HAILEY VERHAALEN - Eat The Damn Cake- Independent Release

Oregon City, OR native Hailey Verhaalen has released her first song of 2024, adding to her ever-growing music catalogue as she kicks off the new year after a career-changing 2023.  “Eat The Damn Cake” is available digitally and on all streaming platforms now.

Since her introduction to the national audience during her appearance on “American Idol” and making the move from Oregon to Nashville, Hailey has incorporated her storytelling ability with her music talent, drawing inspiration from her idols, from Dolly Parton to Miranda Lambert to Reba. 

Co-written by Verhaalen along with Maddie Lenhart and Kelly Seidel, this new track has been dubbed an anti-Valentine’s Day song given the timing of the release.  A cleverly-crafted number that showcases her personality, and as indicated by its title, “Eat The Damn Cake” represents a solid new chapter in her musical journey.

Verhaalen’s vocals are masterful on this tune, displaying her raw ability while also showcasing her control, power, and flexibility as the melody dips and dives throughout the well-constructed verses and chorus.  This is a songwriter’s song, paying homage and respect to every aspect and element that makes up a high-quality release, from the lyrics to the arrangement to the vocals, and everything in between.

“And I’m gonna shake what my mama gave me

That whole damn Saturday night

While I’m drinking from an open bar

On your new wife’s daddy’s dime

I know she’s got a new last name

But I’m catching her bouquet

You’re her something borrowed, but I ain’t blue

Babe, I’m gonna east the damn cake”

Since her arrival in Music City, Hailey has been playing the songwriters rounds, writing, and singing around town, and making a name for herself among peers, critics and fans based ultimately, and now exclusively, on her undeniable musical talent.  The experience she has gained in a short amount of time continues to shine through with every new tune she releases, and the excitement and momentum behind this talented songstress is building throughout Nashville and beyond.

“Eat The Damn Cake” follows “House Always Wins” and “My Roots Are Showin’”, as well as “Leavin ‘Em In My Twenties”, a vulnerable and honest ode to a decade of trials and triumphs, and “Words In My Mouth”, a tribute to her then future husband that was released the day before their wedding date.

Staying true to the reflection in her songwriting, Hailey does continuously return to her roots, paying gigs in her home state of Oregon while also remaining a mainstay on the Music City scene.

(Review Written By: Chad Carlson)

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