Hailey Hermida is an actress and singer/songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams and through hard work is making those dreams a reality. Her newest single, “Ignorance is Bliss”, will be releasing on all streaming services on April 14th. Hailey hopes her single, which is inspired by climate change, will inspire others to do their part to help the planet. Recently, Hailey took time out of her busy schedule for an interview about her single and her hopes for 2023.
Tell us how you got started in the industry.
It’s actually a really funny story. Ever since I was little, I always loved entertaining my family. I remember when I was around 5 years old, I would reenact scenes from a TV show or sing a Disney song while putting on my full princess costume for a living room performance. My sister Denisse noticed how much I loved entertaining, so she started filming everything I was doing. We still watch those old videos and laugh at how seriously I would take my roles. I would pose as a model, pout my lips, or dance—anything that would get me a laugh. So, she thought it would be a good idea to enroll me in an acting workshop since she herself also loved acting. When I walked into the workshop, I immediately fell in love with memorizing scripts and playing pretend.
What is your process for breaking down a character?
The first thing I do when I get a script is read the breakdown and the character’s backstory. A backstory can mean a lot to a character since our past or our childhood shapes who we are as we grow up. Next, I take note of the character’s unique traits and mannerisms to add depth to their personality. Finally, I add my own creative touches to bring the character to life.
What do you look for in a film role?
I love roles that offer a combination of emotions, such as drama, comedy, and suspense. In my opinion, this trifecta is what makes a film truly captivating and engaging for audiences. A great example of this is horror movies. I recently went to see the newest Scream movie, and I think it perfectly mixes those three elements into a very interesting story. It keeps people watching on their toes, and the comedic relief kind of just gives them a chance to catch their breath after everything that unfolds.
Tell us about your newest music release “Ignorance Is Bliss”.
I’m so excited to finally release this song. There were several hiccups along the way, but it’s finally ready, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. “Ignorance Is Bliss” is a song that I absolutely love because it’s very real, and I feel like anyone can relate to the lyrics. I mean, who hasn’t said “I should’ve known better” at least once?
Photo Credit: Jorchual Gregory Vargas, JGV Studios
What was your inspiration behind the single
“Ignorance Is Bliss” is a song inspired by climate change. I think that we are causing a lot of harm to our planet, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. We go about our life as if nothing is happening, blissfully ignoring this real threat to humanity. However, there are also some lyrics that refer to personal instances where I’ve kept my head down, ignoring the issues in front of me when I should’ve known better. And I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that.
What do you want your fans to take away from listening to “Ignorance Is Bliss”?
My intention behind creating “Ignorance Is Bliss” was to highlight the importance of acknowledging and confronting our problems, rather than pretending they don’t exist. Ignoring a problem can only be blissful for so long.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
One thing that might surprise people about me is that I actually love going to the gym. It’s funny because I used to hate it, but over time it’s become part of my routine and I genuinely enjoy it. What makes it even better is that I usually go with my family – my mom, dad, sister, and her husband. In between sets, we chat and catch up, and sometimes we even take cycling classes together.
What are your goals for 2023?
One of the most exciting things that I want to accomplish this year is to perform in front of a live audience. That’s definitely my number one goal, and I’m doing all I can to make it a reality. I also want to continue to workout consistently. And, since I’ll be 16 this year, I’m really looking forward to driving and getting my driver’s license.
Any upcoming projects you can share
I’m working on an E.P. that’s set to be released later this year. I’m really excited about this project because it’s my first one and it’s a collection of 9 tracks that are very personal to me. I’ve co-written and written all of the songs myself and they reflect my experiences and emotions. My hope is that through these songs, listeners will be able to relate to the messages and know that they’re not alone.
Where can we follow you on social media?
You can follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook @Haileyhermida
Photo Credit: Jorchual Gregory Vargas, JGV Studios