Recently labeled a People Magazine emerging artist of 2020, Gavin Haley has just released one of our favorite projects to date. Gavin’s “Unfolding” EP is a 7-track EP that comes alongside the official music video for his
latest infectious single “Self Control” featuring UK R&B Soul Artist Izzy Bizu.

“The Unfolding EP is me being more vulnerable with everyone. The idea for this project was to shine a light on the things I had yet to share with the world in my writing. In my past songs, a lot of times I’m singing of relationship turmoil, but I’ve never really gone into what could have caused a lot of those issues. Unfolding is a series of growing pains through music.” says Gavin Haley.

“Sonically, I feel this is the most authentic music I’ve made. I grew up in church, but I also raced bikes and listened to rap music when I could hide it from my family. I feel like I brought elements to this music from every area I’ve drawn inspiration from, but still staying me. Each song is its own story, and I hope this project connects with the people who find it and brings us closer. I wrote Unfolding almost entirely in a few days.”

PopWrapped (PW): The new EP {Unfolding} is in my opinion, the best work you’ve ever put out – maybe because I myself cling to vulnerability more than anything, and you chose to go that route with this EP. How long into the process of developing this EP did you know you wanted to go the vulnerability route? What has the response been like thus far?

Gavin Haley (GH): This project came together so quick, the actual making of it that is. Just over a week. But the whole year before, I was letting go of a lot of childhood trauma and really sorting out personal shit. So, in that way this project took my whole life to make because I finally got to a place where I could open up about some of these things. Honesty up to this point has been crucial in songwriting for me. It’s my therapy.

PW: As someone who has been listening to your music since “Better Off’ in 2018, I can really hear the massive growth in not only your lyricism but also your production with this EP. How would you, personally, describe the growth in your artistry from then to now? Do you feel like, sonically, you’ve finally found your sound?

GH: For me, this is my most authentic work up to this point. It was the first time I just knew exactly what I wanted, and I took the shot. Personally, I don’t believe there’s just one “sound” for me. I’m always going to be dealing with new things in my life and that itself is a direct reflection in how the music sounds. That being said, I think when you hear my music it always feels like Gavin. 

PW: There’s a track on the EP, Self Control” in which you worked with Izzy Bizu on which is a stunning track that is acoustic and quite nostalgic – What was it like working with her on this track and what do you hope that people can take form this track?

GH: Easy!! Best word I can think of. She’s so smooth and she did her thing on this. 

PW: “Be There for You” is a lyrical masterpiece and it talks about wanting to get someone back but there’s a lot of distance in between you two, and wanting to be there for someone you have feelings for. Is this track based on a personal experience, if so, tell us a bit more about it.

GH: I had gone through this pretty tragic breakup, and I went through the phases of being angry, upset and sad. How it generally goes. I was just in a place of like, “hey, I still care about you” even if it’s not what we were. Even if you hate me, I wanna be there for you. I wasn’t able to say that in person or on text, so I wrote this song. It’s kind of a letter in a way. 

PW: We should also note that throughout 2019 and 2020, you’ve went through some trials and tribulations (like a lot of us) and even triumphs that you’ve taken, and you’ve put into your music – What do you hope that your audience (& new fans) can take from this EP?

GH: Ultimately, I wish for these songs to connect whenever someone needs them. You aren’t alone. Everyone has things they go through. I hope my fans and listeners can understand me more. I’d love for our family to grow. 

PW: Other the last few months, COVID 19 has taken completely over our lives – leaving it impossible to see our favorite artists play shows, a lot of us are out of work, and we’re all left wondering, “What is next?” How are you staying busy, motivated, and most importantly, positive during this worldwide pandemic?

GH: It’s a roller coaster for real. I’ve been trying to meditate a lot. Stay close to friends and family. As far as staying motivated I’ll be honest that’s been tough, but I know it will all come back so I’m trying to really lock in on my guitar right now and get better at piano. Also listening to a lot of music. 

You can checkout Gavin Haley’s EP, “Unfolding” on all major music platforms now. Don’t forget to follow Gavin’s music on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.