Dreis to perform at West Columbia's Red Door Tavern this weekend
What started as a passion for classical music later turned into singing, song writing and touring the country.
Columbia native Haley Dreis and her good friend Caleb Caudle are on an independently-booked U.S. tour for Dreis’ new CD, “Lady With A Rocket.”
Haley always had a passion for music, but it started in a much different genre.
“I started playing the violin at 6 years old and that’s what really started my appreciation for classical music,” she said.
After attending high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts, Dreis became a violin performance student in USC’s Honors College. But it would be one experience outside of the classroom that changed her musical path.
“My friend came into my dorm room in Preston with a guitar and said, ‘Let’s jam!’ I thought, ‘Wait, you mean without sheet music?’” Dreis said.
This unstructured song playing inspired Dreis to learn the guitar and to eventually start writing songs. Dreis said that over winter break she would write a song every time she learned a new chord. This turned from a few songs into an entire album.
After playing in Carolina Productions’ Acoustic Cafe in the bookstore Starbucks and winning USC’s Battle of the Bands, Dreis had the opportunity to open for artists like We the Kings and Edwin McCain. Dreis recorded her first album, “Beautiful to Me,” in the USC recording studios in July 2009 and wanted to keep writing.
Upon graduation, Dreis said she had to make a difficult decision with what she wanted to do. She decided to pack her bags and move to Nashville, Tenn.
“I worked three part-time jobs on top of writing songs and recording, but it’s all been worth it,” Dreis said.
Playing at famous locations like the Bluebird Cafe and in the orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry for Kirk Franklin, Dreis felt it was time to go be the leading lady, not just the opening act. Dreis opened for Jay Clifford in his southeastern region tour and he helped her produce her sophomore album, “Taking Time.”
“Jay is a producer of my album and this connection we had definitely made it one of the best tours I’ve been on,” Dreis said. “I quit all of my jobs and teamed up with Caleb and we decided this tour is what was really important.”
Now on a tour of her own, the singer/songwriter — who said she is somewhere between a Regina Spektor and a Sara Bareilles — is ready to connect with her audiences, and most importantly, those in her hometown.
“It brings back a bit of nostalgia every time I drive around the city or walk on campus ... The memories of performing here are ones I’ll always have,” Dreis said.
Dreis said everyone in Columbia has been supportive of her and her dreams and it is a treat to be able to come back and perform. The music industry has been kind to her, too.
“I love that the industry allows independent artists to be who they are and that we have the creative and artistic control.”
Dreis said this leads to a more authentic, genuine and diverse industry.
“People are basically creating new genres and I love that,” she said.
She has some advice for other aspiring artists as well
“Productivity creates progress, so if you feel motivated and create this momentum for yourself you’ll be able to accomplish so much,” Dreis said.
Dreis also encourages others to find what makes you different and to use that to your advantage.
“You have to stand out and if you seek out who you are and bring that out, you’ll be on the way,” she said.
Haley Dreis and Caleb Cauble perform Saturday, March 23, at the Red Door Tavern in West Columbia. The free show starts at 9 p.m.