Halsey

Over 21.8M+ followers on spotify, Popular for electropop, etherpop, indie poptimism, pop music genre.

Born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane on September 29, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, Halsey has emerged as one of the most innovative and influential pop artists of her generation. Her early life was a mix of diverse influences, with her mother, Nicole, working in security and her father, Chris, managing a car dealership. Halsey's parents exposed her to a variety of musical genres, playing artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Alanis Morissette, and Nirvana, which would later influence her eclectic style. During her formative years, Halsey taught herself to play multiple musical instruments, including the violin, viola, and cello, before finally settling on the guitar at age 14. Despite facing a challenging adolescence marked by the struggle with bipolar disorder, she channeled her experiences into music, often citing it as a therapeutic outlet. Halsey's academic career saw her navigating the complexities of being a young artist while attending various schools, including Warren Hills Regional High School. Although she initially enrolled in Rhode Island School of Design, financial constraints forced her to pursue her creative ambitions independently. Her transition from Ashley to Halsey came as she adopted the stage name, a nod to the Halsey Street station of the New York City Subway in Brooklyn, representing a significant identity transformation. The early part of Halsey's career was heavily rooted in exploring the vibrant underground music scene in New York City. By attending and performing at open mic nights and local performances, she honed her skills and developed a distinctive artistic voice. Through Tumblr and YouTube, she began sharing her music, quickly gaining traction in online music circles. Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the viral success of the self-released song 'Ghost' on SoundCloud, which caught the attention of numerous record labels. In 2015, Halsey signed with Astralwerks and released her debut EP 'Room 93', marking the official start to her professional music career. This EP, infused with themes of love, disillusionment, and self-discovery, laid the groundwork for her later successes, garnering positive critical reception and solidifying her as a fresh voice in indie pop. Her distinct blend of electropop, synth-driven tracks, and raw, poetic lyrics drew comparisons to artists such as Lorde and Ellie Goulding, yet Halsey managed to carve out a unique space within the highly competitive music industry. As she continued to ascend to stardom, Halsey's background and experiences became integral components of her musical narrative, resonating deeply with a wide global audience.

Halsey's musical career is a story of meteoric rise and artistic evolution, characterized by her willingness to explore new sounds and themes. After the release of her debut EP 'Room 93' in 2014, Halsey quickly became recognized for her unique vocal style and introspective songwriting. Her debut studio album, 'Badlands', released in 2015, was a conceptual masterpiece at the crossroads of pop and alternative music. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Halsey's ability to blend deeply personal lyrics with mainstream appeal. 'Badlands' was a critical and commercial success, paving the way for Halsey's rapid ascension into pop stardom. The album's dystopian aesthetic and exploration of psychological themes resonated with listeners, underpinning hits like 'New Americana' and 'Colors'. These tracks became anthems for a generation disenchanted by societal expectations and norms. As she performed on prestigious stages and music festivals worldwide, Halsey solidified her place in the global music scene. Halsey's sophomore effort, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom', released in 2017, marked a turning point in her career. This album, inspired by Shakespearean drama and infused with themes of love and betrayal, showcased her growth as an artist, both lyrically and sonically. By collaborating with artists such as Quavo and Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui, Halsey expanded her musical range and explored new genres. The album's lead single, 'Now or Never', and the hit 'Bad at Love', further demonstrated her evolving musical style, blending contemporary pop with moody, atmospheric sounds. 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, solidifying Halsey's status as a major player in the music industry. In 2020, Halsey released her third studio album, 'Manic', a deeply personal project that incorporated a myriad of genres including pop, hip-hop, country, and K-pop. 'Manic' featured collaborations with artists like Suga from BTS and Dominic Fike, and included successful singles such as 'Without Me' and 'Graveyard'. The album showcased Halsey's vulnerability, with introspective tracks that delved into themes of self-discovery, mental health, and love. As of 2021, Halsey continued to evolve as an artist with her fourth studio album, 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power', produced in collaboration with renowned musicians Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. This project marked a stark departure from her previous works, featuring a more alternative and industrial sound. The album's exploration of themes like motherhood and the feminine experience further highlighted her artistic bravery and depth. Through her career progression, Halsey has continually redefined her sound, pushing boundaries and engaging audiences with her authentic and fearless narrative. Her evolution from indie darling to global superstar is a testament to her resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing music landscape.

