Hayley Wallis takes a cathartic journey through heartache with her vulnerable new breakup single Think Of You — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
With an emphasis on the craft of storytelling, Think Of You taps into Wallis’s own experiences, intertwined with those of friends to create a heartfelt, soulful, and melodic tale about letting go of love. From lyrics like “I wish you stayed” to “I have so many, many questions,” the song’s aim is, ultimately, to get over the hurt.
Co-writing with producer David Hodges, Wallis aimed to pen an emotional story that was universal and relatable. “My personal experience with this song was losing someone you aren’t ready to let go of after building a codependency, which a lot of people experience with young love,” Wallis says. “In the moment, it feels as though you’re never going to let them go and it feels like your heart will hurt forever and you’d do anything to win them back. I wanted this song to capture those feelings in the moment.”
Storytelling is deeply rooted in Wallis’ culture and bloodline, and she wanted to call on its healing properties not only to tend to her own wounds but also to help others. “Storytelling is ceremony, it’s special and it’s powerful,” she explains. “We are taught that words are powerful, so you want to make sure that every lyric you’re writing down has good intention. With that being said, I really want to make every song and lyric in this upcoming EP count and hold meaning.”
Based in Vancouver, Wallis began her musical journey at a young age singing for her family and community on the small, isolated island of Klemtu in the Great Bear Rainforest of B.C. Being part of the Kitasoo/Xais’xais Nation has ultimately shaped who Hayley is and helped carve the path she is bravely treading with her second single and debut EP. Passionate about leaving a strong legacy, she sings for herself, her children, and her people, and hopes to set an example that will empower the young generation of her community to pursue their dreams.
Watch Think Of You above and below, and find Hayley Wallis at her website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
