This past week, Ashley Frangipane, most widely known by her stage name Halsey, released her new single “Not Afraid Anymore.” The single comes well-received after a long gap following her BADLANDS album, with fans praising the artist for her powerful vocals and unique sound.
Since her debut in late 2014, Halsey has been widely successful, ultimately winning the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women in Music in December of 2016.
Here’s how she did it.
1. She isn’t afraid to play with her image.
From cutting her locks to trying out new fashion, Halsey has experimented head to toe in her quest to express who she is as an individual and as an artist. While many budding musicians may be hesitant to experiment so early into their career, Halsey embraced the opportunity, and fans loved her for it.
Whether you want to try her bleached pixie cut or find a fit that’s all your own, don’t be afraid to have fun with it and discover yourself along the way.
Check out Halsey with her short teal ‘do in “New Americana” here.
2. She writes emotional lyrics that truly mean something to her.
Halsey has set herself apart from her fellow artists by not only writing all of her lyrics but by writing music that she honestly identifies with. In an interview with Elle Magazine in 2015, she claims to not be a very good singer, but that it’s okay because “for me, it’s about emotion.”
If you write your own lyrics, try writing something that you personally relate to, as opposed to what you think others will want to listen to. The stronger connection you have to the song, the easier it will be to perform.
Listen what many fans call her most emotional song here.
3. She’s vocal about who is she and what she is going through.
In addition to writing about what she feels, Halsey has broken a wall between herself and her fans by speaking out about bullying, female presence in the music industry, and her personal struggles with bipolar disorder. While her activist mentality has made her vulnerable to criticism, it has also come with a great deal of praise from fans who admire her bravery and appreciate that she is using her voice to speak out about causes she believes in.
If you have a cause that you are especially passionate about, don’t feel like you should hold back because of your music career. Oftentimes, fans will appreciate you standing up for what you think is right, and you may even draw more attention to your music because of it.
Watch Halsey discuss the importance of mental health here.
Halsey has managed to find new ways of expressing herself while always remaining true to who she really is, whether that’s through her lyrics or her activism. Her bold attitude and willingness to step out of her comfort zone has drawn in her audience and helped her come into her own. Take a cue from Halsey and create your own path in the music industry.
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Kelsey Leaman is a senior at American University in Washington D.C. studying Economics and International Studies. She is passionate about writing, Lemonade, and Michelle Obama.
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