Haley Johnsen is a Portland, Oregon-born musician with a knack for genre-bending and a hard-earned career path that is uniquely her own.
Raised listening to powerhouse singers such as Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and Annie Lennox, her greatest inspirations become apparent in her stunning vocals, introspective lyricism, and cross-pollinated style of indie-pop, and Americana music.
Haley has the type of showmanship that is electric, earnest, and whole heartedly endearing. With or without a band, you can be sure to leave her shows with a smile on your face while whiping tears from your eyes.
Meet the enigmatic, Haley Johnsen.
Haley musical maverick hailing from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. With an uncanny talent for pushing the boundaries of genres, her artistic journey is a uniquely fascinating odyssey. Influenced by iconic voices like Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, and Bonnie Raitt, her music is a symphony of soaring vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and an innovative blend of indie-pop and folk rock.
Haley's songs delve into the depths of self-doubt, the wistful beauty of nostalgia, and the resilience required to weather life's storms. Her genuine songwriting prowess, combined with her electrifying performances, elicit powerful emotional responses. She explains, 'I want my music to inspire people to overcome challenges, to embrace hope, and to believe in their authentic selves.'
Her stage presence is nothing short of electrifying, imbued with a rare sincerity that's profoundly endearing. With or without a band, Haley's shows leave audiences grinning ear to ear and shedding heartfelt tears.
Haley's artistic journey took flight in her early twenties, ignited by her remarkable journey to the top 24 on American Idol Season 11 in 2012. Returning home, she crafted around 200 songs in her parents' backyard shed over three years, with the most captivating ones finding a home on her debut EP, 'Through the Blue,' in 2015. Subsequently, she released her second EP, 'When You Lit The Sky,' in 2017, alongside a string of singles, national tours, and formative experiences with her hometown band.
In 2019, Haley's career skyrocketed when, just one day into her inaugural European tour, she was recruited as a bassist and backup vocalist for indie-pop sensation Big Wild. She embraced this opportunity with such fervor that she learned her bass parts while hurtling down the Autobahn. Her time with Big Wild led her to grace renowned festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Bonnaroo, and perform three sold-out shows at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
During the same year, she ventured to London and recorded a mesmerizing live acoustic album, 'London Sessions,' at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Post-Big Wild tour, she embarked on a whirlwind journey, opening for the powerhouse trio sister-band, Joseph. In May, Haley released her highly-anticipated 12-track debut album, 'Golden Days,' which garnered well-deserved acclaim and piqued the interest of renowned artist Allen Stone, who lent his vocals to her blues-driven track, 'Weekend.'
In 2021 and 2022, Haley had the honor of supporting KT Tunstall on several U.S. tours. On New Year's Eve 2022, she shared the stage with KT as she opened for the legendary Brandi Carlile at The Moda Center in her beloved Portland, Oregon.
Fast forward to 2022, and Haley's full-length album 'Goner' emerged. Written and recorded during the height of the pandemic, the album delves into the perpetual tug-of-war between confidence and self-doubt, fear and trust, and the yearning to be fully present with oneself. It's a masterful fusion of '80s-inspired synth-pop and poignant ballads, as noted by American Songwriter.
In 2023, Haley released 'Studio Space Camp Sessions,' a collection of stripped-back renditions from her 'Goner' album, as well as reimagined covers of classics like 'Fade Into You' by Mazzy Star and 'Unchained Melody.'
In November 2022, she journeyed to Austin, Texas, to collaborate with Dwight Baker of The Wind and The Wave and Far From Saints. Her latest releases from this session, 'That Ain't Love' and 'Falling From The Sky,' showcase her vocals and songwriting abilities like never before while embracing her more “Alt Country” side.
Haley's entire musical repertoire and her captivating stage presence promise an eclectic and inspiring experience that's as quirky, dramatic, and fun as the artist herself. Experience the world of Haley Johnsen."