Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hans Halstead is an artist whose music is as thought-provoking as it is deeply personal. His journey into music was not one of mere chance but of necessity, a creative urgency that arose from a profound need to express the truths that mainstream narratives often overlook. From an early age, Halstead gravitated towards storytelling, finding solace in the works of legendary artists like Bob Dylan, whose ability to fuse poetry with protest resonated deeply with him. While studying in college, Halstead was exposed to Dylan’s music in a class on social protest, an experience that would forever shape his artistic voice.
He immersed himself in the intricacies of songwriting, using his craft to dissect themes of politics, religion, identity, and societal unrest. This intellectual and emotional awakening led him down a path where music became more than just a creative outlet, it became a tool for reflection and change. Determined to bring his artistic vision to life, ** Hans Halstead** took a leap of faith, reaching out to Jason Orris, owner of Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis. By a stroke of fate, Orris happened to pick up the phone during an unusual detour in his routine—a moment that set the foundation for a powerful collaboration.
With Orris as a co-producer, Halstead enlisted a roster of esteemed musicians, including drummer Noah Levy (The Honeydogs), bassist Jason Orris (Polara), pianist Scottie Miller (Ruthie Foster Group), violinist Jillian Rae, and saxophonist Walter Chancellor Jr. (who played with Prince). Together, they transformed Halstead’s vision into reality, crafting an album that is as musically rich as it is thematically profound. Hans Halstead is not just a musician; he is a storyteller, a social commentator, and an artist who refuses to shy away from difficult conversations. His music exists in the delicate balance between raw vulnerability and bold defiance, a space where the deeply personal meets the universally relevant.
Launched on January 3, 2025, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse is a poignant declaration, an artistic confrontation that encapsulates the struggle between longing for the past and the stark truth. Through a series of profoundly reflective and socially engaged songs, Hans Halstead weaves a story that delves into the myths of the American Dream, the harrowing effects of actual tragedies, and the resilient human spirit amidst challenges. The album is grounded in personal experience as well as historical contemplation. Inspired by Bob Dylan’s bold style of storytelling, Halstead connects the past with the present, integrating poetic and raw truths into his songs.
From the emotional gravity of “Day of Love,” a tribute to the victims of the Parkland shooting, to the philosophical insight of “The American Dream,” which challenges authority and historical blame, Halstead guarantees that each track fulfills a role beyond mere entertainment; it acts as a reflection, a prompt for thought, and possibly even a call to action. Musically, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse is a smooth blend of folk, rock, and evocative storytelling, where every track is meticulously crafted to enhance its lyrical depth. The collective genius of his accompanying musicians enhances the album’s auditory richness, transforming each song into a complete experience that resonates long after the last note disappears.
Everything Was Better When It Was Worse Album Track List:
Six Feet Under:
Six Feet Under by Hans Halstead is a deeply moving piece that quickly draws audiences into a somber yet captivating auditory experience. The track begins with Halstead’s tuneful voice, exuding a soft yet captivating honesty, paired with a rhythmic and unwavering guitar strumming sequence. This simple introduction establishes a reflective mood, letting the genuine emotions in his voice shine before revealing the complete rhythm of the instrumentation. As the song advances, layers of ambient components emerge, producing a sonic richness that amplifies its reflective quality.
Halstead’s vocal performance is strikingly emotive, seamlessly flowing with the instrumentation while expressing an air of isolation and profound contemplation. The lyrics illustrate struggles within and emotional fatigue, but the warmth in his voice brings a sense of strength, rendering the song both intensely personal and widely relatable. The instrumentation in Six Feet Under showcases a brilliant example of subtlety and unity. As soon as the complete groove begins, the song transforms into a lush mix of acoustic elements, consistent percussion, and ambient layers that enhance its melancholic but calming vibe.
The rhythmic pulse of the guitar serves as a constant anchor, while the multi-layered production guarantees that no single element overshadows the emotional depth of the track. The collaboration between the singing and the music is effortless. Halstead’s voice navigates the arrangement akin to a confessional, with each note and strum enhancing the song’s reflective nature. The production quality is clear and harmonized, enabling every sonic aspect to resonate, creating a profoundly immersive listening experience. From its initial notes to its haunting conclusion, Six Feet Under creates a profound impression, showcasing the elegance of vulnerability adorned in masterful musical artistry.
