Hayley Harland: Lynsey de Paul Prize Runner Up 2016
London-based singer-songwriter Hayley Harland said she began writing music before she could talk as a way to wake up her poor parents at 5am. Growing up on the edge of Portsmouth, she drew influences from the folk greats such as Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell alongside more anthemic bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Who. She melds these into a unique blend of lush folk, indie-pop and psychedelic-rock with delicate finger-picked guitar and an ethereal backdrop of vocals.
Over the years she has played at festivals such as Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Reading & Leads and 2015 found her touring the UK and Scandinavia. Earlier this year, she released her first single and is currently recording her debut album at legendary Dean Street Studios as well as writing for other artists.