Halie Loren And Her Dreamy New Visions in Jazz

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Halie Loren, an award-winning jazz singer-songwriter from Oregon, has just released her latest album, Dreams Lost and Found, through Nettwerk/Justin Time Records. Known for her rich, emotive vocal style, Loren brings a fresh wave of creativity to the jazz scene with this new release, which delves deep into themes of renewal, discovery, and transformation.

Q: Can you talk about the beginning of your career in music and how you knew jazz was your genre?

Halie Loren: It all started in Alaska, on a small island in the southeast. Pop culture didn’t really penetrate there, so I grew up listening to my parents' eclectic album collection—jazz, blues, country, and classic rock. I first performed live when I was 10, despite having terrible stage fright. That experience, playing with a professional band, never left me. After moving to Oregon as a teenager, I immersed myself in the local music community, performing at festivals and fairs. That set me on a path of singing and songwriting. I moved to Nashville at 16 to work with a manager, but after accruing songwriting credits and exploring different genres, I returned to Oregon for college and a fresh start, which eventually led me back to jazz.

Q: With your extensive touring experience across different continents and cultures, how does your music resonate with diverse audiences worldwide?

Halie Loren: After my music started gaining traction in Japan, I began touring internationally. From Japan to China, Egypt, and across Europe, my career has involved returning to these places to perform. My music seems to resonate because of its blend of genres and its genuine emotional depth, which connects with people regardless of their cultural background.

Q: What inspired the themes of longing and transformation in your new album "Dreams Lost and Found"?

Halie Loren: The inspiration came from recent global changes, especially the pandemic. It prompted a lot of introspection about what I truly want and feel. This album reflects a shedding of old illusions and a search for new directions. It’s about letting go of outdated dreams to make space for new ones, which I think is a universal experience.

Q: Are there any songs on the album that stand out as favorites for you?

Halie Loren: It's hard to choose favorites because each song carries a piece of the story I wanted to tell. However, tracks like “Sukiyaki (You Took Your Love Away)” and “For All We Know” hold special places for their blend of nostalgia and new interpretation.

Q: What can fans expect from your upcoming tour in the Pacific Northwest and your return to Japan?

Halie Loren: Fans can expect a mix of intimate and dynamic performances. I’ll be showcasing many of the new album’s tracks, and I'm particularly excited about bringing the fresh, live essence of these songs to audiences, both familiar and new. The tour is a celebration of where my music has been and where it’s going.

Halie Loren continues to enchant audiences worldwide with her unique blend of jazz and storytelling, and her new album, Dreams Lost and Found, is a testament to her evolving artistry and her ability to navigate the complexities of human emotions through music. For more information on her tour dates and to listen to her latest album, visit her website at www.halieloren.com.