Haley touring with PMJ -- Feb 2015 - March 2016 (& March 2017)

[john]

Definitely a win-win situation. I have viewed a couple of videos from the 2014 tour and they were good, but not in the same league as the 2015 tour. Scott upgraded the vocal talent and overall showmanship across the board IMO.

Haley and Casey have been a windfall for Scott but he was already picking up considerable steam. I think Scott knows what he has in Haley. Mikal's intro remarks about Haley's comet only coming around every 75 years extend Scott's early characterization that Haley is a "once in a generation talent."

[Babbs234]

I don't know if Scott was lucky, or if Haley and Casey were lucky, but the stars aligned at the right time, and magic happened!!

I kind of got the feeling around home base, that initially, it was thought Haley should concentrate on her own music and such... But boy am I glad she went on this tour!!!! And what 24 year old could resist EUROPE anyway? haha

And Casey being on the whole tour really has put his face and name out there.

---

Haley and Casey have been a windfall for Scott but he was already picking up considerable steam. I think Scott knows what he has in Haley. Mikal's intro remarks about Haley's comet only coming around every 75 years extend Scott's early characterization that Haley is a "once in a generation talent."

What we have known all along!!! That's why we're here!

[Tusk]

You know, watching this video, it occurs to me, Pia Toscano should look to Morgan James for some pointers about imbuing a song with emotion as well as power

Morgan's already retweeted tweets that refer to this video, twice, she's pretty active on social media, puts a lot of content up on Instagram... There's no denying, girl's really working at making her career work. I think the tour did wonders for her solo career as well

[Babbs234]

Morgan's already retweeted tweets that refer to this video, twice, she's pretty active on social media, puts a lot of content up on Instagram... There's no denying, girl's really working at making her career work. I think the tour did wonders for her solo career as well

Morgan has such a powerhouse voice! I am soooo impressed with her. Im hoping she goes on the North America tour. I really want to see her live. By the way, Pat5533 is joining Himm and me to see PMJ at their Chi town gig on June 4th. Starting to get a little Halien gathering... gonna be so fun! (Fingers crossed that Haley will be there too.)

From what I can tell, and I know nothing, Robyn Adele Anderson, has built up quite a following from singing with PMJ. Since she was the original singer for Scott's videos, she has a lot of fans. I have noticed she has performed around New York, and she is the featured artist. Before PMJ, I don't believe that was the case. In fact, If I remember correctly, she didn't sing in public at all.
With Morgan's voice, the sky's the limit. She should be a star with that voice.

[XAtlantic]

I have a feeling that we're a bit too much biased towards Haley here in discussing PMJ, of course we are - being Haliens - and knowing how exceptional she is with her voice and personality! But in terms of the European PMJ concerts I felt that they were very well balanced among the singers (with the exception of you-know-who). Of course Casey and then Haley after joining were key pieces, but the others delivered their corresponding parts, too. For example, in my Berlin concert Morgan's super-clear and beautiful powerful voice was a really different thing from Haley's sultry and Cristina Gatti's very impressive low full-bodied intensity. Not to speak of Mykal, the Tap Factor, Casey's total package.

Of course Haley is in a league of her own as a singer and voice and musician, but the real miracle is that PMJ is not a backing band for one or the other outstanding singer, it is an organic mosaic of balance and presence built around the center-piece singer - very much more so in the concerts than in the videos, from the one concert I saw. Which makes it even more impressive how Scott is able to bring in people and loose people while keeping it all perfectly on the heights (like Cristina's short stint). Each singer was a sparkling mosaic piece in their own right to weave the collective PMJ art, but none was the one central piece - therein lies Scott's genius. And it also goes for Haley's role in the PMJ project.

