INTERVIEW: Hallie On Their Newest Single ‘Do It’ And All The Growth That Came With It!
Photo by Tom Nicholas Lewis
Our favourite queer pop extra-ordinaire Hallie is back with another eloquent go-getter release titled ‘Do It’.
Soaring and exhilarating, whilst sticking true to Hallie’s unique sonic story-telling, the single perfectly captures the yearning and anticipation for a romantic reciprocation through their fun and meaningful sonic experience.
We caught up with Hallie to chat all things ‘Do It', growing through experiences and venturing back out into the dating world!
Hallie! How have you been?
I’ve been really good, thank you for asking! Been on my independent journey the last 6 months- lots of growth, lots of hard work, lots of grounding and working out what I want and need.
That’s beautiful! Now you’ve just released your first single of the year titled ‘Do it’ what does this track mean to you and what do you want listeners to take away from it?
Writing ‘Do It’ was my push to put myself out there and explore my queerness and new connections again. Those feelings of nervousness and imposter syndrome are really real and unique to people who experience dating with multiple genders. This song is especially for the pan, bi and fluid queers and I hope it makes them feel seen and understood and hopefully, gives them the push to Do It!
How did this theme come to surface?
I wrote ‘Do It’ after coming out of a long-term heteronormative relationship and was coming back into single life whilst also wanting to explore my queerness again. I also had covid the day I wrote it on zoom and it was a bit of a low period. I wrote the first lyric ‘hazards on and I’m feeling, kind of lost thick breathing’ is in reference to me breaking down the day before in my car and realising maybe I’m getting sick. I brought this lyric up in the session and I think it was mostly in reflection that the meaning behind this song developed. I learnt alot from myself in writing ‘Do It’, which was really cool.
Dating can be both terrifying and liberating, what advice do you have for someone who is trying to get back into the dating world again?
Honestly, I am still working it all out but I would say right now something I’m learning is that it's okay if there’s awkwardness. Lean into it. The perception of dating and love in the movies is not accurate to real life experiences and it isn’t smooth, it isn’t always easy, especially when it’s so important to consider boundaries and make everyone comfortable. Lust and sex can be kind of cringe but let it happen!
You’ve also got an epic music video accompanying the release, which you directed as well, how did you come up with the video idea and what was it like on-set?
The first spark for me for the video was the colour orange. I had such a draw to it at the start of this year and the colour feels so gender fluid and also is a symbol for sexuality and freedom. I wanted to show me working through these obstacles that were representative of my fears around it all, and slowly break through them to then gain the confidence to get the kiss at the end. I’m very proud of how this video turned out!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-fM5Xab-oA?wmode=opaque]
Reflecting on your earlier releases and comparing them to your more recent tracks, how has your sound grown?
I feel very confident and connected to my current sound. I think I’ve found a sonic world where I can explore my love of storytelling, rock textures and pop melodies simultaneously. It’s really lovely to hear the evolution of all my music and the journey I had to get here.
Who/what have been some of your key influences lately?
Holly Humberstone has been massive! Such an amazing storyteller. Bea Miller has also been on my radar a lot and I’ve been hitting a lot of 2000’s music; lots of Gwen Stefani and Veronicas.
You also went on tour with Towns! How was that? Could we be seeing another Hallie tour soonish?
So fun! The Towns band and crew are the absolute best people to tour with- such genuine and hilarious sweethearts. Yes, I’m doing a whole bunch of shows over Sept and Oct in Aus! So excited to be playing and travelling again.
To finish things up, as fellow Meanjin residents, we’ve got some quickfire Q’s about our beloved city!
Let’s DO IT! hehe
Best place to grab a coffee?
Gramps Cafe, 100% (mostly cause the staff are the best)
Favourite venue?
Fortitude Music Hall
Best op-shop?
Red Hill Church! (near the post office I don’t know if that’s the official name)
Best spot for a picnic?
New Farm Park obviously! Or my backyard hehe
Favourite up-and-coming Meanjin act:
Monet’s Pond!
Stream ‘Do It’ now!'
Follow Hallie
HALLIE’S AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:
SAT, AUG 27: Crafted Beer & Cider Festival, Yugambeh language region/Gold Coast
TUE, SEPT 6 - FRI SEP 9: Bigsound Festival, Meanjin/Brisbane
SAT, SEPT 10: The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
SAT, OCT 1: Caloundra Music Festival, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
SUN, OCT 2: Blackbear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane
FRI, OCT 14: UNSW Roundhouse, Gadigal Land/Sydney
SAT, OCT 15: The Drop Festival, Gadigal Land/Bondi Beach
SUN, OCT 16: North Gong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
SAT, OCT 22: The Drop Festival, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
SUN, OCT 23: Cambridge Hotel, Awabakal Country/Newcastle