Haley Reinhart is a child of music…from being dragged around the jazz clubs that her parents played as a little girl, to finding her own voice, and then doing American Idol (yeah yeah we don’t like it either but still) – wowing audiences with swing versions of Seven Nation Army and Creep (see below) with Postmodern Jukebox and getting a gold record with her cover of an Elvis song – the woman’s on fire.
I too was guilty of misjuding her because she’s young, pretty and embedded in the pop mainstream, but Haley’s got guts, bravado, a stunning voice and is a proven live performer despite being only 25 – so yeah, she’s won us over completely and we’re rooting for the girl…
indieBerlin: American Idol – coming third in the competition, I’m sure, brought you a lot of attention and opened a lot of doors – were there any negative effects of it? Did you have to fight harder for credibility for instance, or is it all just positive?
Haley Reinhart: It’s been a very positive experience for me, mostly ’cause I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes it can be challenging, but I’ve broken many bouderies on & since the show. Some may think it was an easy ride & I like to prove those folks wrong – through hard work, perserveirence, and my artistic vision. 🙂
indieBerlin: So you’ve just hit gold with your cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love With You – how does that feel? Is it a milestone?
Haley Reinhart: To receive a gold record is such an honour! Makes me feel like all my hard work is really paying off. 🙂 It’s something I’ve always wanted to accomplish in my career, but I never planned for any of it to happen so organically. The fact that the people at Wrigley’s extra gum & BBDO sought me out to sing in their commercial, the commercial itself blew up, and the single naturally hit radio – still blows my mind.
indieBerlin: Is this your first tour in Europe? How do you find the difference between US and European audiences?
Haley Reinhart: I’ve been to Euope several times on other tours including, Postmodern Jukebox! The audiences in Europe radiate pure love. 🙂 it’s also really cool and interesting to see that not as many people in Europe feel the need to take a million photos/record video. Seems as though they really enjoy the present moment and live in it fully. So excited to see those smiling faces!
I was a club kid. I tagged along with my folks band, helped my dad carry in his guitars and mic stands, ran around and crawled under the audiences tables…
indieBerlin: Tell us a little bit about your musical background.
Haley Reinhart: I was a club kid. 🙂 I tagged along with my folks band. I’d help my dad carry in his guitars and mic stands. Run around and crawl under the audiences tables and eventually, I took the stage with them. My parents brought up my sister and I on everything from rock, pop, blues, jazz, funk, to classical. I can’t thank them enough for it all. It’s in my blood for good.
indieBerlin: Tell us something about yourself that you always wanted to say but no one has ever asked you yet.
Haley Reinhart: I love roller skating. 🙂
indieBerlin: If you had to describe your music to a deaf person, what would you say?
Haley Reinhart: I would play it loud and let them feel the vibrations. I write, sing, and produce music for people to feel all the way to their core and come out feeling better.
indieBerlin: Tell us a secret about yourself.
Haley Reinhart: I’m a clothes-aholic. 😉
indieBerlin: What music do you listen to when you’re touring?
Haley Reinhart: A lot of The Beatles, classic rock, Sly and the Family Stone, and tons of newer alternative pop/rock I Shazam.
indieBerlin: What was the last concert you went to?
Haley Reinhart: Stevie wonder, which was a dream come true. I actually played the same Jazz Fest in New Orleans two days prior.
I tripped up some stairs during Idol….I laughed through the pain and got right back up
indieBerlin: What was your biggest stage mess-up?
Haley Reinhart: Tripping up some stairs during idol. Thankfully I laughed through the pain and got right back up. My father was playing guitar with me that night, so that also helped me push through & continue to rocknroll!
indieBerlin: With whom would you never share the stage with?
Haley Reinhart: Never say never.
indieBerlin: In ten years you look back to today and think:_____________
Haley Reinhart: “Life’s been good to me so far.” – Joe Walsh
indieBerlin: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Haley Reinhart: Come on out to my show for a groovy time and thanks a lot for the support!
Haley Reinhart plays Musik & Frieden on 25th May – it’s gonna be a good one! Get your tickets here!
Interview by Noel Maurice for indieBerlin
