Conscience, morality and superego: these are the pillars of Haley Blais’ sophomore album, Wisecrack, out now via Arts & Crafts. The Vancouver-based singer inaugurates a new chapter in her artistry with this record, exploring a more confessional and focused work while diving deep into darker tones than anything she’s released before. Textured and wryly poetic, she looks back at her cherished childhood memory throughout the album’s 11 tracks, whilst reflecting on the creation of a new self.
“I wanted this song to be my ‘Sister’ by Angel Olsen moment, with a huge instrumental outro building towards a crescendo of guitars,” she shares. “I think Dave kind of mellowed it out, it has this swagger to it. There’s still a huge swell, but it feels more like a sigh of relief than a big emotional moment.” Starting 2024 strong, she now gears up for the North American leg of her Wisecrack tour, releasing new dates for the US and Canada, from the 7th of February on. Here, we caught up with Haley to get a deeper feeling on the album’s storyline, inspirations behind the tracks, and her favourite part about being on tour.
Listen to the album…
And read the full interview…
Hey Haley! How are you doing?
Hi! I’m really good. Currently sitting at a cafe across the street from an extremely British and Christmas-looking bar I desperately want to go into, but it’s packed full at 2pm on a Sunday. Mint tea when you want a Guinness feels like a cruel punishment.
When did you first start writing music and what about the artistry drew you in?
I was a teenager, rebelling against the constraints of classical opera singing. I liked that I was able to write about whatever I wanted. The songs were so bad, but it wasn’t in Italian and it wasn’t written by a man in the 18th century. I think I started really taking songwriting seriously when I moved out on my own in my early 20’s.
How has your musicality evolved as you’ve grown? How would you describe your sound today?
I don’t know, I hope it’s getting better. I like to think I’m getting better at this whole thing the longer I chip away. I’ve been in a songwriting rut for about a year and only now am I kind of breaking through into it again. What I’m writing about now is darker and more cynical, but it’s always been confessional. I don’t know what my sound is though, no offence but I kind of hate that question because I’m insecure about it. It’s not you, it’s me — I just don’t know how to answer it. Sorry if that’s rude I think I’m mad I can’t go into this pub because it’s too full. Okay actually I kind of hope I never know what my sound is because it’s always changing. That’s my answer.
When did you start working on Wisecrack and what is the essence of the album?
A few years ago. By the time the album came out I think some of the songs were over 3 years old. The essence is embarrassingly personal and vulnerable. But all of my songs are that!
Is there a song you’re most proud of or one that was hardest to write?
“Coolest fucking bitch in town” was really cathartic and maybe the hardest to write, or to realise what I was writing about after the fact. I always have a lightbulb moment a few days after I’ve written a song where I’m like, “Ooooooh that’s what I meant by that”.
