Written By: Jayme Face
Malynda Hale is a singer/social activist who just released her latest single “The La La Song” and don’t forget to catch her podcast with Karmel Humphrey, #WeNeedToTalk!
courtesy of Malynda Hale
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your style of singing/songwriting?
Malynda Hale: I like to say that my music is really for everyone. I love to write songs that make people think but also bob their heads and have a good time. My writing has grown over the years but I definitely put myself in the Adult Contemporary category. Artists that I think I would tour well with are Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, India Arie, Tori Kelly – people who have truth in their music and messages but are still radio friendly.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new single “The La La Song”?
Malynda Hale: I’d been so focused on writing songs of inspiration and empowerment that I wanted to just take one song and write something fun and loving that makes people feel good. In the earlier days of my music career I focused a lot on love and I didn’t want that to get lost. So I wrote this particular song for my husband! He’s my biggest supporter and the love of my life. I also just wanted to write a song that’s easy to sing along to and that will get stuck in your head! I think I accomplished that.
upfrontNY: How does it compare to your EP “The One”?
Malynda Hale: Well, actually “The La La Song” was supposed to be on the EP but we didn’t get it done in time, so I decided to release it as a single! It honestly fits perfectly with the theme and feel of that entire EP.
upfrontNY: What inspires you to write music?
Malynda Hale: I’m always inspired by the daily happenings in the world. I think it’s easy to write a love song but I always want to challenge myself to write about the things that are important to me. I’ve always been vocal about where I stand on certain issues, but I think expressing those views through my music is one of the best ways for me to communicate with my audience. It’s also important for me to transfer my inspiration to others. I hope that the things that have inspired me will inspire others through my music.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your podcast “#WeNeedToTalk”?
Malynda Hale: I’m incredibly excited about this new venture. I started #WeNeedToTalk as a live panel discussion series that I host every few months in Los Angeles where we tackle important topics and concepts that need to be talked about. I always finish the panel discussion feeling like we could’ve talked about so much more, so I created a podcast! I think it’s important to use your voice for good, and the sooner we’re able to have open and honest discussions about the things that are important the sooner we can come to conclusions on how to battle them. On the podcast we’ll of course discuss serious issues, but we also plan on throwing in light pop culture topics so there’s a little something for everyone.
upfrontNY: Your co-host on the podcast is Karmel Humphrey. What has been the best part of teaming up?
Malynda Hale: Even though we have similar views we approach them differently and that makes for a good dynamic. You don’t want to always hear people with the same views just simply agreeing with each other. I think we do a good job of expressing ourselves in a way that allows audiences to get acquainted with both of our personalities.
upfrontNY: How does it differ from your previous podcast, “Boss, Please”?
Malynda Hale: Boss, Please was specifically geared toward powerful inspirational woman. While I’m all for female empowerment, I realized I’m passionate about many other topics and issues as well, so I wanted to lend my voice to a deeper conversation.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about being the face of Valana Minerals and what that means to you?
Malynda Hale: As a dark skinned African American female, it has always been difficult to find makeup that works for my skin tone, not to mention that it’s cruelty free and vegan. So, finding this product was a true blessing. I’ve now been partnered with them for about five years and it’s such a wonderful company!
upfrontNY: March is a busy month for you with the release of your new song, music video, and your podcast. What is the feeling like leading up to sharing your projects?
Malynda Hale: I get excited about bringing new projects to life, but I also get worried no one will like them or listen! I think those feelings are typical, but people always surprise me when they share my new songs or I see it’s added to a new playlist of some sort. I have more support than I realize and it’s humbling.
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