Gavin Haley’s Explains How New ‘Unfolding’ EP Is About ‘Processing The Good & Bad’ Of Life

Rising singing-songwriting star Gavin Haley has just released his new EP, and he tells HL EXCLUSIVELY the meaning behind the name ‘Unfolding,’ why the poignant ‘Love That’s Left’ closes out the project, and more.

“Unfolding is me recognizing the process and learning through the good and the bad things,” Gavin Haley tells HollywoodLife, and after eleven months of 2020, there is certainly a lot of both. The past year has seen wildfires, pandemics, political turmoil, and discord. There’s going to be a lot to unpack once 2020 is said and done. That feeling – of working through your feelings instead of “spiraling” into despair is at the heart of Gavin’s new release, Unfolding.

The seven-track EP – featuring appearances from YungPinch (“Tati”) and Izzy Bizu (“Self Control”) – continues the momentum Gavin established with 2019’s Long Game. Over the span of Unfolding, Gavin showcases his distinct songwriting, paring his confidence with his vulnerability to create music that will give anyone the strength to smile through their tears. The heart of Unfolding could be summed up in a single line Gavin wrote during his EXCLUSIVE email interview with HollywoodLife: “Jeepers — seems like I’m always working through some heavy shit lol. Aren’t you?”

HollwoodLife: 2020 has been a prolific year with you, and you are seemingly ending it with the release of Unfolding. When looking back at the year, what are your attitudes about 2020? How would you describe the last eleven months for Gavin Haley?

Gavin: Mix of emotions. Personally, so much has been beautiful for me. However, it’s been weird to want to celebrate that with everything happening around us. This year feels like one of those really old bumpy wooden roller coaster rides — where it hurts more than it’s fun, but it’s still a good time. Does that make sense? I’m very thankful for everything that’s happened to me this, and I hope we all continue to strive for a better world.

Why did you name this project Unfolding?

Growing up, I never understood the saying, “everything happens for a reason.” More than ever, this past year, I’ve realized life is just loops in different shapes and forms. Until we react, how we react, how we are meant, the cycle repeats. Unfolding is me recognizing the process and learning through the good and the bad things… instead of just spiraling, which I’ve done so often in the past. Unfolding, to me, means growth.

You’ve said your music is a “capsule” of where your life is at a time. Is it safe to presume you were – as they say – ‘working through some heavy shit’ with these songs?

Jeepers — seems like I’m always working through some heavy sh-t lol. Aren’t you?

You close out the EP with “Love That’s Left.” It’s an interesting take about dealing with residual feelings after a relationship ended. Did this song help bring about some closure to your life? 

Originally, ‘Love That’s Left’ wasn’t even on the tracklist because I wrote it after I submitted the EP. But, this song was helping me so much at that time, and I feel like the question is so relevant. How do you get rid of everything somebody left with you? I guess some are better than others at moving on, but if I didn’t have music, I don’t know what I’d do. Felt like this was the right closing feeling.

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Gavin Haley’s Unfolding is out now.