Hala
A Detroit-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Ian Ruhala crafts breezy bedroom pop with infectious melodies and a strong D.I.Y. spirit. Recording under the name Hala, he built up a grass-roots following during his teenage years in the mid-2010s, releasing a series of catchy home-recorded albums that eventually earned him a deal with Universal, which issued his studio debut in 2020.
Growing up in Detroit, Ruhala learned to play guitar from his father and was schooled in the classic rock of the Who and the Beatles. He was particularly inspired by Paul McCartney's ability to play numerous different instruments and, using free recording software and a hodgepodge of budget equipment, taught himself how to build tracks and record all the parts himself. While in high school, Ruhala began releasing home-recorded albums under his nickname, Hala, that melded his vintage rock influences with the kind of lo-fi pop aesthetic of contemporary indie artists like Mac DeMarco. Between 2014 and 2018, he was extremely prolific, developing his style over numerous self-released albums and singles, racking up big streaming numbers with songs like "Sorry" and "What Is Love, Tell Me, Is It Easy?," and gigging around Metro Detroit. Signing with Universal, Hala headed to Washington to record his major-label debut with producer Ryan Hadlock (the Lumineers, Vance Joy). Red Herring was released in April 2020.
© Timothy Monger /TiVo
Similar artists
-
-
Red Herring
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on May 1, 2020
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Sorry // Single
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala on Jun 15, 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Why Do You Want Anything To Do With Me?
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on Mar 24, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Wait Forever
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on Aug 10, 2023
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Tool El Leil
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Warner Music Middle East on Oct 5, 2023
24-Bit 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Run to You / Diamond Tears
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on Oct 6, 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Young Alumni
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on Jul 10, 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Somehow
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on Apr 16, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Emotional R&B
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on Mar 3, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Emotional R&B (Remix)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on Oct 16, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-