What is your name?
I’m Lydia Halloway. So psyched to meet you guys!
What is your genre of music?
I make dance pop for people who feel too much.
Give us a little bio about you.
Well, I grew up in Manhattan. My first real passion was ballet, and I also got into modern dance and worked with the Martha Graham Company. As a little kid, it was this super powerful way to get close to the music and really feel it on a deeper level. Then I started writing my own songs in eighth grade or so.
What made you go in to music?
Honestly, I didn’t feel I had a choice. I don’t make music because I want to; I make music because I have to.
Are you a signed?
Nope! I’m waiting for the right deal to come along.
You released your single ‘ Dancing To You ‘, tell us more about the single.
I wrote this song shortly after having a surgery that threatened to take away my ability to sing forever — it was pretty much the worst news I could possibly get. After having surgery, for months, I could barely carry a tune, and so I focused on honing my writing and production skills. I even taught myself how to produce in Ableton.
Listen here
https://open.spotify.com/track/6SRhY0IBYqsQcrL4zpiB2d?si=MDoKuShLTrGWNF5jrQcr_w
What is the meaning behind the Single.
It’s very much about how music can make you feel unbelievably close to a person — even if you’re dancing with a stranger, the right song can just lift you up and make you feel like you’re on exactly the same wavelength. I tried to get at that kind of intimacy in the chorus.
Describes the track in two words.
Overthinking. Oversharing.
What was the writing process like?
Writing this song was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. It came to me in a flash, in almost exactly the form it’s in today.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was way more challenging. We cut a few different versions of the song before I landed on something I was happy with. I definitely had to push myself to get into the right mindset for the vocals. But ultimately I really love the studio, so it was still a lot of fun.
Who did you work with on the Single?
I worked with producer and engineer Dice Suzuki on the initial concept and then with iamsimon on the final execution.
You also have your debut EP ‘Never Meant To Hurt You’, tell us more about the ep.
Who did you work on the ep with?
I was lucky to have an amazing team for the EP. Almost all of the writing I did myself, but I worked with kick-ass producers — iamsimon, who’s based in Stockholm, as well as Dibs, who’s worked with some of my favorite artists ever. I’m honestly so grateful for their work.
Describe each track in two words.
Oof! That’s tough.
“Lights Go Out” is cocky and insecure at the same time. “Gold” is self-aware and realist. And the others I can’t reveal yet!
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?
I’ll be playing a whole slew of venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan starting in about two months, so stay tuned for updates. We’re super geared up about the live show — my bandmates are so awesome and talented.
If so where will you be heading?
We’re keeping it local for the time being, but I’ve definitely had some interest from LA, so we’ll see what happens in the next few months.
What else can we expect in 2019?
2019 is going to be huge. I already have so many ideas for more songs, and there are some extremely dope collaborations going on that I can’t announce yet. I’m really excited to dig in to work with a bigger network of artists.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Yes, but I can’t say yet!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I’m always up for collaborations and co-writes — anyone who’s interested can get in touch through my website.
Do you play any instruments?
I’m mostly a singer, but I do also play guitar and piano (though to be honest I get worse every day). Generally if I’m going to do instrumentals, I like to play my Ableton Push or produce drum racks.
Who are your influences?
My influences are super wide-ranging — Dolly Parton is huge for me, but so is Bjork. Anybody with a vision.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
A lot of the time, melodies hit me in quiet moments – walking from the subway, or standing in an elevator. Even in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. I try to capture as much as I can on my phone and then when I’m able to set aside a few hours for writing, I’m ready to dive back in.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Making the most exciting, stunning songs I possibly can.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Mostly agonize about politics.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
“Clearest Blue” by CHVRCHES — that song just felt like a whole new beginning to me.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Good things take time.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Listen. Listen, listen, listen. Listen to the charts every day. But also listen to music that has nothing to do with your genre. Listen to music from the 20s, and the 80s. There are genius artists hidden in every pocket, and there’s so much to learn from them.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“In writing, you must kill your darlings.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Veniero’s — it’s the oldest Italian bakery in New York, and they have all kinds of spiked coffee drinks. It’s a total must.
Your coming off tour;
1/Where do you go first?
My bed
2/Who do you see first
My Morkie,Bit
3/What do you eat first?
An Almond croissant and a huge coffee