I'll get to my point in a second. But first a look again at what this gained for Haley. First, of course the touring experience in Europe, together with Casey to top it off (and I am so impressed and happy that their self-confident, relaxed friendship began to show strongly once more as soon as she joined). Second, we always wished so much for Haley to have a band behind her, something more extensive than she's mostly had (I do love her intimate performances, too, though!). Scott with his musicians gave her a beautiful musical landscape in which to exist. Third, PMJ's building success (which I particularly like because it is obvious that it is not a hype thing or latest fad like with some hits, but solidly based on excitement for music with a recognition of talent and musicianship) is an important boost to Haley, exposing her to many who did not know her before, and moves her even farther away from the AI aftermath, which Listen Up was not able to do (and NOJO has a too particular fan base for that). It would be great if she were to start showing up not as the "former AI finalist" but a "singer also known from PMJ".

However, I think we should be realistic. I expect Scott to do a few more things with her, producing a number more of mind-blowing videos for us (which I so much look forward to; I think with Creep he has a real decision to make). But I fully expect him to move on, too, to keep finding new talent and keeping it fresh and new again and again. Some singers have been pretty central to his projects and appeared a lot, but you can tell that bringing in new voices is a central part of his concept and why it works. PMJ is a stage, not a fixed band. So I do not think, despite Scott being fully aware of Haley's exceptional talent, he'll aim to go farther with her than with other names. It is a partnership for a (short?) period.

Plus, we don't really think Haley would want it, beyond a point - surely we wouldn't, or would we? The exposure is great and comes at a great time, and Haley surely just loves doing such outstanding music when there's the opportunity. I wonder whether there is any financial side. Scott can't divide up the proceeds between all, I'd think, and needs to pay the band. I don't think the income is huge, compared to costs, it just works well, so I wonder how much if any Haley gains beyond exposure, which of course is top currency for someone aiming to establish more permanently.

Babbs pointed out that we mostly hear Haley sing 2-3 sings in her appearances, and what we'd hope for is a full concert with her own material and with her own band. That won't work without sufficient recognition, i.e. tickets selling, and that is what PMJ can help with a lot. That is still building. It is by no means there yet, even after this very nice next step taken, which should help a lot, though.

For me, one indication is that despite the huge view numbers on her PMJ videos and the gushing comments, the SMYM video count has had nearly no impact at all - I find that a bit surprising and shows, I think, that it is more a PMJ thing than a Haley thing, despite all, despite the many enthusiastic comments. It still languishes at some mere 71,000 views on her YT channel and I think it was somewhere around 65,000 before the tour. I'd expect that independently of whether people like it or not, if people are checking out Haley they'd view it a bit (and even if they quickly decide that they're disappointed, the visuals should keep them glued a bit longer and make the view count). Which makes it all the more regretful that she does not have anything more on her official channel to give to people interested in finding out about her art. That would be even stronger, I think, than Tusk's channel - just see Morgan's channel and how it will engage interested new fans with lots of fantastic material. But having said that, it also goes to show how absolutely essential Haleystusk YT has become - without it, people would not find the right material to feed their enthusiasm on, not the kind we'd like them to see, more recent material. I totally can see where Haley is coming from, going it more a musical and old school route with much less emphasis on social media, simply putting her money on her talent; I totally get that (what is an internet hype worth if you can't feed it like Scott does? She is building a strong fan base slowly, but reliably, jazz singer style). Nonetheless, there is a certain balance to be struck, particularly with new material coming out slowly and very deliberately (even now we've not had studio versions of the new songs yet!), in terms of making new fans stick rather than move on. So Tusk, I think you've become a really important part of what is happening. And if she is interested in moving a few things to her own channel, I think that would be the absolutely right thing to do. I think she should have something like 20 or so videos up on her own channel.

So the European tour was a fantastic thing, and PMJ with Haley is, from start to finish. But ultimately, I think it is a partnership for just a period of time for both sides, with Scott infusing new singers to keep it fresh and Haley needing to make it in contexts geared even more toward her.

Sorry for such a long post. It was triggered by the feeling in some of our writing here that Haley somehow was the one outstanding piece of the PMJ show, which I don't think she was (still more Casey fans than Haley fans, I think) - she's the outstanding piece in the wider world, the world that she is still conquering.

I still can't believe I heard her sing live, and got to meet her, wishing her a wonderful tour. It seems unreal, but it happened, and makes me happy.

