by Sarah Hajkowski
Musical artist Baylee Hallas conquers a lifelong dream with her in-progress original album, In Between the Lines.
“I always had an almost spiritual connection to music. I can feel the emotions of the songs in my veins and it’s overall a different type of high.”
There is a special excitement to knowing individuals who achieve the outstanding while remaining almost absurdly humble. I have personally been lucky enough to call Baylee Hallas a friend and colleague since our time together at liberal arts institution Brevard College, seated amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
Baylee can be described as a student of the world around her, specializing in music and English among various other areas of expertise. She is the current editor-in-chief of the Brevard College campus literary journal Chiaroscuro. While the taste for adventure is in her spirit, she exudes a grounded energy in every interaction. This Spring, she is generating an original album consisting of self-written songs that weave in and out of genre, inviting subjects such as heartbreak, womanhood, and mental health to the mainstage listener.
Erato Magazine and I were lucky enough to interview her ahead of her album release, diving into all the details about her upcoming music, her writing process, and the impact of social media on musicians.
How did you find your way into writing music?
"I guess you could say that I’ve been writing songs since I could talk. I would make up my own songs off the top of my head and sing them but it wasn’t until I was around 15 and started playing guitar that I wrote my first full length song.
I always had an almost spiritual connection to music. I can feel the emotions of the songs in my veins and it’s overall a different type of high. Music has helped me through some of the hardest times of my life and in some way I wanted to give back and help those who are struggling as well. Growing up I was a huge Taylor Swift fan and was very much inspired by her to write songs."
Does your music feel resonant with a particular genre(s)? Why or why not? Is genre limiting or freeing?
"I describe my style as more independent pop than anything else. I feel like in some ways sticking to a particular genre can be limiting but I think the beauty of being an artist is exploring different sounds and finding what fits best despite what it could be categorized as."
What are you creating this Spring?
"This spring for my senior project I’m writing a concept album called “In Between The Lines”. This album is essentially about growing up and going through your childhood and teenage years pretending to have it together when you are constantly falling through the cracks and nobody notices.
The topics I will be focusing on are mental health, generational trauma, having a voice, heartbreak, and all the things that come with being a young woman in her 20’s.
It’s about putting all the pieces back together when at times it seems like everything is constantly falling apart. This will be my most honest piece of work I’ve ever done which can be intimidating but I hope that this project will help others who have experienced similar struggles."
What is your writing process like? Where do songs begin? Do you have collaborators in the writing room or recording with you?
"My writing process is very different each time I write. Sometimes I will get a few lines for a song and write them down in my notes or sometimes the melody may come first and I will take out my voice memos app and record what’s in my head. There have even been times I’ve woken up dead out of my sleep with an idea and written it down. Most of the time I’ve written songs on my own and in the past I’ve had others help especially with the mixing and mastering process."
What is your favorite track on the album you're working on? Why?
"Since I am still writing for the project it’s hard to pick a favorite but as of right now I would have to say that it would be a song called 'When it’s Over'.
I wrote this song when I was 18 and had been struggling with severe depression for about a year. I was in the middle of an episode when my Dad walked into my room asking me “when does this stop?” and I replied sarcastically “when it's over” which gave me inspiration. I wrote that song right after in about 10 minutes.
It’s a song about how it feels to be in the pit of depression and trying to explain to those around you that you don’t want to be feeling the way that you are either. It’s one that I’m super proud of and fits the album pretty well."
What has been the most challenging part about writing and realizing your album for this project?
"The most challenging part about writing this album is finding the right words to convey each message. I put a lot of pressure on myself to write something good and that will resonate with people.
I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes down to it which has held me back at times from putting songs out. This project has given me a chance to say “you know what? Who cares?” I’m just going to write from my heart and hope that it can make a difference in someone's life."
Is social media good for you as a creator? Do you share your process or products on any social media platforms?
"I think social media is a great tool to use to share your art with the world and get it out there. When it gets closer to finishing the project I plan to use those platforms to share it in any way that I can."
How does social media impact your life as a musician and creator? What are today's musicians benefitting from or struggling with as a result of social media?
"Through social media and watching other artists, I see the pros and cons of being online as a musician and creator. In some ways, people can be really great and supportive of your work, and others not so much. I think many artists struggle with putting their stuff on social media because of how cruel people can be and it becomes personal when people insult your art because it’s you and a part of who you are. I think it can also benefit artists as well by getting their songs out there and I’ve seen many artists kickstart their career through it, especially through Tik Tok."
Who are some musicians you admire, of all time? Are any of them still making new things today?
"This is probably my favorite question because there are so many artists I admire and look up to which include Lana Del Ray, Billie Eilish, Amy Winehouse, Melanie Martinez, Royal & The Serpent, Skylar Grey, Sia, Phoebe Bridgers just to name a few. Most of these artists are still active today."
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. What will be your big takeaway from generating this album of your own?
"Thank you so much for the opportunity! My biggest takeaway from making an album on my own is gaining confidence in myself and my work. I think it takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable when you don’t know how your truth will be received. It’s exciting and terrifying at the same time but overall I can’t wait to put it out there!"
As a friend and colleague of Baylee Hallas, it’s astounding to see her realize her creative vision in this form. She is an artist and driven human being to watch who is already nudging change forward in her corner of the world, and will doubtless continue to do so wherever she goes.
Music enjoyers in all strains are encouraged to seek Baylee’s work out. She can be found on Tik Tok @xxbbrose and Instagram @bayro1028. Her upcoming album “In Between the Lines” consists of original compositions, including the above excerpted “When It’s Over.”
Artist
About the Writer
Sarah Hajkowski is a freelance writer based in Western NC. In alignment with Erato, Sarah believes in the power of the written word to change the world, and is invested in mining the human experience both for the depth and pure, fun chaos of it. In her downtime, she will be storytelling with fellow creatives, baking, or listening to music.
Find out more at www.sarahhajkowski.com or reach out on social media.