Page 7 - ION Indie Magazine_JulyAug 2021

FEATURED

Music by Gina Haley
“See See Rider” Interview by Marty Haviik
https://azthunderphot9.wixsite.com/azthunderphoto

Growing up in the rock/hard rock/metal community, I’ve always had a secret love for that wonderful blues
jazz music from the 20s on through the 60s. And one huge influence in my music career was that grand
pioneer rock legend, Bill Haley. The beauty of this interview and connection is that I’ve been friends with
Gina Haley, the youngest child of rock and roll pioneer Bill Haley, on the social media network for a few
years. The past few weeks have been a treat exchanging emails and texts. This was a grand opportunity to
work with Gina, not only talk about her father, but mostly wanting to know more about her music career,
travels, and thoughts about music through her eyes. In spite of her busy life, Gina was so gracious enough
to squeeze me in for this awesome interview and I’m very much appreciative for this opportunity.

Marty Haviik: I want to stay focused on you, but I do need to at least ask you one question about
your father, and that is, how big of an inspiration has he been to you throughout your years and
especially in 2021?

Gina Haley: Yes, well, naturally my father was my first inspiration before I was even old enough to understand
who and what he was. He thought it was fun to record me singing into a little tape recorder and would pretend
he was a radio show host introducing me as the next act. I was only four years old, but he showed me singing
was something that came natural to me. After he died, I wanted to learn as much about his professional life
as I could, which inspired me in a whole new way. It opened the doors to learning about where and how
American popular music originated. Ultimately, learning about the roots of early rock and roll led me to
discover how much I love early rhythm and blues and found that it was possible to recreate this music in an
authentic way for other people who are passionate about keeping this music alive.

MH: Speaking of inspiration, besides your father, where else do you find inspiration in writing music
or staying motivated?

GH: I find my inspiration from the fans! I am still amazed that there are people out in the world that love old
school dance music. These beautiful people love to dance! I don't mean ‘dance’ like the way most people
dance. I mean, dance like a scene straight out of a WWII movie or movies about 1950's rock and roll. This
is a way of life for some people. They dress the part like they've stepped out of a time machine. It's beautiful!
There are a lot of opportunities to go out and dance to live music in England and some European countries,
usually at weekenders, festivals, or even clubs. When those events aren't happening, folks are usually happy
spinning records and dancing in a small club or party. I have always been into retro hairstyles, make up, and
fashion, and I certainly love to step back in time for the shows I do. So, I get all of my inspiration from knowing
that the fans want to dance to my music! It's absolutely thrilling to watch because quite a few people belong
to music/dance clubs or dance schools that teach Jive, East and West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, among
others. Often the dancing is really good! It's very inspiring.

MH: Are there any artists or performers that you looked up to or admire?

GH: I admire Gunhild Carling from Sweden. She is an incredible multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, dancer,
performer, and songwriter, and she has great stage presence. The Jive Aces, of course, teach me so much
about performing and touring. I dig a lot of different kinds of music and get inspiration from anywhere I can.
Lately, I've been listening to Lake Street Drive, Fantastic Negrito, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Cactus
Blossoms, Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes, Andra Day, James Hunter Six, and that's just off the top of my
head. I love what these artists are doing.

MH: I want to talk about your tour in the United Kingdom last year. How was that? Any exciting
stories you want to share?

Photo credit: Gerhard Mannsberger