Bailey Hyneman
Bailey Hyneman is a singer-songwriter whose music blends soul, jazz, gospel and pop into a warm and heartfelt sound. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee — a city deeply rooted in musical history — she grew up surrounded by powerful voices and timeless influences that helped shape her artistic identity.
Her latest single, “Better Days,” is a deeply personal song born from a time of grief, change and emotional growth. With honesty and vulnerability, Bailey explores the delicate space between loss and hope, reminding listeners that even during life’s most difficult moments, brighter days can still lie ahead.
In this interview, Bailey opens up about her musical roots, the inspirations behind her sound, the emotional story behind “Better Days,” and the life lessons she’s learned along the way.
Photo credit: Lulu Shing
Hi Bailey, how are you? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. For readers who may just be discovering your music, what’s your story? How did your journey into music begin?
Hi! Thank you so much for your time! I am originally from Memphis, TN, and I started singing when I was about four years old. My mom tells people she heard me sing along to The Sound of Music and thought to herself, a four year old shouldn’t be able to do that! For as long as I can remember, I have just absolutely loved to sing, and it’s all I ever wanted to do.
Growing up in Memphis, a city with such a rich musical heritage, how did that environment shape you as an artist?
I told my mom the other day, I am so grateful that she and my dad turned me on to such great music and musicians as a kid. My mom has always love Linda Rondstadt, Heart, and big voices and incredible story tellers, and my dad was really into 70’s music and groove. He always had the watercolor jazz station playing, or Barry White and The Manhattans. Being in Memphis though, there is just something in the air. It is like no place else in the world. You can’t escape the rich musical heritage if you tried. Its just part of being from there I guess.
Your parents seem to have played an important role in your musical influences. What memories stand out from those early moments discovering music at home?
Yes they absolutely did! My mom is an amazing singer and I remember hearing her practice. She loved to sing country. My dad’s interest in Jazz and Soul though, I think is what really pushed me forward. I loved mornings in the car hearing Barry White come on, I really just couldn’t get enough of his voice!
Your sound blends soul, jazz, gospel and pop. How did you develop this unique musical identity
Definitely from the music I was hearing at home with my parents, but then also on the radio when I was with my friends hanging out. I think I got a good mix of music.
Your new single “Better Days” was written during a period of personal transition. What was going on in your life emotionally when the song began to take shape?
Gosh, I had been in an on and off again relationship for about 5/6 years that had finally ended, my dad had passed and the dust from that shock was settling, I was living in Nashville, but also about to go on tour and leave for a few months. I had met someone new and was excited about him, but had also had so much change. One of my best friends I thought would be in my life forever had sorted drifted away, and while I was sad about that, when I wrote better days, I had come to the realization that, it is what it is. Thats what it comes down to. Sometimes, it just is what it is and nothing else.
The lyrics capture that bittersweet space between grief and renewal. Was writing this song a healing process for you?
It was! I cried a lot making it. I think it just allowed me to feel what I was feeling. It allowed me to release tension that was caused by the tension and in-between area of grief and renewal.
The track carries a sense of warmth and hope despite the difficult emotions behind it. Was it important for you to keep that balance between honesty and optimism?
It was! I think that’s the cake. That’s life. Even when everything is going wrong, the sun could still be shining. And thats all it is. Life is everything, everywhere all at once.
Musically, “Better Days” draws inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin and John Legend. How did those influences shape the sound and arrangement of the song?
I wanted it to feel big, and hopeful, and soulful. I love Stevie Wonders lyrics. He just says it how it is, but in such a simple way. And Kirk always just makes me feel better. I really wanted that. I wanted this song to feel familiar and like home. I also wanted it to help people feel hopeful. I think the musicians really got the assignment. I am lucky to have such talented people in my circle.
The single artwork features an image of your father, which adds a very personal layer to the release. What does that tribute mean to you?
It means a lot. He loved an instagram shoutout, or anything that felt really thoughtful. I think I wanted to do one more thing sort of to book end this chapter. He will always be with me for the rest of my life, but publicly, to book end this chapter of my life, it felt right. He is so much to me, and I miss him terribly and it only felt right to have one of my favorite pictures of him on the cover.
You’ve toured with Joss Stone, which must have been an incredible experience. What did you learn from that time on the road?
I’ve learned so much from her! She is a force. Watching her on tour last year while she was pregnant was a real lesson in resilience, fortitude, and a reminder that women can do it all. She is such a present and wonderful mom, and puts her kids first which is really important to see. She has such a massive demanding career, but her kids absolutely always come first. That is the biggest lesson and gives me hope that I can not only fight for a career but also have a family too. It may be hard, but it can be done doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Many of your songs explore vulnerability and emotional honesty. What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I think my biggest lesson is in the power of vulnerability. I’ve also learned that No is a full sentence. And you have to take care of yourself to take care of others.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling with their mental health?
I’d say, don’t give up on yourself, and remember that this too shall pass. The bad moments will pass, and the good moments will pass. And that you are not alone. It is so cliche, but so many of us have struggled with mental health, and if you are struggling, opening up about it is not shameful, it is necessary to live the fullest life you can. There are people who want to hear you and want to know you and you matter.
When listeners hear “Better Days,” what do you hope they feel or take away from the song?
I hope they just know that they aren’t alone in whatever sort of grief they may be feeling. And reminded that even when its cloudy, the sun will shine again!
Finally, what’s next for you? Are there new releases or projects we should keep an eye out for in the near future?
I am working on an EP, and am already starting to work on Holiday music for this upcoming year! If I don’t start now it won’t come out! Hah! So definitely look out for that and also look out for some show dates! I haven’t done a solo show in a while, and am excited to get back on stage.
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