Interview with Halde

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I started singing when I was around 9 years old. It was always my way of coping with stress or boredom as a kid. I would probably study biology, work to protect the environment or have a farm. Although the older I get the more I like the entrepreneur side of things. 

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to see friends, run, chill at home with my husband and cats. Eat good food and drink wine!

How long have you been making music?

I remember trying to write songs when I was a teenager, but it’s really when I got into Radiohead’s music that i felt inspired to really have a go at it. For as long as I can remember I was playing with my voice and creating hooks without consciously trying to write anything. When I got into university to study jazz singing, I realised scatting was second nature to me, because I had been doing that intuitively for a decade before.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I split my time between Montreal and Chertsey, a little town surrounded by nature and lakes. I moved there right before the pandemic, because I desperately needed to ground myself and figure out my next steps in life. Nature has had a tremendous influence in my writing. I spent my childhood living on a farm, and I had been missing that connection to nature a lot. It’s a real muse to me.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

My first band Groenland had the opportunity to play big festivals, and I remember how playing in front of 25 000 people made me feel. It was like watching yourself in a dream doing things without being able to do anything about it. The flow of energy from the crowd was electric. I don’t remember much about the show, but the feeling still stays with me to this day.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I think the festival shows have been the most exciting experiences for me. You play on the same stage as your favorite bands, and it’s wide open and thrilling. I would love to go back to RiverFest in Elora, a little town in Ontario, Canada. The site was next to a river, surrounded by nature. I remember receiving nice microbrewed beers and merch, and speaking with the nicest people ever. I love that kind of vibe. Big and exciting, but also peaceful and spacious because of nature. 

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I think Sylvan Esso would be at the top of my list. Jade Bird, Feist, Le Ren. These women are the shit. Haha. 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Learn to focus on yourself. There is so much noise and intermediaries and obnoxious people in the industry. Don’t let that fool you. Keep going. If you know it’s your path, then it is. Also learn to multiply your income sources, and don’t be fooled by the power of labels. Without the creator, there is nothing. Keep your independence as much as you can. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I think the songs that came to me in the most beautiful flow are “Circles“ and “Waves“. “Waves“ came out of desperation and needing to feel reassured. It was like someone was really trying to make me feel better by whispering the song to me. “Circles“ was created from just having a blast with my band. It was the last song written for the album, and it’s probably my favorite in terms of style. 

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

The album was just released, so we’ll have to wait and see!!

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Again, nature calms my nerves and brings me to a open hearted space. When I start a song, I try to follow where the fun is : sometimes it’s a melody, sometimes a riff, other times it’s as simple as a beat. I loop that stuff until I feel in the zone, and I let lyrics come to me. Nature, spirituality in terms of self development, relationships, and making sense of things are all very much a part of what drives me to write. 

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

I think I definitely want people to explore their connection to their intuition, their creativity and even their femininity. I have been in the music industry for 15 years, and I’ve had to show a lot of masculine power to make way for myself. But recently, I’ve decided to heal my masculine side and welcome my feminine side. In other words, balance is my goal right now. I think the more artists will find balance in themselves, the more the industry will heal and change for the better. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

My album was just released on September 30th, and we start touring in Quebec, Canada as a first step. I want to go with the flow and see where things lead me. I’m still trying to figure out how to make a living now as an artist and not be touring constantly. So i’ll be busy figuring that out for myself, haha !

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

They can check out my Halde facebook page, instagram account (@haldesab) or tiktok (@haldesabrina). I also update all my shows on haldesabrina.com

Thank you so much !