Halsey's discography is a testament to her versatility and artistry, encapsulating a captivating journey through different sounds and themes. Her debut studio album, 'Badlands', released on August 28, 2015, is a foundational piece that announced her arrival in the music world with a blend of alternative pop and atmospheric soundscapes. With songs like 'New Americana' and 'Castle', the album delves into themes of dystopia and rebellion, effectively setting the stage for Halsey's distinctive narrative voice. 'Badlands' was both a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2017, Halsey unveiled her second studio album, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom'. Released on June 2, 2017, this album explored a more narrative-driven concept inspired by Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story. It marked her first number one album on the Billboard 200, asserting Halsey's growth as an artist willing to take risks. Tracks like 'Now or Never' and 'Bad at Love' became commercial hits, emphasizing her ability to craft captivating pop anthems. Halsey's third album, 'Manic', released on January 17, 2020, represented a more introspective and genre-blending approach. It included hit singles such as 'Without Me', which became her most successful single to date, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. 'Manic' was praised for its diverse influences, from pop and hip-hop to country and K-pop, illustrating Halsey's dynamic range and authenticity. Furthering her artistic evolution, Halsey's fourth studio album, 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power', was released on August 27, 2021. Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, this album introduced a darker, industrial sound. It delved into personal and profound themes such as motherhood and femininity, with tracks like 'I am not a woman, I'm a god' showcasing her lyrical prowess and maturity. In addition to her main studio albums, Halsey has also released the EP 'Room 93' in 2014, which laid the groundwork for her initial success and featured tracks that would eventually make it onto her debut album. This EP was instrumental in cultivating an early fanbase. Halsey's contribution to the music landscape is further enriched by numerous singles and featured appearances. Her collaborations extend across a variety of artists and genres, from contributions to BTS's 'Boy With Luv' to featuring on The Chainsmokers' hit, 'Closer'. Each project in her discography stands as a testament to her ability to continually expand her artistic horizons, crafting a diverse and compelling musical legacy.

Halsey has an impressive roster of hit songs that have not only defined her career but also cemented her status as a music powerhouse. Her chart performance over the years reflects her ability to connect with audiences through deeply personal and resonant music. One of Halsey's earliest chart successes came with 'New Americana', a single from her debut album 'Badlands'. The track became an anthem for millennial angst and identity, receiving widespread radio play and charting in the US and internationally. 'Badlands' pushed her into the limelight, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. However, it was the 2016 collaboration with The Chainsmokers on 'Closer' that marked a defining moment in Halsey's career. The song was a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks and becoming one of the best-selling singles worldwide. 'Closer' was praised for its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics, solidifying Halsey's mainstream appeal. Halsey continued her streak of hits with 'Now or Never' from her second album 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom', which charted within the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The themes of love and urgency resonated with listeners, making it a staple on pop playlists. Her most successful solo single to date, 'Without Me', released in 2018, was a personal reflection on a past relationship. The song achieved monumental success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming her first number-one single as a lead artist. It garnered over a billion streams on Spotify, showcasing her ability to craft timeless pop anthems. Following the success of 'Without Me', Halsey released 'Graveyard' and 'You Should Be Sad', both from her 2020 album 'Manic'. These tracks continued her streak of top-charting singles, with 'Graveyard' landing in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Halsey's collaboration with BTS on 'Boy With Luv' in 2019 was another significant achievement, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking her influence in the global music market. This cross-cultural collaboration broadened her audience and emphasized her versatility as an artist. In 2021, 'I am not a woman, I'm a god' from her album 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power', showcased her evolving sound. The track received acclaim for its bold production and lyrical depth, further highlighting her ability to continually reinvent her music while achieving commercial success. Overall, Halsey's chart performance is a testament to her talent and broad appeal. Her ability to produce hits consistently and resonate with a diverse audience over the years cements her place as a leading artist in contemporary music.

