We all have that special role model in our life that has helped us grow as individuals and to see our importance to society. Think about that person - a parent, grandparent, high school teacher, coach - that opened doors for you, shared priceless wisdom, was a shoulder to lean and taught you valuable lessons. Personally, I don't know where I would be without both my parents, my biggest fans in whatever I do. Each day they have taught me to always be myself, respect others and live each day to the fullest. I owe them everything and hope when I have kids can be half the parents they are. In her latest single "Shoe's to Fill", Halle Kearns thanks her father and delivers a deep, meaningful song we can all relate to.
Get To Know Halle
"I'm originally from Columbia, Missouri and lived there for 18 years. After high school I moved to Kansas City to pursue music full time. My family had moved here (Kansas City) so that's what brought me. I figured it was a good stepping stone before moving to Nashville. I lived in Kansas City and performed full time for about 4 years. I reached out to other artists to learn the business side of the industry and in March 2019 I moved to Nashville. I grew up listening to Country Music, as far back as I can remember. Like I was in my car seat requesting the “blue CD with white stars”, which was Martina McBride, or the “blue bare feet” which was The Dixie Chicks. I was always asking my mom to play those CDs, that's what really got me into Country Music. There were a lot of female influences and I just fell in love with it. Originally, at 9 years old, I took guitar lessons for 2 weeks. I hated it because my teacher was teaching me music like AC/DC. It didn't really interest me at the time. When I was 13, I picked up a guitar again and taught myself via YouTube. During this time, I would go to YouTube, find a song I liked, look up the chords and learn that way. As I got a little older, like 15 or 16, I started writing songs. When I was about 17, everyone around me was talking about going to college but I made the decision that I wanted to make music a career."
Y'all guys better take some notes... Halle's dad has set some high standards and that's the way it should be
Let's just be honest. People are assholes. Chivalry is damn near dead, and what happened to sending a cute guy/girl a note, getting their number and going on a real date to get ice cream or a nice dinner? Is that too much to ask? Now we are stuck in the world of pointless snapchats, tinder swipes and not knowing how to hold an actual conversation in person. Ok, I'm done... Halle's new single "Shoes to Fill" has so many significant meanings, but most importantly the lyrics in the song paint a picture of her dad being a role model and teaching self worth. It's a blue print to how guys should treat her. Such a heartfelt jam! From the lyrics to Halle's radiant voice, a must-listen for sure. If you truly listen and take in every line, you will not only hear the appreciation she has for her dad, but you may also start to look back at your own life and think of the role models who have made an impact in your life. Easily one of the best songs written in 2020 and goddamn we needed it. After gaining momentum with her last two singles "I Drink Whiskey" and "Pick Me Up", "Shoes to Fill" is quickly solidifying Halle is a name you need to keep on your radar in the next few years. A rising star who will soon be up on stage with the whole crowd singing along.
Inspiration Behind "Shoes to Fill"
Written By: Gary Garris, Morgan Johnston, Halle Kearns & Kaylin Roberson
Produced By: Stephan Sharp
"I wrote it with Gary, Morgan and Kaylin. They are awesome and are artists as well. It was cool to get four artists in a room. Gary is a track guy as well, so we were able to do it that way. I am incredibly close with my dad, he's my best friend in the entire world. The song just came out naturally and when we got the idea for the hook, we just ran with it. I usually sit on songs for a long time before I release them, so I can just sit back and really think about the song and the quality of it. It’s part of the process that I really love, but for "Shoes to Fill", the second we wrote it I wanted to record it. The day we left that room I told myself "this is it". I waited for this to be my third single because I wanted to” earn” that intimate song after putting out two fun songs. This song is for my dad, my best friend. He's done such a good job of showing me that I am worth being loved by someone and why/how to hold out for someone who is going to love me like he has my entire life."
Q & A With Halle
Q: Favorite thing about Nashville?
A: "I would definitely say the sense of community is my favorite thing. I always compare Nashville to summer camp, as silly as that sounds. I think it's just... everyone here is originally from somewhere else across the country. It's really cool to see people come together with one common interest. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. We've all been the new kid at some point, so we know the feeling when others get to town. It's been so easy to make friends."
Q: How was the process of creating "Shoes to Fill" and what went into the song before being released?
A: "So we started with just a write, the four of us. Had no preconceived ideas or anything before we sat down. Gary was the track guy on this one, so he created the vibe of what we were looking for. Next came the hook, then we pieced together lyrics for the rest of the song. Then we made our little song demo baby. From there, I recorded 5 songs at once over a few weeks. I started with piano and left it super stripped down initially and I sang to that. Afterwards I went in and added some pads, a little bit of steel, then had it sent over for mixing and mastering. I got it back and now here we are."
Q: When was the "light bulb" moment when you knew you wanted to pursue Country Music as your career?
A: "You know, I can't really remember the exact moment. It was a collective of a few months. It was thinking about college, those next steps in life, transitioning into those "adulthood" years and trying to figure out what your life is going to shape into. I am from Columbia, Missouri, which is a college town, where MIZZOU is. The next step - if you don't know what you're going to do after Rock Bridge - is to go to MIZZOU, or as we all call it, “Rock Bridge 2.0”. I was thinking about all of these things and there was nothing I was passionate about besides music. There was nothing else I could see myself doing forever. So I sat my dad down and told him "I think I really want to turn this music thing into a career". He said "what does that look like"? My response was "I have no idea"! But he supported me every step of the way and was really excited about my choice. I'm one of 4 girls and he told me "all I want for you girls is to figure out the purpose of why you are here on Earth and chase after that". My dad has had my back and been my #1 fan for about 5 years now."
Q: Who are some of the artists/songwriters that you shape your music around?
A: "I would say I'm highly influenced by what I said earlier - the 90s female wave - like Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, The Dixie Chicks and that whole group of women. I also grew up on Alan Jackson, George Strait and that kind of thing. I was really into the singer-songwriter thing in high school - like Nora Jones and Amos Lee, that kind of feel. There was a lot of Top-40 Country radio in high school as well. There are a ton of different influences that go into whatever the heck I'm making now. I love “beachy” country, which you can hear in my first two songs and in a song I have coming out later called "Whatever You Do". It has a Jake Owen, Billy Currington kind of feel. I love Sean McConnell, who is incredible and has written a lot of big songs in Nashville. He is my dream write. Sean is absolutely amazing. Lastly, I absolutely love Seaforth."
If you are just discovering Halle Kearns, go stream her other songs on Apple Music & Spotify.
Comments