Singer-Songwriter Rebecca Haviland is breaking new barriers with her eclectic form of Americana. The songstress, who is frequenting the road with the legendary Martin Sexton this Fall, is making a name for herself in her own right. The enchanting piece “Bright City Lights,” is just one of many superb tunes that Haviland has in her repertoire. 2017 has been a standout year for the artist, and she’s wrapping it up on a high note. Heading into the New Year we can’t wait to hear what she has coming up next. We had the honor of speaking with Rebecca, in an exclusive interview which you will find below.
1. What is the inspiration behind your upcoming single? What can you tell us about it?
The upcoming single is called “Bright City Lights.” This song is about growing up with traditional values in a modern society, and how it’s ok to find your own way to be a modern and traditional woman all at the same time, even if I’m from a “coastal elite” city, thus the title “Bright City Lights.”
2. When it comes to writing, do you start playing around with lyrics, or chord structures / instrumentation at first?
I like to try every way possible when looking for inspiration for my songs. Most of these songs come from improvising a chord progression on my guitar, and singing a melody, then shaping that melody into lyrics, most time with a certain inspiration in mind.
3. What places in your mind do you channel to craft your songs?
I like to create moods that coincide with the inspiration for the song. The way I choose to phrase a certain melody over a chord progression creates a corresponding emotion. So when I write and perform, I’m constantly trying to visualize those emotions in my mind, and then playing with the push and pull that I can create between the placement of a lyric line and it’s melody.
4. What are your favorite venues to perform at? and if you had to choose, do you feel more comfortable in the studio or onstage, and why?
I love being onstage more than being in the studio. I love being spontaneous with how I sing and feel a tune, and my phrasing constantly changes. So being in the studio is a lot of fun, especially this time around working with Don DiLego at Atomic Sound in Brooklyn, NY and having an awesome band in the studio- Teddy Kumpel (Joe Jackson), Todd Caldwell (CSN), Chris Anderson (Martin Sexton), and Kenny Shaw (Dispatch). They work so well together and create unique takes every time. But I love the improvisation that comes from playing live with my band. When I’m on stage, I can change how I approach a song based on the way my organ player voices a certain section, or how my drummer plays a specific fill.
My favorite kind of venue is an old theater, and I’ve had the pleasure of performing in many of those across the US. They have so much vibe and resonate so nicely. But locally in NYC, my favorite venues are Arlene’s Grocery and Rockwood Music Hall. Arlene’s just has this great rock n roll vibe, and my favorite sound engineer in all of NYC, Howard. Rockwood is where the scene is these days, and is always great at supporting new music.
5. You are on tour with Martin Sexton. How is that like so far? Are you enjoying the road and what are you learning from the experience?
Martin is such an inspiring singer and songwriter. It’s been a dream of mine to open for an artist like him- he’s constantly supportive of my music, and even involves me in his show having me out on stage to sing during his set.My favorite thing in the world is getting to travel and play music. My husband Chris Anderson plays bass in my band and for Martin Sexton. So it’s been a real family affair. It’s always the best when we get to travel together and play music together, and enjoy lots of local food and local beer!
6. How do you write your songs? What is the process like? Does it take you days, weeks, even longer? How does the perfect Rebecca Haviland piece come together?
Sometimes songs come to me all in one shot. On the EP coming out in February, there is a song called “Secrets Of My Heart.” I literally picked up the guitar, hit record on my phone, and wrote the whole song- lyrics, melody and chords in one shot! But I’ve also had songs that have taken me much longer. Another song on the new record, “Goodbye” I wrote 7 years ago, and I’ve always loved the tune, but it just hadn’t settled in yet. So we revisited it for the new record, changed the arrangement a bit, and it finally feels like it’s found it’s place, kind of like aging a good bottle of whiskey.
7. How did you create a sound throughout time that is so uniquely your own? In your opinion, what defines your sound.
Our sound is inspired by a few different things: a bit of hill country blues, mixed with soul and rock n roll, what Americana truly is a guess, a blending of all the American genres. But my vocals have always been influenced by Billie Holiday and Robert Plant. So throw that in the mix, and you get Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart!
8. This year has already been a huge year for you. What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the year?
It’s been a great year between opening for Martin Sexton, and releasing our new single in November. I’d love to continue to spread the word about our music, and finish up the year with a few more shows, gearing up for our big release in February.
Find More About Rebecca Haviland, Here: https://www.rebeccahaviland.com/
