Haley Bundy: From Small-Town Ohio to Nashville's Music Scene | An Exclusive Interview

By: Annah Marcelle, Singer-Songwriter
August 28, 2024

Meet Haley Bundy: A Rising Talent Chasing Her Dreams in Nashville

I'm so excited to introduce you all to Haley Bundy, an incredibly talented 18-year-old singer and songwriter who is quickly making a name for herself in the music world. Growing up in a small Appalachian town in Ohio, near the West Virginia border, Haley didn't have a lot of opportunities to pursue music. But that never stopped her from dreaming big. With determination and incredible passion for music, she worked hard and even graduated high school early to make her dreams come true.

This past April, Haley took the leap and moved to Nashville with her whole family by her side, ready to dive headfirst into the music scene. It's been amazing to see her dedication and passion for music shine through in everything she does, whether she's performing, writing new songs, or connecting with other musicians in the community.

Haley and I first connected on social media after discovering each other's music, and we instantly became fans of one another. Her original song, “Glow,” is so catchy and heartfelt that I just had to add it to my Indie Girls 2024 playlist. Trust me, if you haven't heard it yet, you're missing out! Haley has this incredible ability to pour her heart into her songs, and it really resonates with everyone who listens. I love catching her live performances online, especially at her regular spot at Dave and Buster's across from the Grand Ole Opry. Even through a phone screen, you can feel the energy of the crowd, and it’s so inspiring to see fans singing along and genuinely enjoying being entertained.

In this interview, I’ll talk to Haley about what it's like moving to Nashville, her experiences performing live, and what drives her to keep pushing forward in the music industry. I’m so happy to share her journey with you all and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next! Her socials are down at the bottom, so be sure to give her a follow!

---

I see you performing live online all the time! How did you manage to score all the gigs you have?

Getting gigs in Nashville isn't the easiest thing, but when you start to get to know other musicians, do open mics, or anything where people will notice you, it definitely opens up other opportunities. Gigs have been one of the ways I've made a lot of connections, as well as frequently posting on social media and local Nashville Facebook groups about where I'm playing.

Are you growing at the pace you want? If you could go faster or slower, would you?

Since moving to Nashville from a small town in Ohio, I've had some amazing experiences connecting with musicians, finding guitar players, making TikTok covers with some of my favorite Nashville musicians, writing, recording a couple of songs that I have yet to release, and being able to gig every week. I honestly couldn't be more proud of the progress in the last four short months of being here in Nashville. I always remind myself that I'm doing enough because "there's no finish line; it's not a race to whoever gets there the fastest."

How do you handle the challenges of being an independent artist in today's music industry? What has been the most challenging part of your musical journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

The music business is definitely more difficult than it seems. It comes with its own mental challenges, especially as a woman in the industry. It often brings about feelings of self-doubt and the urge to compare yourself to others. Some people question my choice to pursue music because it's not a typical 9-5 job. Fortunately, I have a strong support system in my family, and I refuse to give up. I've learned that there are more positives than negatives, and I'm grateful for the amazing people I've met and the experiences I've had.

What do you think is the most important quality for an artist to have in order to succeed?

Success is what you make of it. For me, it could mean playing music every day, performing at gigs, or releasing new songs. Staying true to yourself, being genuine, and building lifelong relationships will take you much further than pretending to be someone you're not.

Your songwriting is fantastic. I know you spend a lot of time performing out (making a living). Do you have enough time to spend on your writing?

Balancing performing and writing isn't too difficult for me because my life has always revolved around music. My dad's passion for music greatly influenced my own love for it. He once had a dream of moving to LA to join a famous rock band, and I feel like I'm living out his dreams. I write as much as I can, and I've been busy preparing to release new songs, including one that a songwriter from LA reached out to me about after finding me on Instagram.

Do you have any new original music coming out? If so, when?

Yes! Over the past few months, I've been working on some new tracks that I plan to release before the new year and around early 2025. Some of these were written back in Ohio before moving to Nashville, so I'm excited to share them soon.

What was the first song you ever wrote?

The first song I ever wrote was called "June," which I wrote when I was 14 and released last year. It came from my first heartbreak, and I decided to learn piano to help express my feelings. I wasn't sure how to start, so I just sang what felt natural. It was a big learning experience for me.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Many people say I have a diverse taste in music, which comes from my dad. Growing up, I listened to Led Zeppelin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, and more. As I got older, I became a fan of late '90s and early 2000s female artists like Alanis Morissette, Michelle Branch, and Dido. I think my love for older music has really shaped my singing and writing style.

How do you hope your music will impact your listeners?

I want everyone who listens to my music to feel a strong emotional connection. It's not just about gaining fans; it's about being someone people can look up to and relate to. I want to bring back the authenticity of older music while staying true to myself as an artist.

What role do you think music plays in bringing people together?

Music is magical. It has a unique way of connecting people, aligning our thoughts and emotions, and making it easier to bond with others. It not only sounds amazing but also provides an outlet for expressing emotions and perspectives.

Are there any non-musical inspirations or hobbies that influence your music?

I've always been creative, even outside of music. Back in 2019, just before joining my first band, I started a small business designing boho car hangs, which I sold on Etsy and to friends. I also love creating abstract art and doing graphic design.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

When I'm not focused on music, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring Nashville, and relaxing at home. Music is a big part of my life, but I like to find a balance.

What can fans expect from you in the next year?

In 2025, I plan to focus on learning, personal growth, writing, and making a positive impact both in my new community in Nashville and back home in Ohio. I want to reach people everywhere, whether through live performances or songs that resonate with them.