Haley Bundy’s career is hitting a pivotal moment. Ahead of releasing her new single, “End to Begin,” and preparing for a highly-anticipated appearance on American Idol, Haley sat down with The Daily Scanner to discuss her journey, creative process, and where she’s headed next.
Q: Your new single, “End to Begin,” comes out January 30. What does that title mean to you, and what kind of emotional space does the song live in?
I wrote the song about a year ago with Sam Tinnesz and Austin Bianco. At the time, I had just come out of a relationship and was processing a lot. The idea came from this feeling of finding hope on the other side of something ending. I wanted the song to capture that sentiment — that even if something meaningful ends, it’s not the end of the story. Sometimes, you have to let go of something good to make room for something even better. It’s about embracing the transitions in life with hope and resilience.
Q: You’ve been performing nonstop since moving to Nashville — when do you feel most like yourself as an artist: on stage, in the writing room, or in the studio?
Each setting is special in its own way, but I feel most like myself when I’m writing. Over the past few months, I’ve really come to appreciate how therapeutic writing is for me. I’ve experienced a lot of growth that’s made my writing more personal and reflective. Being able to collaborate with other writers, share my thoughts, and process emotions through music has been an incredible gift.
Q: “End to Begin” was co-written and recorded with Sam Tinnesz, whose songs have reached over one billion streams. How did that collaboration come together, and what did he bring out of you creatively?
Meeting Sam was a lucky series of connections. Taylor Carroll, the drummer for Lit, introduced me to him. Taylor had worked with my vocal coach, Brett Manning, who’s guided artists like Miley Cyrus and Leona Lewis. After Taylor and I collaborated on a project, my dad painted a custom guitar for him, which led to Taylor recommending my dad’s work to Sam. Long story short, Sam showed up at one of my gigs at Dave & Buster’s, and we ended up making a TikTok video together. It went viral, and that’s when we decided to write together.
The writing session with Sam and Austin was such a smooth process. I shared my idea for the song, and we brainstormed guitar riffs and lyrics. It all came together so naturally. In just an hour and a half, we had the song written and started the demo. The chemistry in the room was amazing, and you can hear that energy in the final track.
Q: Can you walk us through the recording process for this song — from the first idea to the final version listeners will hear?
We went into the session without much in hand — no hooks, no verses, just a general vibe. I told them I wanted it to sound like a blend of Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and The Night Game. Austin came up with a guitar riff, and the melody unfolded from there.
We wrote “End to Begin” back in March 2025, then finalized it in December. It was a two-session process: first, the songwriting and demo, then the finishing touches, like adding instruments. My guitar player, Sage Smith, even played the solo section, which I think turned out great. It all came together exactly how I hoped.
Q: “End to Begin” originally started as a pop track and later evolved into a pop-country sound. What made you decide to shift the genre, and how did that change the song’s identity?
It started as pure pop, but my dad and I thought adding some country elements would open it up to different audiences. I wanted the song to feel versatile, something that could work on country radio but still reflect my broader musical influences. These slight shifts felt natural and intentional without taking away from the song’s spirit.
Q: You made it to the final audition on the upcoming season of American Idol. Without giving anything away, what did it feel like to step into that room and sing for the judges?
It was absolutely surreal. Walking into the audition room was nerve-wracking but also a dream come true. The energy in the room was so intense, with the judges sitting there, ready to give feedback that could shape my future. I reminded myself to take it all as an opportunity to grow. More than anything, I’m grateful for the chance to audition and share my music on such a platform.
Q: Between releasing new music, touring, and high-profile appearances, this feels like a pivotal season for you. How do you personally measure success right now?
For me, success is about showing up every day and making the most of every opportunity. Whether it’s writing a song, performing at a show, or just taking a much-needed mental health day, it’s about staying grounded. The industry is full of ups and downs, so I’ve learned to focus on the moments when I’m creating or connecting with others. Those are the moments that matter most.
Q: Looking ahead to the rest of the year, are there any upcoming collaborations, projects, or creative directions you’re excited about?
I recently played a writer’s round in Nashville with Thunderstorm Artis and Dakota Stripling, two incredibly talented writers. Afterwards, Dakota and I planned a writing session for next month, and I can’t wait to see what we come up with. I’ve been writing a lot lately, pulling from experiences that feel deeply personal and vulnerable.
Looking forward, I want to explore multiple genres — pop-country, Americana, indie. I take inspiration from bands like Wild Rivers, whose storytelling feels so authentic. At the end of the day, I love music in all its forms. If I can touch on different styles while staying true to myself, that’s the goal.
Connect with Haley Bundy
To connect with Haley Bundy and explore more of her music:
- Website: com
- Instagram: @haleybundymusic
- TikTok: @haleybundymusic
- Facebook: Haley Bundy Music
- Listen to Haley Bundy’s latest single, End to Begin: “End to Begin” Linktree