[pennylane]

I have a feeling that we're a bit too much biased towards Haley here in discussing PMJ, of course we are - being Haliens - and knowing how exceptional she is with her voice and personality! But in terms of the European PMJ concerts I felt that they were very well balanced among the singers (with the exception of you-know-who). Of course Casey and then Haley after joining were key pieces, but the others delivered their corresponding parts, too. For example, in my Berlin concert Morgan's super-clear and beautiful powerful voice was a really different thing from Haley's sultry and Cristina Gatti's very impressive low full-bodied intensity. Not to speak of Mykal, the Tap Factor, Casey's total package.

Of course Haley is in a league of her own as a singer and voice and musician, but the real miracle is that PMJ is not a backing band for one or the other outstanding singer, it is an organic mosaic of balance and presence built around the center-piece singer - very much more so in the concerts than in the videos, from the one concert I saw. Which makes it even more impressive how Scott is able to bring in people and loose people while keeping it all perfectly on the heights (like Cristina's short stint). Each singer was a sparkling mosaic piece in their own right to weave the collective PMJ art, but none was the one central piece - therein lies Scott's genius. And it also goes for Haley's role in the PMJ project.

I'll get to my point in a second. But first a look again at what this gained for Haley. First, of course the touring experience in Europe, together with Casey to top it off (and I am so impressed and happy that their self-confident, relaxed friendship began to show strongly once more as soon as she joined). Second, we always wished so much for Haley to have a band behind her, something more extensive than she's mostly had (I do love her intimate performances, too, though!). Scott with his musicians gave her a beautiful musical landscape in which to exist. Third, PMJ's building success (which I particularly like because it is obvious that it is not a hype thing or latest fad like with some hits, but solidly based on excitement for music with a recognition of talent and musicianship) is an important boost to Haley, exposing her to many who did not know her before, and moves her even farther away from the AI aftermath, which Listen Up was not able to do (and NOJO has a too particular fan base for that). It would be great if she were to start showing up not as the "former AI finalist" but a "singer also known from PMJ".

However, I think we should be realistic. I expect Scott to do a few more things with her, producing a number more of mind-blowing videos for us (which I so much look forward to; I think with Creep he has a real decision to make). But I fully expect him to move on, too, to keep finding new talent and keeping it fresh and new again and again. Some singers have been pretty central to his projects and appeared a lot, but you can tell that bringing in new voices is a central part of his concept and why it works. PMJ is a stage, not a fixed band. So I do not think, despite Scott being fully aware of Haley's exceptional talent, he'll aim to go farther with her than with other names. It is a partnership for a (short?) period.

Plus, we don't really think Haley would want it, beyond a point - surely we wouldn't, or would we? The exposure is great and comes at a great time, and Haley surely just loves doing such outstanding music when there's the opportunity. I wonder whether there is any financial side. Scott can't divide up the proceeds between all, I'd think, and needs to pay the band. I don't think the income is huge, compared to costs, it just works well, so I wonder how much if any Haley gains beyond exposure, which of course is top currency for someone aiming to establish more permanently.

Babbs pointed out that we mostly hear Haley sing 2-3 sings in her appearances, and what we'd hope for is a full concert with her own material and with her own band. That won't work without sufficient recognition, i.e. tickets selling, and that is what PMJ can help with a lot. That is still building. It is by no means there yet, even after this very nice next step taken, which should help a lot, though.

For me, one indication is that despite the huge view numbers on her PMJ videos and the gushing comments, the SMYM video count has had nearly no impact at all - I find that a bit surprising and shows, I think, that it is more a PMJ thing than a Haley thing, despite all, despite the many enthusiastic comments. It still languishes at some mere 71,000 views on her YT channel and I think it was somewhere around 65,000 before the tour. I'd expect that independently of whether people like it or not, if people are checking out Haley they'd view it a bit (and even if they quickly decide that they're disappointed, the visuals should keep them glued a bit longer and make the view count). Which makes it all the more regretful that she does not have anything more on her official channel to give to people interested in finding out about her art. That would be even stronger, I think, than Tusk's channel - just see Morgan's channel and how it will engage interested new fans with lots of fantastic material. But having said that, it also goes to show how absolutely essential Haleystusk YT has become - without it, people would not find the right material to feed their enthusiasm on, not the kind we'd like them to see, more recent material. I totally can see where Haley is coming from, going it more a musical and old school route with much less emphasis on social media, simply putting her money on her talent; I totally get that (what is an internet hype worth if you can't feed it like Scott does? She is building a strong fan base slowly, but reliably, jazz singer style). Nonetheless, there is a certain balance to be struck, particularly with new material coming out slowly and very deliberately (even now we've not had studio versions of the new songs yet!), in terms of making new fans stick rather than move on. So Tusk, I think you've become a really important part of what is happening. And if she is interested in moving a few things to her own channel, I think that would be the absolutely right thing to do. I think she should have something like 20 or so videos up on her own channel.

