Hailey Whitters performing during the Last Resort Tour at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on December 23, 2021. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Hailey Whitters was closing in on her first decade in Nashville, that mythologized milestone when artists are supposed to finally start reaping the fruits of their labor. But despite 10 years of hard work, the singer-songwriter still hadn't had her breakout moment and, fed up with pushing the boulder uphill, she took a step back to reassess.
"I hit my 'fuck it' point," says Hailey. I felt like I was watering myself down to try and fit in with what this town was doing, and I was looking for Nashville to define my happiness. When I quit doing that I was able to dig into why I am on this journey in the first place: to create music that I love on my own terms. And that's when I wrote 'Ten Year Town.'"
At that moment, the native of Shueyville, Iowa, matured into the artist she was supposed to be: a probing, fearless songwriter who is more concerned with the busted and broken way things are than the pretty and polished way things are painted to be. "Everything is so glossy and so perfect in society," she says, "especially for women, who are getting fillers and changing our face shape. Every single thing is so tweaked to perfection that it's boring. I'm craving something that is raw, real and imperfect."
Growing up, Hailey often found herself paying attention to influential women — not just in her family, but also on the radio. The Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Pink and Gillian Welch all helped shape her songwriting. Instead of superficial party songs, Hailey was compelled to dig deeper, writing about personal yet relatable topics on the guitar she received when she was just 14.
Back then, she too was dreaming of being on the radio, riding around on a tour bus and performing for thousands of fans. But after hitting that "fuck it" point, Hailey's dream changed. Today, she's fulfilled simply by writing songs and lyrics in which everyone can find themselves. She's committed to making country music in the 21st century accessible to all listeners.
Fun, energetic opening set by a very talented artist!Hailey Whitters shared the stage with Midland and Jonathan Terrell at the ACL Live Moody Theater. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia on March 25, 2022.
No doubt about it this gal from Iowa will surprise people and they will stand up and cheer for her.
She was great! So glad I arrived early to see her. She's on the come up for sure.
Hailey really likes to get the crowd going! She's s clever writer and is a very talented person!
Hailey sounds so amazing live. One of the most incredible voices in country music. "One More Hell" is probably one of the most powerful and moving songs I've ever heard.
Hailey Whitters
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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