From Creative Experiment to Refraction

Hailien began her musical journey in 2023, releasing what she originally considered a creative experiment. But that tentative step quickly revealed a powerful and clear artistic vision. This discovery blossomed into her debut EP, Refraction, released in November 2024.

Recorded with producer Carter Sanders at the renowned Plaid Dog Studios in Boston, Massachusetts, the EP is a statement of intent. Refraction introduced a sound world shaped by introspection, melancholy, and resilience. From the delicately devastating “A Letter to Antarctica” to the celestial drive of “Aurora,” the project evokes the weight of feeling and the freedom of imagination.

Each track feels like a page torn from a private journal, layered with shimmering synths and grounded by the melancholic pull of piano rock.

Connect with Hailien

When music meets meaning, it has the power to not just move hearts—but to shift minds. Hailien, an emerging singer-songwriter is doing exactly that. Her unique blend of ethereal vocals, haunting piano melodies, and rock instrumentation doesn’t just echo in your ears—it lingers in your consciousness.

Her music feels like a celestial encounter, and yet it's grounded with urgency—one rooted in emotion, personal evolution, and pressing global issues.

Black Herring: Music With a Mission

Hailien’s latest release, “Black Herring,” is where her activism truly takes center stage. In a time where consumerism has numbed empathy and blurred priorities, “Black Herring” arrives like a wake-up call. With its brooding instrumentation and haunting vocal delivery, the song confronts the dehumanizing effects of modern consumer culture and the environmental damage left in its wake.

It’s no surprise that the track has sparked attention from socially conscious music blogs and sustainability-focused media outlets. Hailien’s not just creating sonic landscapes—she’s pushing listeners to rethink their roles in global systems.

Aurora and A Letter to Antarctica: Otherworldly but Rooted

Songs like “Aurora” and “A Letter to Antarctica” showcase Hailien’s flair for turning vulnerability into sonic magic. “Aurora” pairs ambient production with vivid lyrical imagery, capturing the magic and mystery of the natural world. Meanwhile, “A Letter to Antarctica” feels like a whispered plea—to nature, to memory, and perhaps, to a colder version of ourselves.

These songs don’t just sound beautiful—they invite listeners into reflection, touching on themes like isolation, climate anxiety, and emotional disconnection, all without losing their poetic soul.

The Plaid Dog Studios Connection

Hailien’s decision to work with Plaid Dog Studios—a well-known artist-first production studio in Boston—has been crucial in shaping her refined yet raw sound. Known for supporting independent musicians in maintaining creative control, the studio provided a perfect backdrop for Hailien’s blend of lyrical storytelling and cinematic atmosphere.

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If you’re a fan of artists like Florence Welch, Bat for Lashes, or even early Radiohead, you’ll find something captivating in Hailien’s work. Her music isn’t about following trends—it’s about creating timeless messages layered in sound. She stands as a voice for those seeking art that feels both emotionally rich and globally aware.

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