Quick Q and A with Hayley Reardon, October 2011
 by Kathy S-B  ·  20 October 2011

Hayley Reardon is an extraordinary young woman. She’s got talent and she’s got a creative spirit that can’t be questioned. Her compassion and willingness to use her music to help others is a sign of maturity beyond her years. We’ve had the pleasure of having Hayley on our stage a few times and we’re thrilled to have her opening for one of her favorite songwriters, Lori McKenna. To learn more about Hayley, check out her website. Here’s a video that I shot at the Boston Area Coffeehouse Association One-Day conference.

Since the last time we chatted, you’ve begun work on a new album. Tell us all about it.

I’m so beyond excited about this album. I just finished signing a deal with Kingswood Records, an independent label based out of Ohio and will be making the album with them. Lorne Entress, who actually produced Lori McKenna’s Bittertown, is producing it and has put together an amazing studio band for me to work with. We hit the studio officially in December and will hopefully have the album out by spring time. I have a lot of work ahead of me but I’m so excited to dive in!

You’ve been learning more guitar technique this past year. How’s that going? Does it come naturally?

Yes! I’ve been working with Raymond Gonzalez right here in town. He’s stretched my songwriting and musicality in a lot of ways and has me writing music that I wouldn’t have been able to a year ago . . . like jazz songs!

You’ve also made some appearances to reinforce your anti-bullying stance. What were your school visits like? Did you meet kids who have had bullying incidents and, if so, what was their reaction to your music?

A lot of what’s moved me forward in the last year has been figuring out what’s really important to me and how I can use my music to make a difference. I’ve furthered my relationship with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and am now working as a “peer spokesperson” for them. I have also had the opportunity to put together an in-school performance based around finding your voice and the outlet my music has given me to be able to stand up for what I believe in. Playing in schools and connecting with kids in person and through the internet has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had so far. I’ve done about 20 in-school performances and they just keep getting more and more fun for me.

Are you involved with any other activities besides music now that you’re in high school?

As of now, no. Keeping up with my school work and this new album is definitely going to be a challenge, so I’m trying not to add any new activities into the mix.