Handpicked by Michael Jackson, the Pop Singer Haley Pharo Discusses Her Music and More!

Meet Haley Pharo! She is a very promising new pop singer-songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. Her debut self-titled album was produced by Andrew Dawson who has worked with Beyonce, Kanye West and more.

Learn more about Haley in the following All Access interview:

Can you all remember the exact moment that you realized that you wanted to be a performer?

I was watching a talent show at summer family camp. I was 7 years old and the girl was singing “These are a Few Of My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music. I remember walking away from that show and asking my parents if I could start taking voice lessons.

You sought out Michael Jackson’s vocal coach, Seth Riggs. Tell me about the experience and what it was like finally working with him when you got to LA?

It was so exciting and nerve wracking! I first sang for him over the phone and was so nervous I knocked myself in the lip with the mic! I learned so much from him and am so thankful. He really reshaped my voice.

What was it like having Michael Jackson pick your voice out of the choir when you were recording in the studio?

It was unreal!! It still doesn’t quite feel real to me. He truly is one of the best of all time so to have him see any talent in me was pretty unbelievable.

For people just getting to know you guys, how would you describe your music?

A pop/rock emotional roller-coaster

Tell me about your current single, “Prisoner”. Where did the inspiration for it come from?

“Prisoner” is a really personal record for me. It was inspired after spending some quality time with myself and realizing how guarded I had become. I had stopped trusting.

What’s the music scene like in Dallas? How has being from Texas influenced you and your music?

I moved out to LA when I was 18 so the only places I was able to get into to sing at in Dallas at the time were churches and opry’s. I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the recording studios around Dallas before that which was so helpful when it came time to cutting my album.

You have worked with producer, Andrew Dawson who has worked with Kanye West and Beyonce. How did that happen?

My manager, Graham Kurzner, introduced us. I was a fan of his work before meeting him. When we first sat down we really clicked creatively and started moving forward with the record.

What have you learned from will.i.am who you befriended backstage at a Justin Timberlake show?

That guy is one of the smartest men I’ve ever met. Something he taught me about songwriting which has really stuck with me was to give a song more than one hook. The more people can grab onto and sing along with the better.

How do you feel about the comparisons people are making to you and Katy Perry and Pink?

What nice comparisons! Both artists I’ve looked up to for years and love listening to them. I hope people enjoy my music as much as I’ve enjoyed both of theirs.

If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Ah! That’s such a hard/good question!! I would love to write a song with John Lennon. The way he told stories through music is so brilliant.

When you aren’t performing or writing new material, what do you like to do for fun?

I love being outdoors! So I love going to the beach and hiking around LA. I sound like such a typical girl saying “ I love clothes”, but I do. Haha! I love finding new looks and putting together outfits for myself and my friends.