Meet Haley Johnsen: Fearless, Authentic, and Ready to Pump You Up
Haley Johnsen is the kind of artist who inspires and uplifts with every note she sings. From penning over 200 songs in her parents’ shed to recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, Haley’s journey is all about resilience, authenticity, and fearless creativity.
In this exclusive Pump It Up Magazine interview, she shares how she turns challenges into triumphs, stays true to herself, and empowers others through her music. Get ready—Haley’s story will pump you up!
PIUM: Who are your biggest musical inspirations, and how have they influenced your sound?
Haley Johnsen:
I grew up immersed in a wide range of music, from Southern rock and blues to pop and alternative rock. While my sound draws from many genres, it’s the iconic divas of our time who truly inspired me. I was passionate about exploring my voice, so I studied artists like Bonnie Raitt, Celine Dion, Brandi Carlile, and Heart, always searching for new ways to push my vocal boundaries.
PIUM: If someone heard your music for the first time, which famous artists might they compare you to?
Haley Johnsen:
Over the years, I’ve had people tell me my voice reminds them of legends like Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, and Eva Cassidy, as well as modern artists like Maggie Rogers and Brandi Carlile. Being compared to such incredible talents is truly an honor, and each of these artists has played a part in influencing my sound.
PIUM: You were a competitive gymnast, and that takes a daredevil mentality. How has that mindset helped you take creative risks in your music career?
Haley Johnsen:
Taking risks is at the heart of everything in the music industry. Whether it’s stepping into the studio, performing on stage, writing a new song, or heading out on tour, you’re constantly putting yourself on the line. My years as a gymnast gave me a taste for that adrenaline rush early on, and it’s shaped my ability to take bold leaps in my music career, knowing full well that things could come crashing down at any moment. And believe me, they have, more than once! But those risks are what keep the creative fire burning for me.
PIUM: You wrote 200 songs in your parents’ shed—what was that experience like, and how did it help you grow as both a songwriter and an artist?
Haley Johnsen:
After my time in the top 24 of season 11 of American Idol in 2012, I graduated college, moved back in with my parents, and realized that the choice was clear: music was the only path for me. At that point, I had only written a handful of songs, but I committed to dedicating every day to honing my craft, improving my songwriting, and growing as an artist and performer. It took two years of writing some of the worst songs I’ve ever written before I could finally produce a seven-song album I was proud of. Through that process, I learned a valuable lesson about songwriting: sometimes you have to let the creative faucet run long enough to clear out all the bad ideas before you get to the good ones.
Haley Johnsen
PIUM: Recording at Abbey Road and touring with other amazing artists must have been unforgettable! How did those experiences impact your growth as a musician?
Haley Johnsen:
Recording at Abbey Road was an incredible experience, one I never expected and certainly don’t take for granted. The hardest part was battling the imposter syndrome when I arrived, trying not to let it affect my performance. But when I closed my eyes and thought of all the legendary artists and bands who had recorded there before me, I realized they probably had moments of doubt too. That gave me the courage to sing with my whole heart. It was surreal to stand where so many icons had stood, and it became an opportunity for me to prove myself wrong.
Recording at Abbey Road was an incredible experience, one I never expected and certainly don’t take for granted.
Touring with KT Tunstall was another ‘pinch-me’ moment in my career. I remember seeing her perform in Portland about six years earlier and thinking to myself, ‘Someday, I’m going to tour with her’.
Manifesting, or visualizing the things you want to achieve in life, has been a key part of my journey and has opened the door to so many incredible opportunities.
PIUM: As a woman in the music industry, how important is it for you to empower other women through your music and your journey?
Haley Johnsen:
Empowering women is at the core of what I do!
Women are so often undervalued in the music industry, and many of my songs are written with the hope of inspiring and uplifting women who face similar struggles.
When I have the chance to curate my own shows, I almost always choose an all-female lineup, because of the lack of representation, especially in live music and festivals.
It’s still a huge issue. I’m passionate about being part of the change, amplifying the voices of women, and creating space for us to be seen and heard.
PIUM: Your song “Falling From The Sky” carries such emotional depth. How does this song reflect your journey, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
Haley Johnsen:
‘Falling From The Sky’ is written from the perspective of a much younger me. A girl who was terrified to be seen. Growing up, I was incredibly shy and felt like I had an ‘awkward kid’ label stamped on me.
Although I found my spark in certain areas, I struggled socially, which took a toll on my self-esteem and left me feeling like I never truly belonged. This song explores the journey of overcoming the fear of failure. Fearing we won’t fit in, won’t succeed, or won’t measure up to our own expectations.
We dream big, but when it comes to taking action, we often freeze. I want this song to serve as a reminder that it’s okay to feel afraid; what’s important is to realize that taking that leap won’t break you, it will only make you stronger.
Pump it up magazine – Cover mag – Haley Johnsen Available January 28th, 2025 – 200+ Book stores
PIUM: In “Maybe I Should,” you explore themes of personal growth and tough decisions. Can you share how this song ties into your experiences as an artist?
