There are few things I appreciate more in this world than a strong, driven female producer. That’s what Woman Crush Wednesday is all about! Around the local Chicago music scene, Haleigh Haus is a haus-hold name known for her tech house mixes and her hyper feminine style. But there’s more to this artist than cute outfits and pink hair. Fresh Music Freaks caught up with Haleigh to talk about where she came from, her new music and the Freaky Five.
FMF: First, I’d like to extend a thank you for taking the time to sit down with Fresh Music Freaks. We’re excited to have you! How is life in LA treating you?
HH: Amazing so far! I mean, I’ve only been here a week now but the vibe here is awesome. I’m feeling so motivated and inspired. People really hustle here and it’s great
What was the motivation behind moving there from Chicago, a place that was your home for so long?
A lot of great opportunities to work with some of my favorite and most influential producers. My friends here are making some really big moves for house music. Chicago will always have my heart but I felt like if I was going to take my career to the next level, (with the advice from a lot of my friends who are very successful artists) I needed to make the move. Not saying I won’t ever go back to Chicago. I love that city. LA is the right place for me right now though.
You’ve been in the industry a long time now. How did that path start?
I actually started in bands, back when the emo scene was flourishing. I was managing bands and teaching myself to play instruments. I actually moved to Chicago right after high school to go to Columbia College Chicago for music business and audio engineering. I first learned on Pro Tools recording live instruments
That’s admirable, what instruments can you play?
Piano and bass guitar. Although, I’m pretty out of practice from DJing and making electronic music for a while now. One of my goals I set for myself when I moved to LA is to start practicing piano every day again – even if I only have time for 15 minutes. I want to get back to playing for fun and not just writing music. I even took off my acrylic nails.
I know the struggle! Being a woman in the male-dominated EDM scene can be tough. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced personally?
I think we all get the annoying comments like “wow, you can actually DJ” or “you’re really good for a girl.” I think also my aesthetic kind of hurts me sometimes too where men don’t take me seriously because I’m a “pretty girl.” I don’t feel like I should have to wear baggy t-shirts and dress more androgynous to be taken seriously as an artist though. Not saying there’s anything wrong with that. If that’s what makes you comfortable, do you! I’m just here trying to create art and doing/looking like whatever makes me happy. Every woman should be able to do that. Every human deserves that right.
Hell yes. Whatever makes you most comfortable. Do you have any tips for other women out there who might want to become a DJ/producer?
Practice! Practice! Practice! Don’t get on the stage and not know how the equipment works or how to troubleshoot it or plug it in. KNOW what you’re doing first and foremost. And also support your other female DJs! We’re all in this together. There’s room for all of us at the top
Let me gush and say I love listening to your seasonal Haus mixes, especially your Spring 2018 mix, that’s my favorite. Do you have any new music coming that we can look forward to?
Yes! Finishing up Spring Haus 2019 as we speak. (probably won’t call it that) But yes, hot new mix coming at you the day this interview is released. You get the exclusive! Also, sitting on a bunch of unreleased originals and collabs that I promise have been worth the wait. But you still gotta wait
Oh I just got chills, I’m really looking forward to that! You tend to favor genres like tech house, techno, house and even bass house in your mixes. Has it always been that way? How has your style progressed since you started spinning?
Oh wow. It took me a really long time to narrow down my focus when it comes to a genre. I’m a Sagittarius… I love too many things and I don’t like to pick favorites. My first mix I ever released was Nu disco with a hint of tech house sprinkled in. I still love that mix. It’s still in my SoundCloud buried somewhere if you care to look for it. I think it was called “New Year’s Mix” or something. I went more bass heavy for a while and really got down with bass house but groove driven tech house really stole my heart. That’s mostly what I’ve been making so it really takes the forefront of my sets now. I actually had someone tell me I play “aggressive tech house” and I’m like, ok – sure. I’ll take that
I’m always interested in hearing what artists listen to, outside of their own music. What is some Fresh Music you’re freaking about?
Ahhhhh. I’m actually the worst. I wish someone would send me some fresh music outside of electronic music. I listen to a lot of older music. I’ll go back and forth between My Chemical Romance and Queen for a week. And then listen to nothing but old French pop music from the 1940s for a week. And then blues and jazz for a week. I have a lot of great jazz albums on vinyl that I just play in my house as I go about my day. I think it’s important to listen to things outside of your own genre. You find so much inspiration in those outside unfamiliar lands and that’s key for your music to not sound the same as everyone else in your genre
I’m gonna throw in some fun questions called the Freaky Five. Five questions to help people get to know the person, not just the artist.
If, heaven forbid, you had to choose between tacos and pizza which would you choose?
Sheesh, that’s brutal. Pizza though. I have an undying love for pizza. I even have a pizza tattoo
Are you a cat person or a dog person and why?
Dog person. I have a pup who I love more than anything, even though he’s a brat. I love all animals but I’m a vegetarian and cats are carnivores so ethically I feel like I can’t have one. I adore my friend’s cats though! Shout out Crouton
Favorite color?
I don’t like to pick favorites. Depends on my mood. But I usually like pink the most
What is your favorite thing to drink when you go out?
Usually tequila. I’m actually not drinking right now though. I go on big breaks from alcohol for months at a time. I think it’s really important to separate that this is a job and not just partying all the time. Alcohol takes such a toll on your body and mind. Especially with traveling a lot. I’m also much more creative when I’m not drinking. I’m trying to go longer and longer without it but I’m not perfect
If you could fly anywhere in the world right now where would it be?
France. I’ve always been in love with the culture but still have never been there. I’ve tried learning French since I was in high school but am still terrible at it. Another one of my goals I set when I moved to LA was to practice my French every day and I’m doing pretty well so far! I also have some French friends here in LA so hopefully, that will help
Any last words for your friends and fans?
Put down your phones and EXPERIENCE the vibes! People work really hard to put on these shows to make them memorable for you. Your shitty cell phone video won’t ever be able to recreate that. Live it! Also, dance! It’s literally called electronic DANCE music. Put your phone away, dance, respect and love each other, and have fun!
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