Article and Photos by: Matt Guevara

Since picking up a guitar at the young age of eleven, folk-pop singer songwriter Hayley Reardon has become somewhat of a local legend in the Massachusetts music scene, and with good reason. Young as she is, her music has a distinct voice to it, and speaks volumes well beyond her years. Now, eight years after getting her start in songwriting, she has built an impressive career for herself, and it’s no wonder that people love her soft voice and inviting persona. Through her music, Hayley is now taking a stand against bullying, using her powerful voice as a way to spread awareness for the issue.

When Hayley first picked up a guitar, people were shocked by the quality of the songs that seemed to come naturally to her. Apparently this set the tone for her music career, because she has been enchanting people with her songwriting skills, soft voice, and captivating lyrics ever since. Playing everything from school shows to open mic nights, her style became stronger and more pronounced, and in 2012, at only sixteen, she released her first full length album, Where the Artists Go. After the album’s release, she shifted her focus towards the issue of bullying. By using her music to spread awareness on the issue, Reardon has become an important figure on the anti-bullying front, as well as other social and political issues, and has even collaborated with organizations such as PACER to raise awareness in the past.

Besides bullying, another message Reardon promotes is individuality. In 2014, she released her second record, Wayfindings, with strong emphasis on this theme. Through her music, as well as her speaking and workshops, she emphasizes the importance of individuality, and celebrates self-discovery, hoping to teach people to value their differences and find their own voice, both creatively and in life.

Now, Hayley can be found playing shows in and around Nashville, as well as her home state of Massachusetts. She also hosts workshops, sharing her love and passion for music with others, and helping them find their own artistic style. Finally, she is currently in the process of recording her “best record yet”, which, while the release date is unknown, is sure to be a good one. Until the new records release, her first two albums are available on iTunes.