Haley Johnsen

Haley Johnsen, a musical maverick from Portland, Oregon, is a genre bending artist with a career path that is uniquely her own. Influenced by iconic voices like Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt, Haley's vocals soar with soul in the worlds of Alt Pop and Americana.

Delving into the depths of self-doubt, the wistful beauty of nostalgia, and the resilience required to weather life's storms, Haley's songs showcase genuine songwriting prowess. Haley’s aspiration is clear: "My music is deeply personal. I can only hope that it inspires people to overcome challenges, to embrace hope, and to believe in their authentic selves."

Haley's artistic journey took flight when she reached the top 24 on American Idol Season 11 in 2012. Returning home, she crafted around 200 songs in her parents' backyard shed over three years, culminating in her debut EP, Through the Blue, in 2015. Her second EP, When You Lit The Sky, followed in 2017, alongside singles, national tours, and formative experiences with her hometown band.

As a performer, with or without a band, Haley’s passion and talent is undeniable. Touring mostly as a solo act, her powerful ‘one woman’ band has supported acts such as the sister trio Joseph, The Voice Winner Sawyer Fredericks, The Wind and the Wave, and KT Tunstall. In 2019, Haley's career soared in an unexpected way as she joined electro-pop artist Big Wild as a bassist and backup vocalist. She and the group have performed at renowned festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Bonnaroo, four sold-out shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and four national tours over the last four years.

May 2019 marked the release of Haley's 12-track debut album, Golden Days, attracting acclaim and catching the attention of artist Allen Stone, who lent his vocals to her blues-driven track, 'Weekend.' In the same year, just after finishing her second European tour, Haley recorded a live acoustic album, 'London Sessions,' at the famous Abbey Road Studios

Fast forward to 2022, Haley's full-length album Goner emerged, exploring the perpetual tug-of-war between confidence and self-doubt, fear and trust. The pandemic-inspired album showcased a masterful fusion of '80s-inspired synth-pop and poignant ballads, earning praise from American Songwriter.

In Fall of 2023, After a 3 year hiatus of international travel, Haley made her way back to Europe and the UK for her 3rd tour overseas. She later joined The Folk Rock duo The Talbott Brothers as the opening act for their Spring tour in 2024, stepping her foot more into the Americana scene.

Haley’s latest EP Late Bloomer released July 12th, 2024 is inspired by Texas twang and the Oregon roots that raised her. It began as a collaboration with Austin, Texas Producer and Songwriter Dwight Baker (of Far From Saints and the Wind and the Wave) back in 2022, and continued on for two years until a 6 song EP was finalized. Many of the EP’s themes tackle letting go of what no longer serves you and speaking up louder than you thought you could.

With Late Bloomer, Haley Johnsen introduces an alt-pop Americana album with soul and a backbone.
- Willamette Week

Stay up to date on Haley’s upcoming national and international touring dates at https://www.haleyjohnsenmusic.com.