INTERVIEW: Hallie On Her Newest Sassy Single ‘Lip Balm’, Kath And Kim, And Her Ideal Writing Environment!
If you haven’t heard of the cheeky dream-pop sensation that is Hallie then you have most certainly been living under a rock, maybe even a boulder… One part charm and all parts sass, Hallie thrives in her own vulnerability.
Her quirky and relatable lyricism pairs tastefully with the provocative and stimulating nature of her live shows. This year is shaping to be a big one for the Brisbane local, with three new releases in under 6 months the artist is truly honing her craft at the moment.
Her most recent single ‘Lip Balm’ is a testament to just that. The eloquent release sees Hallie flex a spicier side to her production as she collaborated in between lockdowns with Melbourne producer Dean Tuza.
Hallie describes the track as the angry aftermath of a relationship that didn’t do anything for her.
“I was too comfortable and there were just so many problems that were covered up by stupid arguments, like my lip balm addiction,” she said.
“This song allowed me to face my true feelings and regain perspective.
“I wanted to be really honest in my experience so that other people felt they had a space where they could be honest with themselves and empowered in that.”
We had a chat with Hallie all about her single ‘Lip Balm’ (and her go-to), her ideal writing environment and who she relates to more - Kath or Kim!
Hi Hallie! How are you today, what’s been going on!?
HALLIE: Hello! Today I got my period so I’ve been in rest mode and just reflecting on some shows I got to play on the weekend- feeling very grateful!
First things first, for anyone that hasn’t delved into your music before – describe it to us in 4 words!
HALLIE: Oooh okay! Um, cheeky, introspective, honest & can be fun sometimes! Haha
Now, you have had two releases this year already, Sydney Hates Me and Fairy Bread, and they’ve got this very self-reflective yet carefree vibe about them - you have this very immersive way of storytelling with your songs, can you talk to us a little about that?
HALLIE: Thank you! Yeah I love a good self-reflection session and songwriting is definitely the place I unleash. When I listen to music I really appreciate an honest and interesting perspective on their story or feelings, and I really love to invite people into the world of my songs as much as possible!
So, I wanted to talk about your most recent single ‘Lip Balm’. Another eloquent release with a spicier production side. Can you take us through your songwriting and recording process for this track?
HALLIE: ‘Lip Balm’ was THAT song I just could never get right for a long time! It had so many stages and I knew it was special. I always connected to the lyrics and acoustic guitar of it when I first wrote it, but I knew it needed an amp up! I reached out to Dean Tuza because I loved his prod work on Stella Donnelly’s ‘Beware of the Dogs’ and ventured to Melbourne in between lockdowns. We pulled up heaps of sounds and I remember the beginning intro was a fluke of all these sounds we’d saved and from there I think we both just knew what the song needed to be. Feels extra special having this song out considering the journey!
You have previously mentioned that you’ve been writing music since you were very young, what does your ideal environment look like when you’re getting creative?
HALLIE: I have my little set up in front of my windows and love being able to see the trees outside as a focus point! I get a little stuck if I’m constantly writing in the same place and even find myself writing similar songs like I’m just on repeat, so sometimes I go to my parents or sit on the floor or I’ll go on my balcony and hum some melodies. I used to loveeee writing on solo tours, new places and the chaos of it all always inspired new ideas.
What’s the meaning behind ‘Lip Balm’ and what do you want listeners to take away from the release?
HALLIE: ‘Lip Balm’ was the angry aftermath of a relationship that didn’t really do anything for me. I was too comfortable and there were just so many problems that were covered up by stupid arguments, like my lip balm addiction haha. This song allowed me to face my true feelings and regain perspective. I wanted to be really honest in my experience so that other people felt they had a space where they could be honest with themselves and empowered in that.
And of course, we have to ask – what’s your go to lip balm?
HALLIE: THANK YOU FOR ASKING! Eco lips, preferably pomegranate flavour- the surface area is bloody awesome COULD NOT recommend enough!!
Now your video for the track was directed by Madeline Randall, and features some major Kath and Kim vibes…. Can you tell us about where the idea for the video came from?
HALLIE: Yes hahah - Maddy and I loveeee Kath and Kim, full obsessed, and my manager Summer sent a reference pic of Kath for the video and I think it just clicked- No better way to portray the sassiness of ‘Lip Balm’ than through Aussie sass queens! We were always going to do Kath and then at the last minute Maddy was like ‘have you got a Kim look?’ and of course I did so we just pulled that together and I’m so happy we did! It was such a fun day.
Who do you relate to more, Kath or Kim?
HALLIE: I think this is the most difficult interview question I’ve had HAHA. I honestly think I’m half half and I dress like both of them haha- thought about getting a perm though cause I’m a bit jealous of Kath’s haircut so maybe I admire Kath just a tad more.
We also spotted that you’ve removed a couple tracks from your Spotify, like ‘Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge’ (our personal favourite?!) Something fishy is going on here, can you delve into it yet or is it still top secret?
HALLIE: Busted!! I know, very sad. All I can say is out with the old, in with the new....
What else can fans expect from Hallie for the rest of the year? Could we be seeing more new music?
HALLIE: Yes, you can expect some new music! Next song I’m so excited to have out in the world, really proud of it - bit of a new side of Hallie.
Lastly, to support local, give a shout out to 3 other artists making their way through Queensland’s music scene that you love.
HALLIE: At the moment I’ve been loving Monet’s Pond, Sofia Isella and Genes!
Thank you so much for chatting with us today! P.S Merch idea – Hallie Lip Balm??????
HALLIE: My absolute pleasure, thank you for chatting with me! AND YES! Definitely have had that thought multiple times, definitely gotta do it one day!
By Darcy Goss