Haylie Davis: Gen Z's Retro Folk-Pop Star

Haylie Davis is making waves as a unique voice in Gen Z songwriting, drawing inspiration from 1970s folk-pop artists. Her upcoming debut album, "Wandering Star," set for release on June 5, features a blend of folk-pop and Americana, all tied together by a cohesive, retro sound. Davis herself describes her process as feeling like a "messenger," channeling classic songwriting that never goes out of style.

The album was meticulously crafted over three years, with Davis self-funding much of the project while working as a waitress. Recording took place in Los Angeles at historic Valentine Recording Studios and the intimate Love Magnet studio. Opting for an all-analog process, Davis views this choice as a serendipitous outcome of collaborating with like-minded musicians, leading to magical recording moments.

Growing up in Sonoma County, Davis's musical journey began with influences from her mother's singing and a deep dive into artists like Gram Parsons and Joni Mitchell. She made the pivotal decision to pursue music professionally in 2019, leaving behind her psychology studies at Chapman University. Now, Davis is preparing for another significant life change, planning to move from Los Angeles to New York City this spring, joining a growing community of musicians making the same migration.