Halsey's ability to seamlessly blend her unique artistry with the styles of other musicians has resulted in some of the most memorable collaborations in recent history. Her collaborative works are not only a testament to her versatility but also to her willingness to explore new musical territories. One of the most iconic collaborations in Halsey's career is with The Chainsmokers on the track 'Closer'. Released in 2016, the song quickly became a global phenomenon, topping the charts in multiple countries and securing a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The success of 'Closer' introduced Halsey to a broader audience, emphasizing her ability to craft catchy, relatable songs. Another noteworthy collaboration was with Korean boy band BTS on 'Boy With Luv' in 2019. This track offered a perfect blend of Halsey's distinctive vocal style and BTS's energetic pop sound, earning critical acclaim and success on global charts. The song's music video quickly amassed over a billion views on YouTube, marking a significant milestone in Halsey's career and underscoring her impact on the international music scene. Halsey has also collaborated with Khalid on 'Eastside', alongside Benny Blanco. The song, released in 2018, was a chart-topping hit, reaching the Top 10 in several countries. Its introspective lyrics and smooth production resonated with listeners, further showcasing Halsey's ability to create diverse and engaging music. In '11 Minutes', Halsey joined forces with Yungblud and Travis Barker, blending rock elements with pop in a track praised for its emotional depth and dynamic production. This collaboration introduced her to a new audience within the alternative rock genre, highlighting her ability to adapt her sound across different music styles. Halsey's work with Juice WRLD on 'Life's a Mess', released posthumously in 2020, showcased her reflective songwriting and ability to connect with emotional themes. The collaboration was praised for its authenticity and lyrical honesty, further solidifying Halsey's place as a poignant and relatable artist. Beyond these notable collaborations, Halsey has also lent her voice to various tracks as a featured artist, including Justin Timberlake's 'The Other Side (H.E.R. Remix)' and Kelsea Ballerini's 'The Other Girl'. These contributions highlight her adaptability and the respect she commands across multiple music genres. Overall, Halsey's collaborative works demonstrate her artistic openness and her ability to transcend genre limitations, making her a sought-after collaborator in the music industry. Her variety in partnerships reflects her commitment to creating innovative music that resonates with a wide array of audiences.

Halsey's popularity and influence in the music industry are vividly reflected in her impressive streaming statistics across various platforms. Her unique blend of electropop, indie pop, and alternative music resonates with a global audience, driving substantial streaming numbers that highlight her widespread appeal. On Spotify, Halsey boasts over 36 million monthly listeners, making her one of the most-listened-to artists on the platform. Her most-streamed hit, 'Without Me', has surpassed one billion streams, a testament to its enduring popularity and her ability to craft hits that resonate with listeners. Other popular tracks like 'Closer', 'Eastside', and 'Graveyard' have also amassed several hundred million streams each, showcasing her consistent ability to produce chart-topping music. YouTube also reflects Halsey's widespread appeal, with her channel accumulating over 10 million subscribers and billions of views across her music videos. Her video for 'Boy With Luv' with BTS, in particular, has garnered over 1.3 billion views, underscoring her global reach and impact. Other tracks like 'Without Me' and 'Closer' also featured prominently on the platform, with their respective videos racking up hundreds of millions of views. Apple Music further solidifies Halsey's standing as a streaming giant, with her albums consistently featuring in the platform's top charts. Tracks like 'Bad at Love' and 'You Should Be Sad' have been playlist staples, contributing significantly to her streaming success. In addition, her music frequently appears in Apple's curated playlists, broadening her exposure to new listeners. Beyond these platforms, Halsey's social media presence plays a critical role in her streaming popularity. With millions of followers across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, she effectively leverages these platforms for engagement, promoting her music, and connecting with her fan base. This active online presence not only enhances her profile but also drives traffic to streaming platforms, further bolstering her numbers. Overall, Halsey's streaming statistics underscore her significant influence and popularity in the digital music space. Her ability to consistently attract high numbers of listeners across multiple platforms reflects not just the quality of her music, but also the connection she has with fans around the world. This engagement has been instrumental in cementing her reputation as one of the leading figures in modern pop music.

Halsey's journey in the music industry has been marked by numerous accolades and recognitions that underscore her artistic talents and influence. Her ability to craft resonant music has not only won over fans but also earned her critical acclaim, resulting in a collection of prestigious awards and nominations. Among Halsey's most notable achievements is her Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Closer' with The Chainsmokers. Though she has yet to secure a Grammy win as of this writing, this nomination reflects her impact in the pop music sphere and the industry's acknowledgment of her contributions. Halsey has secured multiple Billboard Music Awards, including Top Selling Song for 'Without Me', which highlights her commercial success and ability to produce compelling hits. The song's enduring popularity also earned her nominations in categories like Top Female Artist and Billboard Chart Achievement Award. Furthermore, the MTV Video Music Awards have consistently recognized Halsey's artistry with nominations spanning across various categories. She won the VMA for Best Pop Video with 'Boy With Luv', a testament to her successful collaboration with BTS and her influence on a global scale. Additionally, her work in 'Without Me' earned her a VMA for Best Post-Modernism, showcasing her creative prowess and ability to push artistic boundaries. The GLAAD Media Awards recognized Halsey's impact beyond music, awarding her the Outstanding Music Artist award for her advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community. This recognition highlights her commitment to using her platform to champion inclusivity and social awareness, reinforcing her cultural impact. In 2019, Halsey was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This accolade is particularly significant as it recognizes her songwriting prowess and ability to craft impactful lyrics that resonate across generations. Additionally, Halsey's work has garnered recognition from the American Music Awards, where she has received multiple nominations, including Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, further solidifying her position as a leading artist in contemporary music. Overall, Halsey's collection of awards and nominations highlights her multifaceted talents and her significant contributions to the music industry. Her ability to influence and inspire is reflected not only through her commercial successes but also in the prestigious industry recognitions she has received. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her impact on the music scene is expected to grow, paving the way for future accolades and honors.

