HAYLEY’S STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE
by Sunny Burns


Hayley Jensen may not have won Australian Idol, but her gay fan base has exceeded that of many other Idol starlets.

Her new single Stronger, in store now, is about being in a contained environment and wanting to break free. Her new album Note to Self will be out in September.

Coming from reality television, Jensen was one of the unlucky singers not to be snapped up by a record company. But three years on, she’s enjoying the challenges of an independent artist.

“I didn't expect to get signed and I don't think many of the others did either,” Jensen said.

“I really enjoyed the Idol experience and going in not knowing much about the music industry or making music - it was a whole new world for me.”

Making use of her economics degree and clutch of catchy, Jensen formed her own record company to attack the airwaves.

Appealing to the gay community was, Jensen said, a natural thing to do. Her mother’s a lesbian and she was spawned from the same Idol year as Anthony Callea.

Jensen said the gay community would relate to the underlying themes in her music.

“I’ve grown up in that environment. A lot of the songs are about freedom and living your life the way you want to and not being held back by restrictions," she said.

"My parents were together until I was 10 years old and then my mum made that decision in her life.

“She’s still the same person and her partner is like a second mum to me. I couldn't imagine life without her and they've been together for around 15 years now - as long as my mum is happy I’m happy for her."

Hayley Jensen is performing at the Boatshed in Manly on the 12 July, the Brass Monkey on 15 July and The Vanguard Newtown on 17. July. For more details visit www.myspace.com/hayleyjensen.


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