aiming big to crush your own dreams
Ahead of her upcoming LP release later this year, we talked to singer-songwriter, Polly Hazelton, about her new single exploring the impact of addiction, 'Round 2000'
Words Kirra Davey @k.m.d__
Who and/or what inspired you to become a singer-songwriter?
Since I was a young tacker, I loved being on stage - whether it be performing, public speaking, singing or acting. There’s no easy way to answer this, it’s just within me and who I’ve always been. My dad was in rock bands and is an incredible entrepreneur. My mum taught speech and drama, in addition to being an incredible dancer. They’re both really creative in their own ways. In fact, so are my four siblings! I remember when I was a young girl, I’d grab some paper and come up with rhymes and poems. I just honed in on it as I grew older and began to write about a lot of real life experiences. Song writing and playing/teaching instruments are exactly where I’ve discovered my passion in life lies.
Your first single, 'Round 2000', explores "the detrimental impact addiction can have on our lives, relationships, and overall well-being". Why did you think this was an important issue to address?
I believe this issue was bigger than it ever has been before. All we need to do is open our eyes and take a look around. Check out how often we use our phones for instant gratification, distraction, stimulation and even satisfaction these days. Our minds are over-analysing, over thinking and over-stimulated. My Single, ‘Round 2000’, highlights substance addiction, but that’s not the only thing it’s about - there are so many other addictions in this world. We can choose to turn a blind eye to them and have these topics impact “our lives, relationships and overall well-being”. Or we can take a step back, get real with ourselves for a minute and possibly come to terms with the impact addiction has on our own lives and/or those around us. Once we admit to and identify the issue, we can make a change to improve ourselves, followed by the world around us. The first step always begins with us.
What was it like filming the music video for 'Round 2000'?
This was my first music video for my own music. Writing and producing my own music video was next level. The best part was when the individuals who I’d hand-picked, all came together for ‘Round 2000’. This is a song I wrote that I’ve been dreaming of bringing to life for so long and on the day, everyone was ready to bring it to life with me. We were all from different walks of life. Adam Jordan, who was behind the camera, editing and who is fantastic at directing, was brilliant to work with. My favourite scene to film was around the pool table, everyone having an absolute ball, dancing around, laughing, having fun, the fighting between two actors and my lyrics describing the actual impact of those “good times”. It may be all fun and games one moment, but what about the aftermath? That’s what we need to remember.
“I remember when I was a young girl, I’d grab some paper and come up with rhymes and poems. I just honed in on it as I grew older and began to write about a lot of real life experiences”
What would you like your audience to know about your work?
That every single song will resonate with someone. I’ve got so many tracks in the works at the moment. I can’t wait to get them out there. I’ve been working alongside an incredible fellow musician, producer and recording artist, Dan Southern – who really listens to my ideas and understands my drive into to bringing these songs to life. I owe him a huge thanks for believing in my music enough to help bring the absolute best out of each of my songs, as well as adding his musical parts in to them.
How did you find your sound as an artist?
I found my sound growing up, listening to classic rock, punk rock, pop rock and melodic hardcore. Mainly singing along to male vocalists, in a different octave or harmonising along with them. I’ve never had a professional or paid singing lesson in my life. It’s something I’ve worked on over time. I eventually found my sound in later years by writing more music and figuring out where and what I could do with my voice. I also found this and my individuality as an artist, by writing about real stuff - and not holding back.
Check out Polly Hazelton performing live locally, every weekend or follow @pollyhazelton on Instagram, /pollyhazeltonmusic on Facebook and/or pollyhazelton on TikTok