So the European tour was a fantastic thing, and PMJ with Haley is, from start to finish. But ultimately, I think it is a partnership for just a period of time for both sides, with Scott infusing new singers to keep it fresh and Haley needing to make it in contexts geared even more toward her.

Sorry for such a long post. It was triggered by the feeling in some of our writing here that Haley somehow was the one outstanding piece of the PMJ show, which I don't think she was (still more Casey fans than Haley fans, I think) - she's the outstanding piece in the wider world, the world that she is still conquering.

I still can't believe I heard her sing live, and got to meet her, wishing her a wonderful tour. It seems unreal, but it happened, and makes me happy.

Wow You've given us Haliens much food for thought Very interesting post

[Tusk]

Here's "Burn" the camera goes in and out of focus in some spots

[XAtlantic]

Tusk, thinking about it some more, maybe there's two aspects that could come up with Haley's own YT channel. First, perhaps she'd have restrictions on posting versions of unreleased songs on her official channel - if fans video it and post, that's just the way it is, but perhaps it'd be different legally or strategically if she did it herself? Second, now that I think about it, I have a gut feeling that Haley might want to only post professionally looking recordings on her own YT, she's always gone for flawless excellence in her public side, from dressing to photography, and we all know how good she is at it. So maybe videos with a fan-recorded vibe would not be what she'd want to put under her name? Meaning that only our very best and professional-looking and sounding videos would even be candidates. Of course I/we know none of that, it's just speculation, and she did express interest when you talked to her, but I realize now that it's probably much more of a serious business decision in terms of image and projection than I tended to think. Perhaps this is part of the reason she has relatively little out: because she will put only quality out? (Which, in turn, of course would mean that the Haleystusk channel will remain central to the project not as a way station but as a conduit for the wider world of Haley videos beyond her own strict selection. In that case she should perhaps put a visible pointer to it in her channel, like she did for Rachel's news site on her fb and twitter).

Miguel, sorry for drifting a bit off topic here (triggered by the European videos).

[XAtlantic]

I'd like to think my videos are a bit better than just fan cam videos.....It's not like I just slap the videos up, I do try to make them look the best I can.. I think they wouldn't embarass Haley if they were to be posted on her channel

Of course they are better! A lot! A huge lot! And of course you are the exact opposite of "slapping videos up"! If it came across like that, I apologize, that's not what I meant to say. We all know that you always put tremendous work into the Team Haleyfans videos, with absolutely fantastic results, they stand their own and very well, have a common design and much creativity inside, improved audio and video and everything - I do know that you have a very keen eye for what can go out and what not, precisely because of what it is about. Yes, there are real gems among these good videos. And I totally agree to ignore the internet on that front is at the peril of winning fans and just letting them slip by, at least certain types of fans. There needs to be content, and having none is not helpful. So don't get me wrong with what I wrote (I think you don't). We'll see what happens!

For this stage of things, this is the great quadruple we have: Haley official, Rachel for the news, Haleystusk for the videos, and HF for the discussion, all characterized by consistency and quality. Of these, only Haley official is lagging a bit, and that may change.

