Meet HAZL

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to HAZL. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

HAZL, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

It’s been a journey that has taken a hell of a lot of both time and courage. Now at 30, I can see how much I’ve grown, and I know that if I were asked this question at 21, my answer would have been quite different.
My journey has included many different roles—I’ve always been an artist and musician, but I’ve also been a high school snowboard instructor, a sex worker, a climbing guide, a personal assistant, and I’ve worked in almost every part of the event industry. Through all these experiences, I’ve had to show up as myself in so many different environments, and that has made being on stage feel almost effortless. It’s not that I was born to do it, but it certainly feels like second nature now.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In the summer of 2023 I was a small time artist living in my home town of Portland Oregon. I was really into electronic pop and trying my best at this music thing. Then, in the summer of 2023 I received an entirely life changing email. I remember sobbing on my front porch as I read the words “Congratulations! You have just been granted a full ride scholarship into LAAMP (Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Producers).”

In this same email I learned I would be mentored for an entire year under the incredible production duo Stargate – The producers credited with the creation of Rihana’s “Diamond”, Katy Perries “Firework” and much of Beyonce and Coldplay’s most recent albums. As a queer artist from a small city this was jaw dropping.

For the next year, myself and 45 other menties were off and running. Writing and producing 1-3 songs per week. Receiving direct mentorship, partaking in workshops, and pitch opportunities from some of the biggest names in the business. For a year straight I only saw these 45 other people. We spent 5 days a week, 10am-Midnight creating in the studio. For a year we dedicated our lives to learning the industry, developing our artistry, and diving deep into collaboration.The whole year was a whirlwind. (Please see this video link for a short reel depiction: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C89v1DKSKeG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)

By the end of 2024 I had written a total of 127 songs. Prior to this program, it would have taken me months to finish just a few songs for release. Now, I found myself with the largest portfolio of my life and a huge fire under my ass telling me, “Now it’s time for the real work to begin!”

Que – USTF (U Saw Them First).

USTF is a show that myself and Eric Bronner produce once a month. We’ve created what we like to call, an “Intentional Listening Space.” These shows are cell phone free shows. They are shows where the entire focus is on the artist. The whole idea is that we want people to have an opportunity to find their new favorite artist before that artist becomes unattainable. And we want new artists to feel seen and cared for. This is a show put on BY artists FOR artists and their new fans.

That brings us to the present day. When I’m not producing USTF I’m hard at work on my own music career. I’m not signed and it’s all me backing my dreams so the work never stops. Between booking shows, building a band and finishing my album (Releasing in Oct 2025) I’m a lil busy bee. Currently I’m raising money to help buy a Touring Van so I can go on tour next year!

Gofundme Link: (https://gofund.me/c342c841)

My sound as an artist is very indie folk. My lyrics tend to speak about love, identity, and the human experience. I love hard and thrive in community. I’m a little queerdo and a bit of a silly goose and I want to show the world that being human is a multifaceted experience. It’s hard, as much as it is delightful. Its scary yet peaceful. In 2025 there needs to be more safe spaces in the world and I hope, if someone finds themselves at one of my shows, they’ll know they’ve found something safe.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say one of the most impactful areas in my journey was my experience with LAAMP. It played a huge role in helping me understand my needs in this industry. During that time, I was in the studio nearly every day, accumulating around 4,000 hours of studio time. The biggest lesson I learned was that perfection isn’t the goal; it’s about showing up and creating consistently. It’s a simple concept, but putting it into practice required a lot of dedication and daily effort. I know you requested 3 but at this moment this feels like the most complete answer for me.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to take it day by day. Surround yourself with a community that supports you—it’s often half the battle. And keep showing up for yourself.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am absolutely looking for collaborators! I’ve recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30,000 to purchase a van for my upcoming tour in 2025. I’ll be touring up and down the West Coast, starting in Vancouver, Canada, and making my way down to San Diego.

If you’d like to donate here is the link! https://gofund.me/c342c841

In addition to tour support, I’m also looking to collaborate on sync licensing opportunities for my music to be placed in film and TV, and I’m deeply interested in signing a publishing deal. If you feel you can help in any of these areas, I would be incredibly grateful!

The best way to reach me is through email – [email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos Taken By Alex Kawasaki & Nathan Montalvo

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