Since Elementary school, I'd join a choir ensemble from each school I attended. This tradition would build the foundation for and establish an interest in developing my voice over the years. Before our concerts would begin, however, I often felt alone and left out of many social circles. During my high school season, in order to distract myself, I'd go find a piano to practice on, so I wouldn't feel lonely. My progression with the piano and ukulele began when I was twelve, which helped me build an even deeper appreciation for music. When I was in the eighth grade, one of my friends inspired me to try and write a poem for her, which sparked my passion for writing. From this experience, I found love in something I didn't know I would have a passion for, but one my father had before me.
I would continue to write poems throughout my high school years, which would later inspire the small formation of my own poetry club. But I had often kept these two passions separate. After attending one of my high school's talent shows, I was inspired by a student who performed his original, Rhythm of the Deep, expressed from his voice and soprano ukulele. Both his bright tenor timbre and imaginative lighthearted lyrics drew me into his performance; I found another local artist I could relate to. His name - Jack Martin.
The confidence and charisma he had to perform his own song inspired me to want to do the same, so I began looking for opportunities to express this newfound curiosity. Thankfully, I didn’t have to look too far to find it. Only one year later, I joined one of the school's Choir Ensembles, Cantus, the entry-level tenor bass collective. Through this opportunity, I was told about the Choir Program's annual Winter Coffeehouse - an evening curated concert with refreshments and sweets to celebrate the festive time of year.
For the first time, at sixteen years old, I would perform my original, Ukulele Soldier, in front of a live audience whom Jack was a part of. With an erupting applause, I finally felt like I was part of their community. It helped me realize these two passions could come together and form something beautiful for both the artist and the audience. During my Junior-Senior year of High School, my father and I would attend OSU's Songwriter's in the Round - a community-based club, which introduced me to quite a few college students who gave me constructive feedback on my material and presented an opportunity to hear original works from those within the local music scene.
A few years later, shortly after my father's passing, I'd start to attend a few of the Open Mic Nights at Bomb's Away Cafe, held right after my karate classes. After swiftly changing out of my Gi and sparring equipment, I'd race to the venue and try to sign up for a time slot. I'd be lucky enough to even get a spot at 11 PM - infamous for being the time when most of the crowd would've already left.
Early before one of these shows, I learned that one of my friends in the program, Sage Jarvie, would be a Producer for Locals Live - one of the university's online popular radio shows. During the Summer of 2023, I had the privilege and honor of being able to perform for the final episode of the season. From these experiences, I have been able to get to where I am today. Thank you for your love and support, which continues to help my story and voice be heard, as it once was all those years ago.
MY MUSIC LEGACY (2018 - PRESENT)
EARLY HIGHLIGHTS
The Original Performance
Ukulele Soldier - a song and title I'd written about myself in high school. The name comes from two parts: Ukulele for my investment in playing the instrument; Soldier came from a hard-fighting spirit I developed from training in Martial Arts.
Though I played for a couple of people here and there prior, this was the first time I'd played in front of a large audience.
Ukulele Soldier - Debut Performance at Corvallis High School Winter Coffeehouse (November 29th, 2018)
Video Credit: My Father
High School Senior Solo
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the seniors who were a part of the Choir Program were requested to send their solos via video submission. I decided I wanted to record mine in the courtyard of the high school itself.
Without You was written in the teenage perspective of how I felt when I would pass by my parents in the halls of my home.
Without You - Performance Outside of Corvallis High School (May 29th, 2020)
Video Credit: My Father
MUSIC RELEASES
Photo Credit: Annabella Eisner
Looking for Nostalgia - Single Release
Inspired by the loneliness he's felt in college, more specifically - the Music Production Program; this lighthearted dance track tries to highlight a positive perspective to contrast his negative experiences. Looking for Nostalgia is an expression, symbolizing a longing for connection and making memories.
Released June 28th, 2024
Edit Credit: Jeremy Haney
When She's Around (Original Version)
Released May 14th, 2021
During his first year attending university, Jeremy decided to write a love song that portrayed the subject within a shy, but respectful perspective. While this song was not written about anyone in particular, the homemade track would mark the debut of his first single release on streaming platforms.
Road on Cover Used: Dmitry Zvolskiy
MUSIC SPECIALS
Locals Live: Jeremy Haney
Premiered Sep 1, 2023
From the team at KBVR TV, this Red-Carpet themed episode of Locals Live features performances of his early tunes and ballads, concluding the special with a cover of Matt Maltese's "As The World Caves In".
Photo Credit: El (Orange Media Network)
Video Credit: KBVR TV
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕍𝕠𝕪𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕊𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕤
Premiered Jul 1, 2021
During the early stages of his music production, he began to explore and experiment with short motifs. In the process, some of the melodies have carried over into his songs.
From free-sourced music loops to MIDI made originals, this complete collection of remastered tracks show the range of ideas coming together into one musical journey.
Image Made Possible with Free Sources Provided by Various Artists on Picsart
Edit Credit: Jeremy Haney
FEATURED JOURNAL ENTRY
I don't believe there's necessarily a "right" or "wrong" way to write a song or composition; rather what feels natural to the one who creates them. Each artist has their own way to tell a story and that should be valued.
Some creatives take a lot of pride in their lyrics, while others admire the atmosphere within their instrumentals. However, the truth is: Every element of an artist and their work can be appreciated in some way...
My Songwriting Process + Tips
Photo Credit: Kainoa Taylor