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Photo: Brandon Jordan

We’ve been fans of Gavin Haley for a few hot summers now and it's easy to see why, serving as an opener on one of our Ones To Watch tours with ASHE and being as an impressively talented sing-songwriter in his own right. After a stash of sultry singles that still couldn't fully satiate us, we jumped on the chance to check in with the rising artist following the release of his debut album. Fresh off another amazing support run with Tate McRae, we caught up with Haley for 10 questions surrounding the artist and his latest project. 

Who is Gavin Haley?  

Somebody who is excited about being alive. Full of energy but likes to be alone a lot. Spends most of his time outside with the trees. Overthinker. An athlete. Very emotional and passionate. A fan of songs and juice. Loves people.  

What is i hate you, Don’t Leave Me all about? 

Attachment theory. Loving someone who doesn’t see you the way you need. Being attracted to trauma. Patterns. Learning to let go. How to communicate better. This album is the last year-and-a-half of my life and some of my most personal journal entries. 

You are a prolific songwriter, how do you think you’ve evolved over the past several albums? 

Well that’s a very kind thing to say. Thank you. Every project I think I get better at letting go. It’s become less like writing songs and more of letting the listener into my world. Writing the things I need for myself and not what I think people will relate to. Doing the music because it’s my passion and outlet.

Any important collaborators on the album? Who produced it? 

This album was special because I mainly locked in with two people. One writer and producer. I found it way more cohesive and elevated the level of these songs. We all really pushed each other and didn’t settle for things. My EP on this album was Skylar Mones. 

We picked up on more R&B tempos and drums, soulful hooks on this album, what inspired that? 

I love R&B. I make guitar-driven songs but I consume a lot of other music. Tapping into different worlds and challenging myself to try new things. 

Can we expect more of this style in the future? 

I’m not sure what the next sound will be like. I don’t wanna put myself in any genre or category because music is an expression of yourself... and I’m always changing. That being said I would like to believe you can hear any of my songs and know it’s me.

Besides this excellent album what else should we be on the lookout for? 

fall tour. 

What’s inspiring you right now outside of music? 

I've started riding my bike again. Connecting to my roots and learning more about myself. Been inspired by everyday life recently. A lot of things I took for granted a few years back mean a lot to me. 

Summer is here, how are you keeping cool? 

Carrot juice. 

Who are your Ones To Watch? 

Charlie Burg, Nick Leng, and Billymaree