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BERKELEY'S NEWS • MAY 24, 2023

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Photo Essay: Gavin Haley charms The Fillmore by inviting intimacy

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MATT GIBSON | SENIOR STAFF

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APRIL 06, 2022

Under The Fillmore’s prismatic lights, Gavin Haley announced, “I’m Louisville, Kentucky, from Gavin Haley.” The nervous attempt at an introduction set the stage for the artist’s intimate and entrancing acoustic six-song set.

Opening for Tate McRae on her 23-date headlining tour, Haley kicked off the third night with his feel-good song, “Low Beams.” In a song scrutinizing a love that leaves one wanting more, Haley couldn’t help but smile as the eager, excited crowd screamed loudly along. 

The 24-year-old singer-songwriter’s confessional lyrics are complimented by an acoustic hip-hop undertone, creating a sound that is alternative, yet oddly irresistible, on full display in songs such as “Body Language.” Despite only having a piano and his vocals to use, Haley still managed to mesmerize the audience with his latest single about his favorite conversations that don’t require much talking. 

Accumulating more than 25 million total streams in just two years, Haley proves to be a feel-good force to be reckoned with. While performing fan-favorite “The Way I Am,” a fan desperately exclaimed “I love you!”, to which Haley responded with a resounding “I love you!” back. 

As he began to close out the night, Haley covered Conan Gray’s heartwrenching ballad “Heather,” a crowd-pleaser that had every audience member singing along word for word. 

Despite lasting just under 26 minutes, Haley’s brief set allowed him to showcase his authentic and unabashed personality. Coalescing in a genre where pop meets singer-songwriter meets R&B, Haley’s eclectic and relatable nature about the human experience reveals a performer who has incorporated his experience, wisdom and truth into every song he writes. 

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Photo of Gavin Haley
(Matt Gibson/Senior Staff)

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Photo of Gavin Haley
(Matt Gibson/Senior Staff)
Photo of Gavin Haley
(Matt Gibson/Senior Staff)

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Contact Matthew Gibson at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

APRIL 06, 2022