Halsey, known for her significant impact in the pop music scene, has an intriguing backstory that reveals her passion for music began long before she became a household name. During her teenage years, she was actively involved in the music community as a promoter, where she organized hardcore music shows in New Jersey. This experience not only shaped her musical tastes but also provided her with invaluable insights into the music industry.

In a recent fan interaction at an in-store appearance for her makeup brand About Face, which has gained traction on TikTok, Halsey opened up about her early days in the music scene. A fan inquired about her connection to hardcore music, and Halsey enthusiastically responded, “I super fuck with hardcore.” This candid moment highlighted her deep-rooted love for the genre.

Halsey Reflects on Her Early Days as a Hardcore Promoter

When pressed for more details, Halsey revealed, “I used to promote hardcore shows. In Jersey before I started making music. I did a lot of hardcore, but then also some of the more commercial hardcore.” She proudly recounted booking one of her largest shows at just 16 years old, featuring iconic bands like August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada. This early experience not only showcased her organizational skills but also her ability to connect with the hardcore music community.

During this engaging discussion, Halsey also shared a personal anecdote about her high school yearbook. She initially mentioned choosing a Defeater lyric, but later corrected herself, acknowledging it was actually a lyric from Hundredth that she had used. This light-hearted moment underscores her genuine connection to the music she loves and the memories associated with it.

At the end of this memorable exchange, Halsey expressed her gratitude to the fan, noting that such questions are rare for her. She further emphasized the impact of the moment on her day, stating, “This was a really cool moment in my day that day. Thank you so much,” in a comment after the TikTok clip was posted. The interaction even caught the attention of The Devil Wears Prada, who left a thank you remark in the thread, highlighting the mutual appreciation between Halsey and the bands she admires.

Exploring Rock Influences in Halsey’s Music Journey

In 2019, Halsey began to delve deeper into her rock influences through a collaboration with Bring Me the Horizon‘s Oli Sykes and Jordan Fish on the track “Experiment on Me.” This powerful song, which showcases her vocal range and passion, was released in early 2020 as part of the Birds of Prey soundtrack. Following this project, Halsey expressed a strong desire to create a rock album, further solidifying her commitment to embracing her diverse musical influences.

Her ambitions came to fruition with the release of her 2021 album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, which was expertly produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. This groundbreaking album featured contributions from notable artists such as Dave Grohl, Lindsey Buckingham, and Dave Sitek, showcasing Halsey’s ability to merge her pop sensibilities with rock elements.

READ MORE: Six Pop Singers Who’ve Released Rock Albums

Looking ahead to 2024, Halsey continues to embrace her rock influences with her upcoming album, The Great Impersonator. In this project, she aims to embody the essence of the artists that inspire each track, creating a unique listening experience. To promote the album, Halsey has even recreated the iconic looks of some of her favorite musical icons as she unveils new songs. One notable example is her homage to Evanescence’s Fallen album cover while teasing the song “Lonely Is the Muse,” demonstrating her commitment to honoring her rock roots.