INTERVIEW: Haven
By Maria Kornacki
Photo by Storm Santos
Haven decided to head to Nashville, the heart of country music at age 12. A large leap from her small hometown of Moville, Iowa. She currently splits her time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
Haven’s recent release of “Swimming In Your Feelings” is currently in regulation rotation on iHeart Radio and Radio Disney. You’ll be sure to hear more of Haven’s name throughout 2020. The now 20-year old artist is set to debut her unique pop sound all throughout the year.
Catch Haven and her supportive friend, Selena Gomez, jamming (on Selena’s Instagram) to Haven’s latest fiery single “Be With You” - listen to “Be With You” here.
What has it been like to tour at such a young age with major country stars such as Lady Antebellum, Thomas Rett, Toby Keith, and Hunter Hayes?
It was incredible! I am so thankful to have had those opportunities at such a young age. It has made me so grateful because I know how hard it is to get the opportunity to play those types of shows, I’m very very thankful!!
When was the moment you decided you wanted to start making pop music?
Haven: I grew up in a small farm town of about 1,600 people. So, I was raised on country music and when I decided I wanted to pursue music that was the only genre I knew of. I didn’t really fall in love with pop until I moved to Nashville. I realized there was so much more melodically and production-wise that I could be doing with my music, so I naturally started experimenting. My publisher was very supportive and sent me on a trip to LA for some pop sessions. During that trip, I realized Pop was what I wanted to do. It felt so natural and brought new life to my music. I’m very excited about the change! It’s been amazing!
How did you first get recognized by manager Brian Teefey of LH7 Management (a.k.a Selena Gomez’s step-dad)?
On my first trip to LA, my publishers had a meeting with Brian and they asked me to come to it at the last minute. I didn’t really know what I was doing there and I don’t think Brian really knew why I was there either, because it wasn’t originally a meeting about me lol! When Brian asked if I was an artist, I was like “yeah I do pop” even though I was still doing country, and just liked the idea of doing pop haha. There was a guitar in the corner of his office so I tuned it up and played something on the spot. He showed some interest, but my social branding and sound wasn’t ready. Thankfully, he mentored me and set up sessions for me for about 6 months, and finally ended up signing me! He’s been the biggest blessing to me and I absolutely love him and his family! I am so thankful to have him as my manager, he’s truly the best I could’ve ever asked for!
Who do you look up to most in both country and pop music?
My main inspirations are Shania Twain, Julia Michaels, Selena Gomez, and Bazzi. :)
Photo by Joshua Burch
What elements of country music do you find work well for you in your approach to pop music creation?
I would say the biggest element I try to carry over into pop is having meaningful lyrics or creating a unique twist in the hook. That’s something I’ve always admired about country music and I try to carry that into the music I’m making now!
What do you intend to bring to the pop industry with your new music that might not currently be abundant in it?
Stylistically, a lot of my stuff has kind of a female Bazzi flavor in the verses, which I think isn’t being done a ton yet. I really like doing sort of rappy ”ish” vibes in my verses, because you wouldn’t expect that from me. I also hope to bring some of my country roots from a lyrical standpoint to my music as well! :)
What’s one song you wish you wrote?
“If the World Was Ending” by JP Saxe and Julia Michaels
What else can we look forward to from you this year?
LOTS of new music!! My single “Be With You” is out everywhere FEB 14th and there will be more music coming around every 6 weeks!! So excited! :)
Keep up to date with Haven!