This Saturday, 28 September, marks a milestone for music producer Hailey Marie Redrose as she unveils her first synthwave album at The Basilica, a renowned virtual club in Second Life. Known for her innovative soundscapes and emotive compositions, Hailey’s debut promises to transport listeners into a vibrant sonic universe where nostalgia meets futurism. With pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies, this album launch is set to captivate synthwave enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering a truly immersive experience in a digital venue that complements the genre's retro-futuristic allure.
We spoke to this beta-minx about her album:
Q: Synthwave has a very distinct and nostalgic sound. What inspired you to choose this genre for your debut album, and how did you incorporate your personal style into it?
Well, synthwave really touches me in a lot of meaningful ways. It brings back memories of a better time, when I was just a child and saw the world around me changing. My family and I came from Poland and we were very poor, but my mother and father were always big into rock and pop music, which really helped us when times were tough. When we moved to the States, I was very young, and it was like my entire world changed overnight. I saw things I'd never seen before, from cotton candy, to Super Mario Bros., and of course, the amazing music of the 1980s. There's something special about the music that still resonates with people today. I feel like the genre allows for a lot of creativity, but just like rock, R&B or pop, it can become repetitive and stale, so I wanted to put my own spin on it, instead of copycatting whatever I heard on the NewRetroWave or PrimeThanatos YouTube Channels. I drew heavily from my background in rock, heavy metal and EDM, all of which influenced me. At the end of the day, my music is a reflection of my innermost feelings, which I think all good art should be.
Q: Your album is debuting in a virtual setting at The Basilica. How do you feel about the intersection of music and virtual spaces, and what do you think makes this venue perfect for your launch?
I think it's fascinating! Look, I'm never going to be the next Taylor Swift, and the music business in general is overly corporatized to the point where it will suck the soul out of you. I never wanted to do this for fame or stardom. For me, it's a creative outlet, and if I can't do this on a live stage, a virtual one is just as good. I don't care if there's 100,000 people in the audience, or 100. To me, the ability to share a virtual space with so many people who all form this wonderful online community we live in is, in some ways, even better. It's more intimate, more authentic, and more emotional. I get to have a one-on-one relationship with my fans. About 5 years ago, the PrimeThanatos YouTube channel accepted my very first song and played it on one of their vids, and I got some really, really enthusiastic comments about it. My standards have changed to the point where it's just a demo recording to me now, but I thought, "Wow, someone digs my music!" And then I thought about debuting the album in Second Life and being able to share in the happiness with friends and fans. I'm especially happy to debut it at the Basilica, as well. It's definitely a dream come true.
Q: Can you walk us through your creative process for this album? Were there any particular influences, themes, or emotions that guided your production?
The entire album is basically a reflection of my innermost positivity and my desire to share happiness with others. I love to encourage, build up and inspire people, and I get upset when someone feels down, depressed, or thinks there's no hope for the future. Music is so inspirational, but it has to come from the heart. People who know me understand that my heart overflows with emotions - sometimes good, sometimes bad. That's just how I'm wired. I focus on that first. Mixing and mastering, that's always of secondary importance. Like any artist, it can be hard to find inspiration, so I always start with whatever emotion I'm feeling the most at that moment, then I start with the basics, like a really great synth hook, a guitar lead, or a killer bassline. From there, I craft a beat and then build a rhythm before I start layering in instruments. Rudiments and structure come first, and then, I pour my aforementioned heart into the final song. There's no one theme that ties the album together, save one - the excitement of dreaming. That, and the highest level of emotion I can possibly squeeze into each song. Certain songs were written to make my listeners feel like they're soaring through the sky, while others are meant to tug on the heartstrings and make them cry. Whatever the case, I purposely avoid negative emotions in all my songs. It's an album that was written to be positive and uplifting.
Q: Synthwave often evokes feelings of nostalgia and futurism. How do you see these themes playing out in your album, and what message or experience are you hoping listeners take away from it?
I really think synthwave is an atmospheric musical genre, and although I try to push big beats, exciting melodies and soaring sections when I write, I'm always mindful that it's a spiritual kind of music. I've always loved the way synthwave looks to the future, yet clings stubbornly to the past - particularly the 1980s. However, I do think it's a timeless genre that transcends the decades, which is why it made such a resurgence. The popularity of synthwave has dwindled quite a bit in recent years, so I'm hoping to do my part to inject some life back into its bloodstream, while encouraging others to follow suit. Basically, "Déjà Vu Daydreams" is an album meant to inspire the listener to live each day to the fullest, fight hard to conquer their demons, and pursue their dreams. As I'm so fond of saying, the words "I can't," or "I'll fail," or "I'll never be able to" are self-fulfilling prophecies. I started this album 5 years ago with a single tune, inspired by someone very special to me. I started and stopped a dozen times over the last few years, but...I made it. That's the key takeaway.
Q: As a music producer in a digital world, how do you navigate the challenges of connecting with your audience? Do you think virtual platforms like Second Life offer unique opportunities for artists like yourself?
I believe so, yes. And honestly, my intention is not to change the world, have a #1 record (not in this musical climate, anyways) or gain millions of followers. For me, this is a personal journey. I never, ever thought I had what it took to create an album with this level of sophistication and technicality. I had to learn everything, from chord structure, to proper mixing techniques, and how to master a final product. I'm not a Grammy award-winning producer like Mutt Lange (Def Leppard), but I needed to please me, before anyone else. If just one person listens to my album and feels inspired, or it makes them feel better when they're feeling down, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. I really, genuinely love people, and for me, this is about a personal connection, rather than what I believe to be the less-important pursuit of stardom. There are some songs on this album that are incredibly personal, and I really bare my heart in a way I've never done before. I'm actually very honored and privileged to unveil it in Second Life. I've met some truly wonderful people here, and I hope to meet more through my music.
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