MIXTAPE: The Harmaleighs’ Anthems for the Weak

We are both anxious creatures, whether it comes to an existential crisis about our career choice or what to say next in a conversation. We created a playlist for the Bluegrass Situation based on songs that help calm our anxious minds. — Haley Grant and Kaylee Jasperson, The Harmaleighs

The Harmaleighs – “Anthem for the Weak”

An anthem for those who suffer from anxiety.

The Harmaleighs – “Don’t Panic”

One of our favorites off the new record — we want you to close your eyes and lose all concepts of time and space when you listen.

Lucius – “Go Home”

The first song we ever heard from our favorite band.

The Lumineers – “Gloria”

This is a banger. It does what a lot of Haley’s favorite songs do. It pairs heavy lyrical content with an upbeat danceable vibe. Also, have you seen the music video? It’s visually STUNNING.

Faye Webster – “Room Temperature”

Haley highly recommends you watch the music video. One of her favorites!

Molly Burch – “Without You”

She is Haley’s new favorite discovery! Her tunes give us a major throwback feels.

Theo Katzman – “Break Up Together”

King 👏🏻 of 👏🏻 break 👏🏻 up 👏🏻 songs 👏🏻

Bahamas – “Okay, Alright, I’m Alive”

Bahamas are the most underrated band walking planet Earth.

Ethan Gruska – “Rather Be”

His voice transfers Haley to another dimension.

Emily King – “Remind Me”

One of our favorite artists!! Love how you can feel the intention behind every single word.

Brandi Carlile – “Oh Dear”

Brandi has been such an influence for both of us from a young age. This is one of our favorite songs by her.

Dixie Chicks – “Not Ready to Make Nice”

When morale is low on tour and we are finishing up the last stretch home, you better believe we CRANK this tune.

Patty Griffin – “Forgiveness”

This song has been a constant in our road playlist since we started the band. The songwriting and performance of it is so emotionally raw. This is a grounding track for us. It’s a reminder that the most important thing to portray in a record is the feeling and Patty Griffin nails it.

Lowland Hum – “Will You Be”

The sound of their voices together immediately calms Haley down.

Caroline Rose – “Getting to Me “

Haley swears she has listened to this song 300 times. There is something about the beat in the beginning that makes her feel at ease.

Andrew Bird – “So Much Wine, Merry Christmas”

This song brings Haley back to a very peaceful time in her life. When she listens to it, she can close her eyes and pretend like she’s 21 again.

Paul Simon – “Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes”

Paul Simon is an artist we both have strong roots with. His voice and instrumentation of all of his songs can make your heart sing.


Photo credit: Ruth Chapa

3×3: The Harmaleighs on Socks, Nuts, and Avetts

Artist: The Harmaleighs (Haley Grant and Kaylee Jasperson)
Hometown: Carol Stream, IL + Montrose, CO
Latest Album: Hiraeth (out May 5)
Personal Nicknames: Haley sometimes goes by Halez, and Kaylee goes by Shaye, Kay, or Jasperson.

If you could safely have any animal in the world as a pet, which would you choose?

HG: A pug! We have one already.

Do your socks always match?

HG: They never have matched.

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?

HG: Oh, I would 100 percent choose the ability to fly! I’ve always wished for that every year on my birthday. (Shh don’t tell, otherwise it won’t come true.)

KJ: I would like to have the ability to fly, but only if I could carry the van, as well. Touring would be so much easier.

What’s your go-to road food?

HG: Nuts, rice cakes, or some sort of granola bar.

KJ: Jerky

Who was the best teacher you ever had — and why?

HG: Best teacher I’ve ever had was my songwriting teacher at Belmont — Tom Douglas. He was incredibly passionate about us writers making a difference in art and not just writing music for a cut. He opened up about his struggles with writing more than anyone I’ve ever met. They didn’t make sense to me much then, but they sure do now.

KJ: The best teacher I’ve ever had is without a doubt my substitute band director, Mr. Smith. We were in a weird transition of band directors at my high school, and he came out of retirement and stepped in for a short period of time to help the band program. He had a very successful career as a musician and pushed me to pursue music. I’ll never forget when he asked me what I would want to do with my life if it wasn’t music, and when I literally had no answer he responded with, “Well then, you need to pursue that. It’s a hard industry to be in and, if you could see yourself doing something else, then you should just do that.” That has always stuck with me through the years.

What’s your favorite city?

HG: NASHVILLE, TN! Every time we go on tour, we end up looking up apartments in different cities and then try to imagine our life there. But by the time the run is over, we realize how much we actually do love Nashville.

 

WE LEAVE 4 TOUR TOMORROW COME HANG

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Boots or sneakers?

HG: Oh, God. Don’t make me choose. Okay okay — boots. JEEZ that was hard. It really depends.

KJ: Boots, for sure. They have a better stomping sound for the stage.

Which brothers do you prefer — Avett, Wood, Stanley, Comatose, or Louvin?

HG: All amazing, but Avett has my vote.

KJ: Ooh, that’s a tough one. I love the Wood Brothers, but I will never forget listening to I and Love and You by the Avett Brothers for the first time and feeling so many feelings all on one record. That was definitely on replay for a solid two months at our house.

Head or heart?

HG: Heart heart heart. Why do you think I’m still making music? 😉

KJ: Heart always. It feels the feelings and literally keeps you alive.


Photo credit: Joe Caliva