Edit: Just saw your edited-in question about whether I'm suggesting you should not submit them to her. Of course you should! She was open to it, and she should definitely see the material she can work with, if she's interested. I only was thinking aloud about what kinds of thoughts she might have in the bigger picture. Maybe it is just that she hasn't worried about her channels a lot before, or maybe she has reasons (but then why launch them) - I was only thinking aloud and naturally have no idea whatsoever what her views would be. We have been concerned here that she builds on the internet, too, as one conduit, and this could be part of it, not just through PMJ. All we can do is offer and if she finds it helpful, maybe something works out, if not, we'll be the first to follow her lead. In any case, we continue as part of the outside fan base. You yourself frequently pointed out that there is an angle where an artist needs to maintain some distance and separation from the fan base, not to muddle things too much, but right now we're definitely at a stage where a positive relationship is building, which works through personal contact and trust. So let's see where this leads! Sorry if you felt I was advising against it! As I said, we'll see!

[john]

Thanks for posting your thoughts XAtlantic, my head kept nodding as I read through you fine post. Here are some of my reactions...

I have a feeling that we're a bit too much biased towards Haley here in discussing PMJ, of course we are - being Haliens - and knowing how exceptional she is with her voice and personality! But in terms of the European PMJ concerts I felt that they were very well balanced among the singers (with the exception of you-know-who). Of course Casey and then Haley after joining were key pieces, but the others delivered their corresponding parts, too. For example, in my Berlin concert Morgan's super-clear and beautiful powerful voice was a really different thing from Haley's sultry and Cristina Gatti's very impressive low full-bodied intensity. Not to speak of Mykal, the Tap Factor, Casey's total package.

It has been my impression that the PMJ roadshow was having great success from the beginning and I give credit to the whole troupe. It appears that Casey brought tremendous energy and talent to their concerts and was a key contributor to the success of the tour. Haley was present for only the last third of the tour (12 performances). She replaced Kiah Victoria and provided a major upgrade.

Of course Haley is in a league of her own as a singer and voice and musician, but the real miracle is that PMJ is not a backing band for one or the other outstanding singer, it is an organic mosaic of balance and presence built around the center-piece singer - very much more so in the concerts than in the videos, from the one concert I saw. Which makes it even more impressive how Scott is able to bring in people and loose people while keeping it all perfectly on the heights (like Cristina's short stint). Each singer was a sparkling mosaic piece in their own right to weave the collective PMJ art, but none was the one central piece - therein lies Scott's genius. And it also goes for Haley's role in the PMJ project.

I agree with this paragraph, as much as one can from afar. Scott is brilliant at shuffling the pieces in and out, among other things. He manages the mosaic and that is PMJ. I doubt he is interested in becoming just the band that backs up a single star singer or two. PMJ is the brand, along with Scott Bradlee.

I'll get to my point in a second. But first a look again at what this gained for Haley. First, of course the touring experience in Europe, together with Casey to top it off (and I am so impressed and happy that their self-confident, relaxed friendship began to show strongly once more as soon as she joined). Second, we always wished so much for Haley to have a band behind her, something more extensive than she's mostly had (I do love her intimate performances, too, though!). Scott with his musicians gave her a beautiful musical landscape in which to exist. Third, PMJ's building success (which I particularly like because it is obvious that it is not a hype thing or latest fad like with some hits, but solidly based on excitement for music with a recognition of talent and musicianship) is an important boost to Haley, exposing her to many who did not know her before, and moves her even farther away from the AI aftermath, which Listen Up was not able to do (and NOJO has a too particular fan base for that). It would be great if she were to start showing up not as the "former AI finalist" but a "singer also known from PMJ".

I think that the touring experience Haley is gaining is as important as the exposure, perhaps much more so. I have long felt Haley actually needed this kind of experience and I am delighted that she joined the tour. The band is perfect for her and she is surrounded by people with experience and talent. I think the setup is perfect, too. She can focus on getting a few songs just right; polishing her performances, while getting a chance to learn from those around her. This makes her better in ways that performing at Room 5 with Casey and Quinton simply can't.

She also benefits from the exposure for sure. I hope she continues to perform with PMJ during their US tour -- at least for a good chunk of it. In the end she would be better. I am one who thinks Haley still has a lot to learn about her choosen craft and being on the road now is the place where she can learn the most, in the fastest time. It will make a difference.