False 9:
False 9 by Hans Halstead captures attention right away with its catchy piano tune and rhythmic drum beat, paving the way for a piece that is both musically deep and lyrically compelling. The introduction is incredibly captivating, merging the inviting tones of piano melodies with a driving rhythm that draws in listeners right from the outset. As the track progresses, the instrumentation develops, incorporating tight basslines that enrich the depth and groove, while skillful guitar licks enhance the melody with subtle but impactful embellishments. The rhythmic base is robust and steady, producing a continuous flow that is both captivating and effortlessly fluid. This rhythm-oriented composition, paired with Halstead’s emotive vocal presentation, creates a lively but reflective environment, underscoring the song’s investigation of trickery and uncertainty.
Halstead exhibits a vibrant vocal performance, highlighting a transformation in melodic elements as the track advances. At certain moments, his voice is straightforward and candid, engaging the listener with the song’s reflective themes, while at other times, it adopts a more fluid and melodic nature, enhancing the track’s dynamic essence. This change in vocal expression, combined with the song’s rhythmic instrumentation, produces an intriguing contrast, blending introspective lyrics with a melody that is undeniably engaging. The production is sharp and carefully crafted, enabling every aspect, from the pulsating drum beats to the melodic guitar riffs, to stand out without overshadowing one another. The final outcome is a harmoniously balanced and engaging auditory experience, where every audio element functions in flawless synergy to produce a piece that is both intellectually stimulating and incredibly pleasurable.
The American Dream:
The American Dream, an intriguing track from Hans Halstead’s album Everything Was Better When It Was Worse, guides listeners through a musical experience that captures the depth of its lyrics. The track opens with a gradual and melancholic instrumental arrangement, creating a reflective mood that prompts an investigation of the narrative. Halstead’s singing is both genuine and moving, capturing the emotions of disillusionment and self-examination that define the song. As the track progresses, the instrumentation slowly builds, incorporating layers of acoustic guitar, steady percussion, and ambient sounds that enrich the story without overshadowing the vocals. This careful equilibrium produces a cohesive sound environment where the musical elements and lyrical motifs are deeply connected, each enhancing the importance of the other.
The production quality of The American Dream is carefully crafted, making certain that each instrument and vocal nuance is distinctly audible. The general atmosphere is contemplative, encouraging audiences to consider the contrast between the idealized depiction of the American Dream and the stark truths expressed in the lyrics. Halstead’s music delves into significant events in American history, ranging from the Vietnam War protests and Watergate to contemporary incidents such as the clash at the Academy Awards and the Parkland shooting. This narrative method not only grounds the song in concrete experiences but also encourages listeners to rethink the stories they have learned. The balanced interaction between the evocative lyrics and the delicately effective instrumentation creates a piece that is mentally engaging and emotionally stirring, showcasing Halstead’s talent for combining meaningful narratives with captivating musicality.
Day Of Love:
Day of Love, a poignant track from Hans Halstead’s album Everything Was Better When It Was Worse, stands out for its sincere tribute to the victims of the heartbreaking 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida. The track begins with a melancholic instrumental foundation, immediately establishing an atmosphere of contemplation and reverence. Halstead’s vocal delivery is imbued with genuineness and compassion, as he thoughtfully identifies every victim along with their age, aspirations, and achievements, ensuring that their legacies are celebrated through his craft. The instrumentation stays gentle from start to finish, featuring soft acoustic guitar tunes and muted percussion that enhance the vocals without overpowering the song’s profound message. This thoughtful balance between vocals and instrumentation fosters a close atmosphere, enabling audiences to completely understand the emotional weight of the words.
The production quality of Day of Love is remarkable, showcasing the nuances of Halstead’s fervent performance and the supporting instruments with clear detail and rich depth. The song’s atmosphere is simultaneously sorrowful and reflective, prompting listeners to contemplate the unfortunate incident and the lives that were taken. Halstead’s thoughtful approach to this sensitive topic highlights his commitment to utilizing music as a tool for memory and recovery. The combination of heartfelt lyrics and a subtle musical backdrop results in a song that is both powerful and introspective, showcasing Halstead’s skill in exploring deep themes with grace and creativity.
Hans Halstead’s Everything Was Better When It Was Worse showcases exceptional talent in songwriting with a social awareness. Every track intertwines historical and personal stories, giving the album a sense of intimacy while also being globally important. The themes examined; political corruption, gun violence, environmental degradation, and identity are not merely theoretical ideas but pressing concerns that impact daily existence. Listeners will discover various layers of meaning based on their personal experiences. The album prompts its listeners to contemplate, inquire, and connect with their surroundings. For anyone in search of music that is both deeply emotional and intellectually engaging, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse is essential listening. Hans Halstead’s voice, in both a literal and metaphorical sense, lingers long after the final note disappears, encouraging listeners to not just hear but genuinely listen.
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Listen to Everything Was Better When It Was Worse by Hans Halstead and many more on our Rock/Electric Guitar Based Playlist.