Halsey's musical style is a dynamic blend of genres, marked by her ability to infuse raw emotion and introspective storytelling into her work. Her sound is rooted in electropop and alternative pop, but over the years, she has shown a remarkable ability to seamlessly traverse various musical landscapes, from indie pop and synth-pop to acoustic and rock influences. One of the most defining aspects of Halsey's style is her penchant for crafting conceptually driven music. Her debut album 'Badlands' epitomizes this approach, featuring dystopian themes and a sonic palette of brooding synthesizers and atmospheric beats. Tracks like 'New Americana' and 'Ghost' embody her knack for blending catchy melodies with deeper, socially aware lyrics. Halsey's sophomore album, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom', marked an evolution in her sound, exploring more cinematic and theatrical elements inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This album leaned heavily into mainstream pop, with tracks like 'Now or Never' showcasing her ability to craft radio-friendly hits without sacrificing her signature poeticism. Her third studio album, 'Manic', marked another shift in Halsey's musical journey, blending a wide array of influences including hip-hop, country, and K-pop. Collaborations with artists like Suga of BTS and Alanis Morissette underscored her versatility and willingness to explore new sounds. The emotional depth and vulnerability in 'Manic' demonstrated her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, tackling themes of mental health and self-discovery. Halsey's most recent work, 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power', produced in collaboration with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, further highlighted her willingness to push creative boundaries. The album delved into more industrial and alternative sounds, exploring themes of femininity and motherhood with tracks like 'I am not a woman, I'm a god' showcasing her fearless artistic vision. Influences from icons like Alanis Morissette, Kanye West, and Amy Winehouse can be detected in Halsey's work, reflecting in her lyrical depth, genre-defying sound, and defiant persona. She has often cited these artists as inspirations, drawing elements from their music to inform her style while maintaining her distinct voice. Moreover, Halsey's live performances are renowned for their theatrical and engaging nature. Her ability to captivate audiences with multimedia elements, emotive storytelling, and powerful vocals sets her apart in the live music scene, further emphasizing her versatility and artistry. Overall, Halsey's musical style is an ever-evolving tapestry, showcasing her ability to fuse diverse influences into a cohesive and engaging narrative. Her work resonates with a broad audience, making her one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing artists of her generation.

Halsey's legacy in the music industry is defined not just by her chart-topping hits and sonic innovation, but also by her profound cultural impact and advocacy work. Through her music and public platform, Halsey has become a voice for marginalized communities, providing both representation and a medium for discussion on important social issues. One of Halsey's most significant impacts has been her advocacy for mental health awareness. Open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, she has used her platform to de-stigmatize mental health conversations within society and the music industry. Her candidness about her experiences resonates in her music, with tracks like 'Control' and 'Gasoline' providing an unfiltered glimpse into her mental health journey. This openness has encouraged countless fans to seek help and has fostered a supportive and understanding community. In addition to her mental health advocacy, Halsey is a dedicated champion for LGBTQ+ rights. Identifying as bisexual, she actively supports LGBTQ+ causes through her music, advocacy efforts, and participation in events like the annual Women's March and Pride celebrations across the world. Her participation in campaigns for equality and her continuous support for marginalized groups have made her a role model for many and underscore her commitment to using her influence for social good. Halsey's cultural influence extends beyond advocacy. Her music, particularly the song 'Without Me', which became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, has set a benchmark for introspective pop music that resonates with a wide audience. 'Closer', her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, left an indelible mark on the pop landscape, becoming one of the defining hits of the 2010s. Her willingness to tackle complex themes of identity, love, and societal expectations in her lyrics has prompted listeners to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue. This has cemented her as an artist who not only creates music for entertainment but also to inspire change and self-discovery. Further establishing her legacy, Halsey's collaborations have crossed international boundaries, notably with Korean pop sensation BTS on 'Boy With Luv'. This collaboration highlights her impact on the global music stage, reflecting how she has been instrumental in bridging diverse music audiences. Halsey's influence is also seen in her impact on emerging artists. Her willingness to experiment with different sounds and her openness about personal struggles have inspired a new generation of musicians to pursue authenticity in their craft. In summary, Halsey's legacy is one of innovation, courage, and compassion. Her multifaceted contributions to the music industry and society continue to inspire and empower, ensuring her impact transcends mere success in music charts, embedding her presence in cultural and social narratives for years to come.