With moving vocals and tender narratives, Halley Neal's touching single “Emily” encapsulates the spirit of a lifelong connection and establishes the mood for her most recent album, ‘Letter for a Friend.’
Listen: “Emily” – Halley Neal
Grounded in sincerity and appreciation, Halley Neal turns real-life relationships into songs of affection, growth, and nostalgia – creating music that highlights the beauty in the bonds that define us. The New England-based singer-songwriter pays tribute to the quiet resilience of a lifelong friendship in her touching track “Emily,” which stands out on her newly released album Letter For a Friend. This gentle folk-pop ballad adorned with rich acoustic layers showcases Neal’s distinctive combination of beautiful vocals and charming melodies. The reflective piece is an intimate and emotionally charged folk-pop number inspired by her oldest friend, a subtle yet impactful influence who helped shape her formative years. The song contemplates the enduring effect of a significant friendship, one that lingers regardless of life's changes or the passage of time.
Halley Neal's latest album ‘Letter For a Friend’ is now available. Neal is rapidly gaining recognition in the Americana and folk music scenes, touring across the country and performing at esteemed listening rooms and folk venues. Her journey has included stages at iconic festivals such as the Kerrville Folk Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival. A career highlight was opening for Grammy-winning artist Sara Bareilles and sharing the stage with her for a duet. This achievement speaks to her dedication and passion.
Her recent release, Letter For a Friend, is a concept album centered around connection. Each song serves as a personal letter to someone who has played a pivotal role in her life. It is an intentional and intimate collection of music that Neal is eager to share. Atwood Magazine interviewed the artist about her multifaceted album, the inspiration behind “Emily,” and more; check out our candid conversation below.
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:: stream/purchase Letter For a Friend here ::
:: connect with Halley Neal here ::
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‘Letter For a Friend’ – Halley Neal
A CONVERSATION WITH HALLEY NEAL
Atwood Magazine: I truly admire your emotive, heartfelt folk style. How has your sound evolved over time?
Halley Neal: The people and musicians I've been around throughout my artistic journey have significantly shaped my music. In parallel, I've grown and evolved as an individual – becoming increasingly aware of my identity and values. Over time, I've become more open to vulnerability, and I now actively seek it out. I enjoy sharing that part of myself with my audience.
I believe that's why my new album, Letter for a Friend, represents the most genuine version of me at this moment. It’s vulnerable, authentic, and narrates stories reflecting the person I’ve become.
Having spent time in Nashville and now being based in Boston, how have these places influenced your music?
Halley Neal: My style has been profoundly influenced by the people and locations I've encountered throughout various stages of my life. I grew up with parents who were fans of the Grateful Dead and Paul Simon, so I was nurtured on classic folk and rock. In high school, I became immersed in community theater, which is when I discovered Sara Bareilles. I developed a fascination with powerful singers – long, emotive notes and raw performances.
After that, I moved to Boston to study contemporary music at Berklee, where I was surrounded by talented jazz musicians, which led me to fall in love with jazz. Later, I lived in Nashville for about five years, which immersed me in country music.
Now, identifying as a folk Americana artist feels like the truest representation of myself – it’s a fusion of everything I've listened to and learned from, seen through my own perspective.
Halley Neal © Kayte Darling
Your releases are noted for their soaring vocals and rich bluegrass-inspired backdrops. How did you develop that signature sound?
Halley Neal: Singing has always been my primary focus – everything I do musically centers around my role as a vocalist. It’s where I feel most comfortable and the purest form of self-expression for me. Long before I picked up a guitar or started writing songs, I was singing. It’s my way of connecting with myself, others, and the emotions behind each lyric. It’s not just a part of my artistry; it’s a major aspect of my identity. I've always been drawn to raw, emotional vocalists, and I strive to bring that same openness and honesty into my own performance.
The bluegrass influences in my sound actually stem from the musicians I tour with! A few years ago, I began performing live as a trio with upright bass and fiddle, and that arrangement has inspired me creatively in expanding my musicianship. My bandmates come from strong bluegrass backgrounds, and their influence has naturally woven into the arrangements of my songs, adding a vibrant, rootsy quality to the music. I love how it
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Through poignant vocals and compassionate storytelling, Halley Neal’s moving single “Emily” embodies the spirit of a lasting connection and establishes the mood for her new album, ‘Letter for a Friend.’