Conversations with Bailey Hinkley Grogan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Hinkley Grogan.

Hi Bailey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began singing at four years old. My mom, who is also a musician, played piano 4 – 6 nights a week when she was pregnant with me so maybe it wasn’t a big surprise that I ended up in the career field I am. But in high school, I was super involved in music which paved the way for me to study it in college. I was by no means a school person, but I loved having built-in performing opportunities and really got to stretch my wings in terms of what my artistry was.

I JUST finished my college career with a Doctorate in Jazz studies and that was very powerful for me. I was able to not only develop myself as an artist, singer, and professional educator, but also research black, gender, and queer studies in jazz history for my thesis (available to read on my website!), which has been a passion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In some ways yes! I think many folks around me struggled to figure out what their calling was. College comes at us in a very confusing time of life when we’re so impressionable and trying to just figure out who we are. But for me, I always ALWAYS knew I was going to be a singer. It’s really built into my DNA.

One serious struggles I faced early in my career was being taken seriously as a musician. People automatically assume I’m a singer because I’m a woman–or they ask if my boyfriend is in the band. Generally in Denver, the scene is super accepting and kind. There have been some amazing women who paved the way for other women to be accepted here, and to those women, thank you–that was not easy and we’re grateful for your sacrifice.

As a person, I am so goofy and off the walls. I’m also 6ft, blonde, covered in tattoos–I think a lot of people think I’m sort of a “wanna-be singer” until they hear what I can actually do. That happens to this day actually. Some folks tell me, “You’re actually a really talented singer, I didn’t realize you had so much expertise.” It’s supposed to be a compliment, but it’s backhanded for sure.

Not being taken seriously until I go to sing is a really crazy phenomenon. That’s not how men treat other men, but they do treat other women that way. It’s been happening in jazz history since the dawn of time but doesn’t make it right. My really close friend and I have started a podcast called, “BRO…Listen” about some of the issues women face in music. Please check it out!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a jazz musician, I feel like I’m known for my fearless improvising and vocal dexterity. I’ve never been good with words, but for me, improvising is a cathartic release. In jazz, improvisation is a defining characteristic. Vocabulary is super important and that’s something I feel confident in. I consider myself to have an aggressive yet intricate approach to improvising that sets me apart from other vocalists.

I am not only a vocal performer, but a vocal teacher, so I have a complex understanding of how the vocal mechanism works. I play this to my advantage so I can explore the various textures and colors the voice is capable of (and it’s capable of MUCH more than we give it credit for).

Recently I have been in the process of releasing my debut album, “Three Sides of a Story” which is a multi-genre compilation of vocal and instrumental duos. This album requires tonal flexibility within my voice to accomplish various styles like country, ECM, traditional jazz, power ballads, and even metal.

On March 29th we released the second single, “Bright Sized Life” featuring the absolutely BRILLIANT guitarist, Tim Wendel. It’s super spacey but intricately laced with jazz harmony. It was an absolute BEAST of a song and I’m really proud of the work both Tim and I accomplished. The album comes out on MAY 10 with an album release show at Dazzle on June 11th! Come through!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was off the walls. I had SO much energy yet so much anxiety. I was a good, yet untraditional student who never quite fit in. I always had friends, but I was definitely a drifter–going from one group to another. I had a hard time being anchored. I used to think that was a bad thing but I actually think it’s made me way more adaptable in the real world.

I don’t stay in one place for more than a couple of years, and I think that’s a cool thing about me. I’m restless and always want to explore new places or experiences. I think it also makes me a super relatable teacher. I’m still untraditional, but I get stuff done. Making the “abnormal” student feel seen is always a priority in my book.

My anxiety was a defining factor of my childhood. I had an amazing childhood, have an amazing family, and was raised primarily by my mom as my dad was a work-work-work kinda guy. My sisters and I are all very close in age and are SO different, yet have a lot of common interests which is super special. Tragically, we had six deaths in the family from 2013-2016, including my father’s cancer in 2014, which made my mom, sisters, and me closer.

As a child, my worst fear was death. Now, I know we have to accept it and embrace it-in fact I think we should talk about it more. One of my dreams is to be an End of Life Doula. I think my anxiety from childhood was challenged big time as I was growing up–when the worst thing in life happens to you and you survive, you know you can do anything.

Pricing:

• Album – $20
• Voice Lessons – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://baileyhg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyhgsings/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR8Nppmn4aY12sWBg8lM4Ig
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Tv547QVGBtAB0gml9t30I?si=AGWUz2FwRiGm_erNGxmGug&nd=1&dlsi=95cfaf214cfb4175
• Other: https://baileyhinkleygrogan.bandcamp.com/album/meditations

Image Credits
Adriane Leigh Robinson