However, I think we should be realistic. I expect Scott to do a few more things with her, producing a number more of mind-blowing videos for us (which I so much look forward to; I think with Creep he has a real decision to make). But I fully expect him to move on, too, to keep finding new talent and keeping it fresh and new again and again. Some singers have been pretty central to his projects and appeared a lot, but you can tell that bringing in new voices is a central part of his concept and why it works. PMJ is a stage, not a fixed band. So I do not think, despite Scott being fully aware of Haley's exceptional talent, he'll aim to go farther with her than with other names. It is a partnership for a (short?) period.

From Scott's end of things I think he would like to keep Morgan, Haley, Casey, and Ariana around for while. And I would expect him to be open to collabortions down the road. He was with Robyn quite a while and the video he released a couple of weeks ago that features her quickly gained a million views. I wouldn't expect him to turn his back on successful singers.

Plus, we don't really think Haley would want it, beyond a point - surely we wouldn't, or would we?

Haley needs to move on, although I think future collaborations or periods of involvement might be fine. I just hope she stays with PMJ a bit longer for the reasons we have discussed.

Babbs pointed out that we mostly hear Haley sing 2-3 sings in her appearances, and what we'd hope for is a full concert with her own material and with her own band. That won't work without sufficient recognition, i.e. tickets selling, and that is what PMJ can help with a lot. That is still building. It is by no means there yet, even after this very nice next step taken, which should help a lot, though.

It is not there yet and she'll be a much better solo performer with additional PMJ experience.

For me, one indication is that despite the huge view numbers on her PMJ videos and the gushing comments, the SMYM video count has had nearly no impact at all - I find that a bit surprising and shows, I think, that it is more a PMJ thing than a Haley thing, despite all, despite the many enthusiastic comments. It still languishes at some mere 71,000 views on her YT channel and I think it was somewhere around 65,000 before the tour. I'd expect that independently of whether people like it or not, if people are checking out Haley they'd view it a bit (and even if they quickly decide that they're disappointed, the visuals should keep them glued a bit longer and make the view count).

It is a surprise that more people don't check out some of the YT stuff, especially SMYM. Especially those who get exposed to Haley via YT. She is embedded in the PMJ group, however, and PMJ does benefit from the view numbers and other buzz. Haley's performance of Creep drove up itunes sales of PMJs existing Creep video, for example, although a small bump in sales can probably push you a long way up the jazz chart.

Which makes it all the more regretful that she does not have anything more on her official channel to give to people interested in finding out about her art. That would be even stronger, I think, than Tusk's channel - just see Morgan's channel and how it will engage interested new fans with lots of fantastic material. But having said that, it also goes to show how absolutely essential Haleystusk YT has become - without it, people would not find the right material to feed their enthusiasm on, not the kind we'd like them to see, more recent material. I totally can see where Haley is coming from, going it more a musical and old school route with much less emphasis on social media, simply putting her money on her talent; I totally get that (what is an internet hype worth if you can't feed it like Scott does? She is building a strong fan base slowly, but reliably, jazz singer style). Nonetheless, there is a certain balance to be struck, particularly with new material coming out slowly and very deliberately (even now we've not had studio versions of the new songs yet!), in terms of making new fans stick rather than move on. So Tusk, I think you've become a really important part of what is happening. And if she is interested in moving a few things to her own channel, I think that would be the absolutely right thing to do. I think she should have something like 20 or so videos up on her own channel.

It is my hope that in addition to honing her stage skills, Haley can learn from and get excited by some of Scott's skills as a maestro of the social media. Scott works it every day and from various angles. Rather than saying she is building a fan base slowly, I more inclined to say that she has started to rebuild her fanbase slowly. Her twitter followers, just to cite an example I know, has been slowly but steadily declining for a long time. She hasn't produced much that is easily accessible to a broad audience. Halien videos of performances are great, but they can only go so far.

Given her current approach, to drawn audiences for a tour of her own Haley needs a song that is a hit. I hope she gets it.

I still can't believe I heard her sing live, and got to meet her, wishing her a wonderful tour. It seems unreal, but it happened, and makes me happy.

Yay!