Don’t mess with Hilary! Toronto-based pop/rock singer and songwriter Hilary Weaver is playing no games when it comes to her music. Hilary released her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Heart Breakout’ in June 2012 and quickly amassed a large fan following online. Since then, she has met with several well-known producers across the U.S. and Canada to work on new music and hone in on her sound.
Hilary has just released her new single, “Head Games”, a song she worked on with producer Brian Howes in Los Angeles. The song is a powerful anthem about loving a guy who is playing with your head and your heart like some kind of game. “Head Games” is catchy and relatable and her fans have quickly responded with love for the track. Clearly, Hilary is the winner in this game!
I chatted with Hilary as she was gearing up to release “Head Games” to find out what she had to say about the single, her favourite singers and her Weavies.
Your new single “Head Games” is officially out! What is the song about and what inspired it?
“Head Games” is about a past personal relationship where I fell for someone. I thought the feelings were mutual, but in the end it turned out he still wanted to be with his girlfriend. This situation was an emotional rollercoaster for me for a while as I felt he was giving me hope and then taking it away over and over again – basically playing with my head and my heart like it was some kind of game!
Brian Howes, who has worked with groups like Hedley, Simple Plan and Nickelback, produced and co-wrote this single with you. What was it like working with him?
Working with Brian Howes was such a turning point in my career. He made me feel instantly comfortable in his studio in LA back in October. He really got to understand me as an artist and what I stood for with my brand. He pushed me to limits vocally in the studio that I didn’t even think I could achieve. Brian taught me so much as an artist and his precision to detail as well as his creativity is outstanding.
How has your sound evolved since the release of your debut album, ‘Heart Breakout’?
The direction we have taken for “Head Games” has got a lot more of a current bigger pop-rounded sound to it in the production, and less rock.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
I love so many different artists for different reasons. I would have to say Demi Lovato for her strong messages of women empowerment and confidence in dealing with mental illness; Kelly Clarkson for her continuous incredible vocals and messages; P!nk for when I need my “bad ass” side to come out on stage, and Taylor Swift for her song writing and how incredible she is with her fans. I honestly try to take a little piece of each one of them to influence who I am as an artist.
What are some of the most played songs on your iPod right now?
That’s a hard one as I listen to so much music. It’s a mix of anything from Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and the list goes on and on!
What’s next for you?
“Head Games” is going to be released to Canadian Radio this month and I plan on following it up with another single in the fall.
Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans that have been supporting you along your journey?
My fans, also known as Weavies, are such a huge part of my life. I talk to them all the time and try to make the relationships with each of them deeper by really trying to get to know them as more than a fan. If it wasn’t for all of your support, love, and commitment to me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I like to think of us all as a family. I honestly love each and every one of you so much! We have a bond like none other and I am always there for every one of you at any time! Thank you simply isn’t enough in so many ways! Thank you Thank you Thank you! Love you all to the moon and back!! Xoxoxoxoxox
Thank you, Hilary! Download “Head Games” on iTunes now.
