Singer/songwriter Haven is nothing short of a pop powerhouse. Her young career kicked off by writing country tunes in the heart of country music, Nashville. Growing up in the 1,600-person town of Moville, Iowa, Haven decided to head to ‘music city’ at age 12 – where her singing and songwriting talents were quickly recognized. A small-town girl with a big-time stage presence, Haven began touring the nation by age 15 with major country acts such as Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith and Hunter Hayes. While touring the nation, Haven was exposed to the realm of pop music for the first time since leaving her small-town roots and ultimately fell in love with the genre.
Haven’s musical roots stem from a darker time in her life, where music became Haven’s source of light and healing. At 10 years old, she fell ill to an, at the time, unknown disease by doctors. While confined to her hospital bed, Haven picked up a guitar and began writing songs to pass the time. After a year of traveling from one hospital to the next, all the while developing her songwriting abilities, she was diagnosed with POTS Syndrome and immediately began treatment. While her illness came to an end, her love of creating music was just getting started.
Today, Haven’s philanthropic pursuits surround aiding research and recovery efforts for childhood cancer, such as Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. She is additionally passionate about supporting charitable efforts that benefit research of the neurological and physiological effects of music as a method of healing. Haven hopes to utilize both her music and her voice as a source of light in the world.
ECHO had the chance to chat with Haven about her music career and more!
How are you doing?
I’m doing great! Thanks for asking!
Let’s talk your new single! Called “Sad & Successful”, talk about the concept behind the song.
My latest single “Sad & Successful” is probably the most personal song I’ve written and released. I was in a writing session in LA, and my family was celebrating my dad’s birthday in Nashville. They were sending me videos and I was feeling homesick and creatively drained. I remember just thinking.. is me being here in this studio worth being away from the people I love.. like at the end of the day when I’m successful will all of this be worth it?
The song poured out and my producer was actually recording me watching the videos from my family. So at the end of the song you can hear my mom say “We love you Kelsey” (which is my real name) and it’s just so special to me. Obviously I love what I do, I love my team and LA so much, but sometimes you just have those moments of being homesick and I think we definitely captured that. It took a few hours to complete, but months to finally release it. So I’m so excited for it to finally be out!!
What’s your favorite line from the song?
“I’m losing friends, I’m losing sleep, how’s that for living the dream? Don’t wanna wake up in the end in a million dollar bed so sad and successful”
You were supposed to go on tour this month. What are you doing instead to keep yourself creative and busy?
Yes!! The tour is postponed, but I’m so excited to get on the road once it is safe! I am at my house, still rehearsing, working out, spending time with family, and writing music!
You’ve opened for many artists from Toby Keith to Lady Antebellum and soon Dinah Jane. What are some differences from opening at a country show to opening at a pop show?
I think the main difference is there’s a lot more going on with pop shows. In country, I would go onstage with my band and my guitar, play some songs, and walk / jump around. But with this pop set we have choreography, transitions, it’s just really well put together and definitely a step above what I was doing in country.
What was it like knowing Selena Gomez loved your song “Be With You”?
It was a dream come true. I’ve looked up to her practically my whole life so to have her support doesn’t really feel real. She has been so kind and welcoming to me! Love her!
Music started for you when you fell ill, which a lot of people are struggling with being ill during these dark times. How did music help heal you?
Music definitely is healing. It gave me something to focus on and become passionate about during that time. It was also therapy to be able to get out my feelings and frustrations with being sick through music. My thoughts and prayers are going to all of the families going through this illness and any illness right now.
Who or what inspires you to create music?
Music has always been my way to get out my feelings. I would say everyday life inspires me. Some artists that inspire me are Julia Michaels, Selena Gomez, Bazzi, and The Weekend.
What can we expect from you next?
You can expect more music and a tour once all of this passes! I’m still writing and rehearsing, My main hope is that everyone stays safe and healthy right now.
What’s one quote you’ve heard in life that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“Keep on keepin’ on”