possible. 

 

Hailey, I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again for the time you have given me. It’s an absolute privilege. I pray that God will continue to shower His blessings upon the work of your hands, aligning it with His divine plan for your life. May the Lord bless you and your beautiful family abundantly. May your music reach new heights and touch the hearts of many. I want you to know that I am incredibly proud of you. Every milestone you have achieved fills me with pride and is a true honor. I am eagerly anticipating the incredible things that lie ahead for you. Thank you sincerely for your valuable time. Thank you so much for having me, talking to me, and asking me questions. It's been fun, and I'm happy to have the opportunity.   


You're welcome. It was my pleasure. May God bless you and thank you once again. Take care and have a wonderful evening. Thank you. Goodbye. 


End of Interview

 

haileynewman.net 

Photos by Sarah Barre Harrison 


Disclaimer: The words of inspiration posted by The Indie Post, written within ( The New American Standard Version Bible Verse) are not the words of the above interviewed.



"John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him."



"Romans 10:9-13 9 [f]that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, [g]resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, [h]resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE [i]PUT TO SHAME.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for “EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”