Haley Bundy sits down with Close-Up Culture to share the stories behind her new single, her Appalachian roots, and her creative process since moving to Nashville.
Q: Your new single, “End to Begin,” comes out January 30. What does that title mean to you, and what kind of emotional space does the song live in?
I wrote the song about a year ago with Sam Tinnesz and Austin Bianco. At the time, I’d just come out of a relationship, and I wanted to create something that reflected the emotions I was processing. The song speaks to the bittersweet beauty of endings — the idea that something good has to end for something new and even better to begin.
It’s not a sad song; it’s more of an uplifting one that acknowledges the heartache of letting go but also celebrates the renewal and growth that follow. I hope listeners can find comfort in that message, no matter what transitions they’re navigating in their own lives.
Q: You grew up in a small Appalachian town in southeastern Ohio, often performing alongside your father. How do those early experiences still show up in your songwriting today?
My roots definitely play a big role in my songwriting. Growing up in a small Appalachian town influenced the way I tell stories through music — there’s a certain raw, folky, rootsy quality that comes through in my songs.
A lot of my writing has a sense of home and connection because that’s what my upbringing gave me. Even when I collaborate with other writers now, that part of me always shows up. It’s something I’m really proud of, and I think it makes my work uniquely mine.
Q: Your voice is often compared to artists like Stevie Nicks, Tanya Tucker, and Amy Winehouse — yet your sound feels very much your own. How do you balance honoring influences while protecting your individuality?
Those comparisons are such an honor, and I do draw a lot of inspiration from artists like Maren Morris and Amy Winehouse, especially in how they emote through their voices.
But my focus is always on staying true to my own sound. While I learn from others, I don’t try to imitate them — I aim to take pieces of what I admire and grow with them while still being authentically me. I think it’s so important in today’s world to showcase your individuality instead of trying to mold yourself into something you’re not.
Q: “End to Begin” suggests both closure and renewal. Was there a personal moment or chapter in your life that inspired this song?
Yes, absolutely. When I first moved to Nashville, I started a relationship that lasted about eight months. We eventually broke up because we were going in completely different directions — he was a teacher, and I was chasing my dream of becoming an artist.
That breakup was the emotional backdrop for the song. It was a difficult experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson about letting go of something that isn’t working to make room for what’s meant for you. That relationship was part of my life’s chapter at the time, but it needed to end for me to fully start my journey as an artist.
Even though the song carries that personal story, it’s written in a way that reflects a broader truth — we all have those moments where we need to step forward into something new.
Q: Since moving to Nashville, you’ve been working with vocal coach Brett Manning and collaborating with new writers and producers. What’s something about your voice or artistry you’ve discovered in the last year that surprised you?
Playing with professional musicians in Nashville has been a game-changer. When I first moved, I spent some time performing on Broadway to get my feet wet. The level of talent here really pushed me to grow. Singing with a full band and working with incredible drummers and guitar players challenged me to explore the upper limits of my voice and range.
I’ve also discovered how much I thrive when I’m surrounded by a strong team. For example, my main guitar player, Sage Smith, has been such a big part of helping me evolve musically. He’s incredibly talented, and having that bond with my band has been key to my growth as both a performer and artist.
Q: You’ve played everything from Nashville venues to larger tour settings. How does the energy of a live audience shape the way you think about writing and recording?
The energy of a live audience is everything. One of my most memorable shows was last summer at Tin Roof in Chicago. It was one of my first full-band gigs — the venue was packed, and the crowd’s energy was electric. We played for four hours, and I went home that night with this overwhelming sense that I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.
Those experiences fuel my creativity when I’m writing and recording. Knowing that my music can bring joy to a room full of people inspires me to pour everything into my work. It’s not just about the notes or lyrics; it’s about creating moments that connect with others.
Q: Looking a few years down the road, what do you hope people say about Haley Bundy — not just the music, but the artist behind it?
I hope people see me as someone who inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how big or impossible they might seem. Coming from a really small town in Ohio, I understand how easy it is to settle into what feels comfortable.
I want to be living proof that you can take risks and make things happen. My parents uprooted their lives to support my dream, and everything I do is about honoring that and showing others that they can do the same for themselves. If people say my music and journey gave them hope or inspired them to take a leap, then I’ve done my job as both an artist and a person.
Q: Looking ahead to the rest of the year, are there any upcoming collaborations, projects, or creative directions you’re excited about — even if you can only tease them for now?
I recently played a writer’s round in Nashville with Thunderstorm Artis and Dakota Stripling. After the show, Dakota and I set up a writing session for next month. He’s an incredible writer from Australia, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him and see what we create.
Beyond that, I’ve been writing a ton, pulling from deeply personal places that I haven’t shared with the world yet. I love exploring different genres and influences. While I’m in the pop-country world right now, I’m also inspired by Americana and indie folk. Artists like Wild Rivers are a huge influence on me, and I’d love to incorporate more of that flavor into future songs. At the end of the day, I just want to make music that connects with people, regardless of genre.
Connect with Haley Bundy
To connect with Haley Bundy and explore more of her music:
- Website: haleybundy.com
- Instagram: @haleybundymusic
- TikTok: @haleybundymusic
- Facebook: Haley Bundy Music
Listen to Haley Bundy’s latest single, End to Begin: “End to Begin” Linktree
