Halle Ford (Indie/Folk/Rock)

Halle Ford
Posted Jan 31, 2011

Hey readers! This is an interview with Halle Ford, how is everything going Halle?

Things are going great – very busy, but great! We are in final preparations for the release of my upcoming album, Pretty Girl, on February 8th, and are very excited about the response we have received so far. Thank you again for offering this interview – it is an honor to be associated with such a popularmagazine!


Halle is an entrepreneur in the music world, starting at a very young age playing the violin and slowly working her way up to creating her own CD and starting to break into the music industry.

Hello Halle Ford. How are you doing today?

Today I am excited. I’m always happiest when there is a lot going on, and right now I definitely have my hands full! Last week, we finished creating the custom packaging for pre-order sales of Pretty Girl, and the packages are so adorable – I can’t wait to send them out! The fans who pre-ordered are really in for a special treat. We’ve also already started on music transcriptions, remixes, t-shirts… you name it! That combined with interviews, reviews, and show preparations… well, it’s just a very exciting time!


Tell us all about your new Album "Pretty Girl".

Pretty Girl was definitely an experiment – I wanted to combine my love for mainstream music with my experience and skill on the violin. The challenge was to do this without having the music sound like your typical classical violinist layering their instrument on top of pre-recorded drum beats. So, I focused on the song melodies first, and wrote pop vocal choruses I felt were catchy and would stick in people’s heads. These melodies inspired some really exciting violin solos, which helped create a unique sound. I’m very happy with the results, and am thrilled two of the songs off Pretty Girl were recognized in the international Song of the Year competition... It tells me I’m onto something here!!


One of my favorite things about Pretty Girl is what we accomplished with only two people. There is an amazing amount of music on the album, including lush orchestrations, custom sounds and textures, and many violins and guitars. All of the music was recorded by either me or my Producer (and now husband), Matt Ford in our own music studio. We had a blast recording the album together, and I know it wouldn’t have been possible without his help.


You moved to LA to follow your musical passion, how have you noticed a difference in the music, venues, or the music industry from where you lived before?

The music network you can create in LA is unparalleled. So many musicians here have amazing passion and ideas, and many are very eager to collaborate. As a violinist, I receive a lot of offers to get involved in many interesting projects. The trick is to stay focused on projects which help me achieve my vision.


Have you noticed a difference in music influences since you have been in LA?

Music influences – Yes. I hear a lot more electronic-based music in LA, as opposed to the acoustic-based music that is more common in the Midwest. But, even more so, I have noticed a difference in music process. Since I’ve lived here in Southern California, I have had the pleasure of being close to several do-it-yourself artists whose careers have skyrocketed without the help of a major label. I’ve noticed these musicians do more than just play their instruments well – they are involved at every level of their careers, from image to production to marketing, etc. I’m truly inspired by this approach, and enjoy involving myself in every aspect of my projects.


Do you have any shows coming up?

It’s funny you should ask! I’m currently in the process of scheduling a set of shows to promote the release, and they will be listed on my website (www.hallefordmusic.com) very shortly. In the meantime, people who want to experience the live show are encouraged to sign up for my mailing list so I can let them know when I will be performing in their area. The live shows are going to be very memorable – we have some exciting musical guest appearances planned, interesting visuals, and a few other tricks up our sleeves…


Thanks for doing an interview with Big Smile Magazine, any last words for all your fans reading this interview?

I just want to thank everyone for their support. I feel so blessed every time someone posts a comment about me on their Facebook Wall, “Likes” one of my Facebook comments, leaves a review on iTunes, or suggests my music or Facebook page to their friends... I have the best, most dedicated fans, who truly understand they are an integral part of this process. I am very excited to see how far we can push this record together.


Official Website & Store: www.hallefordmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hallefordmusic
MySpace: www.myspace.com/hallemusic