Haley Johnsen:
Many times, I feel like I’m failing myself as a full-time musician. I get stuck in my head, sabotage my own progress, and then end up feeling even worse about it all. Artists often grapple with getting out of their own way, and it’s common to feel trapped. We constantly face tough decisions and challenging conversations. However, amidst every breakdown and frustrating moment, we have the choice to push through and show ourselves grace. When we learn to let go and remain open to the process, that’s where the real growth happens.
PIUM: Being an indie artist can be challenging, but you’ve built your career on your own terms. How do you stay motivated and keep pushing forward through those tough moments?
Haley Johnsen:
Every day, I face a choice about my attitude. I can either feel sorry for myself and find ways to stay distracted, or I can confront the pain, write another song, send another email, and motivate myself to keep pushing forward. Having a strong community of musicians in Portland and a supportive family has helped give me the strength to keep going.
PIUM: What’s your secret to booking gigs and keeping your music career on track as an independent artist?
Haley Johnsen:
My team and I are always on the lookout for touring opportunities, and I’ve collaborated with a few booking agents over the years. I believe that the greatest asset in booking shows and tours is building relationships. Some of my favorite tours have been made possible through the connections my team and I established with other artists. For instance, I discovered an opportunity to perform in Europe thanks to my ties within the Portland music scene. I can’t emphasize enough how nurturing strong bonds within your community can lead to opportunities you never thought possible. I like to think that we’re all cheering for one another, rather than competing against each other.
PIUM: Mental health is crucial, especially in a demanding career like music. How do you take care of yourself and stay grounded? Any tips for other artists?
Haley Johnsen:
I’ve recently developed a passion for fitness and weightlifting, thanks to my husband. He made the decision to get sober, start hitting the gym, and become a personal trainer for musicians. He has greatly influenced how I treat my body at home and on the road. We’re both committed to ensuring our bodies and minds aren’t neglected, especially to avoid burnout or getting caught up in the party scene, which is often hard to navigate as a touring musician! I also try to practice yoga, breathwork, journaling, and any other activities that help ground me and keep me present. I encourage all musicians to prioritize their physical and mental health through consistent exercise and mindfulness about their habits. Despite the many tropes surrounding artists, we don’t have to be miserable or unhealthy to create great art and deliver amazing performances!
PIUM: For anyone facing self-doubt or tough times, what’s your best advice for pushing through and staying true to themselves?
Haley Johnsen:
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF!
If I had a penny for every time I fell into that trap and got absolutely nowhere, I’d be rich. Comparison truly is the thief of joy, which is why setting boundaries with social media is so crucial. Recently, I had a terrible day spent scrolling and comparing myself to every female singer I encountered online. Did this help me create great art? Absolutely not. While there’s always room for improvement in our craft, it’s important to recognize that our gifts are unique to us. Once we embrace this, we start to trust the process of letting ourselves be seen. Putting ourselves out there, both online and on stage, can feel incredibly vulnerable, but it’s also one of the most courageous things we can do. Humble yourself to the journey of continuous growth as an artist and remember that no one can do what you do.
Haley Johnsen
PIUM: Thanks, Haley! Last thing: What’s your number one tip for staying pumped up and motivated, no matter what life throws at you?
Haley Johnsen:
My number one tip is to allow yourself to throw a tantrum. Scream, cry, punch a pillow—just let it all out, and then get back to work. It’s essential to acknowledge your feelings of disappointment and rejection. As artists, we should embrace the full spectrum of the human experience. That’s what paves the way for making great art.
However, don’t let these setbacks shake your belief in yourself! I’ve wanted to quit countless times throughout my career, but each time I’ve pushed through, I’ve grown more resilient. And I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon!
Find out more about Haley Johnsen:
Late Bloomer – Late Bloomer Disco Link
Haley Johnsen Spotify – Haley Johnsen Spotify
Haley Johnsen Apple Music – Haley Johnsen Apple Music
Maybe I Should Official Music Video
Falling From the Sky Official Music Video
About Pump It Up Magazine
Welcome to Pump It Up Magazine, your go-to destination for wellness, lifestyle, and entertainment inspiration straight from sunny Los Angeles! 🌟
Our mission is simple: to empower dreams, celebrate individuality, and spread positive energy in every corner of life. Whether you’re looking for expert wellness tips, uplifting music stories, or strategies to elevate your brand, we’ve got you covered.
At Pump It Up Magazine, we celebrate the best in:
- Health & Wellness: Proven tips to boost your well-being.
- Lifestyle: Inspiration to live your best life every day.
- Music & Entertainment: Exclusive interviews and rising stars.
- Empowering Women: Stories of trailblazers who inspire.
- Business & Finance: Strategies to grow and succeed.
Through our articles, interviews, and exclusive features, we aim to connect readers with the tools and stories they need to thrive. Plus, our KPIU Radio offers the perfect soundtrack, spotlighting the best in indie music and beyond.
Join us in celebrating life’s victories, big and small. Whether you’re chasing a dream, launching a business, or seeking daily inspiration, we’re here to help you pump up your life.
💡 Let’s create something extraordinary together—because you deserve to shine!
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