Evolving Haley Bonar

I come to you introducing a marvel of a women and musician. Haley Bonar is a young woman in her mid-twenties with a lot to say.

She was born in Canada and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Some may call her a local; I guess you could be right being there is not much difference between North and South Dakota. Thus, she is a voice for the Midwest portraying a vulnerable sound relevant through all generations.

Haley has something to say about her inspirations, musical pressures, being a woman in the industry, the election, and of course, wine.

Haley resides as we speak in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, she has felt “without a home” the past few months. “Oh my God I haven’t been home in three months. I miss my cat and family, but exploring my music is necessary right now.”

She has toured with Mason Jennings in the past and always looks forward to his company.

She has also toured with underground indie folk star Andrew Bird and just revisited him in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, where in fact she met one of her greatest musical inspirations, Jon Brion.

He has arranged and produced numerous amazing movie scores as well as many great albums for great artists—including Fiona Apple’s “Tidal” and “Extraordinary Machine.”

With regard to Brion: “He is all about less is more and I really appreciate that.”

She adds, “If Wes Anderson was into putting newer music in his movies, I would be into that.”

The creative process of being a musician is different for everybody. Haley’s creative output lies in paying attention to everyday details. “My creative process sets in everyday and taking everything in. The most important thing is the words and poetry; finding a place for the music and melody is the next step. It is sacred space when it is just the guitar and I writing a song.”

While growing up Haley was always a spunky, creative spirit. “The doctors said I would be a piano player or surgeon because my fingers were so long.”

She was always writing plays and musicals as a child, but she never thought she would be writing music for a living. Haley finally got to quit her coffee shop job this past June. Three albums later, she can finally make music her official career.

Haley was signed to Stateside Afternoon Records a few years ago. The creative leash of a record company? “The beauty of an independent label is that they give you more freedom,” she says.

Her new album titled “Big Star” has definitely stirred up the independent scene of folk music. With her brushfire cackle and effortless croon, her sound is undeniable to an open ear.

“Big Star” is pleasing and not overproduced like many albums in the industry nowadays. Haley has brought back folk storytelling in a demanding industry by sticking to her roots and what she feels in her heart.

“I love creating something out of a song. The story of a song is something you relate to and why would you want to cover it up with too much noise and overproduction? If the song is good and you believe in it there should be nothing to hide behind,”

In a sentence, Haley’s new album sounds like that old antique record spinning in the old suitcase phonograph that marvels your ear to nirvana at each listen.

Today the regional and national scene of musicians is made up of mostly male performers. I spoke with Haley about getting young and older women more involved in music and singing with a band.

She talked about the pressures of young women in the industry but also the rewards.

“This industry is 90% male. However, I don’t like to focus on the gender of music. I show up to a club with my band and they are all guys and the manager of the club is a guy, and you have to deal with that male energy often. It is hard because a lot of the time they do not take you seriously.

Women in general need to take the bull by the horns and not be so sheepish and afraid, because it is scary in the business, but we all need to realize that a song is a song and it shouldn’t be categorized by gender.”

When asked about the current election, Haley exclaimed, “I feel a great sense of doom with the Republican party! McCain is one thing and Sarah Palin is quite another; she makes a mockery of our country. I think it is disrespectful the way she has displayed herself in front of the press and media. I cannot speak highly enough about Barack Obama. He is a great human being who has done his work. Love is what he stands for and hopefully everyone puts every ounce of faith in him during this election. This is the time for turning everything around.”

If You Go

What: Haley Bonar, opening for Mason Jennings
Where: The Venue @ The Hub
When: Sun, Nov 2, 8pm
How Much: $21 adv, $23 day of show
Who: All ages
Info: 1.800.511.1552, 701.232.6767