Halsey is more than just a name in the music industry today. It’s a narrative, a movement, and for many, a lifeline. Born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated and enigmatic artists of our time. Ashley Nicolette Frangipane (widely recognised by her stage name Halsey) has become a cultural icon, celebrated for her profound artistry, eclectic style and social activism. She is a luminary in modern music. Blending deeply personal storytelling with a distinctive sonic identity, Halsey has carved out a unique niche in the alternative, pop and indie music worlds. As a multifaceted talent, Halsey has captured global audiences with her emotionally charged music, distinct persona and raw lyrics that seamlessly blends vulnerability with empowerment.
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Real name - Ashley Nicolette Frangipane
Screen name - Halsey
Born - September 29, 1994
Height - 5 foot 4 inches (5'4")
Status - Engaged to Avan Jogia
Parents - Chris Frangipane (father) and Nicole Frangipane (mother)
Siblings - Dante and Sevian (younger brothers)
Career highlight - Music artist
Her music feels like a confessional. It is achingly human, deeply poetic and unapologetically raw. Halsey has built her empire not just on chart-topping hits but on activism, vulnerability and an unrelenting drive to give a voice to the voiceless. More than just a singer-songwriter, she is a poet, activist, and entrepreneur who has used her platform to address critical social issues and inspire millions worldwide.
This comprehensive exploration of Halsey’s life and career delves into the intricate facets that has redefined the pop and alternative music landscape. We’ll see what defines her from her musical evolution to her activism and artistic ventures. In this deep dive, we explore the intricate tapestry of Halsey’s life, career and influence which is one woven with fearless pursuit of authenticity, passion and pain.
Table of contents
A prologue of resilience – Roots, struggles and the early life of Halsey
Born on September 29th of 1994 in Edison, New Jersey (USA), Ashley Nicolette Frangipane grew up in a mixed-race family. Her father is African-American with some Irish ancestry and her mother is of Italian-Hungarian descent. They were a working-class household. Her father Chris Frangipane managed car dealerships, while her mother Nicole worked as an emergency medical technician. Being biracial and of African-American and Italian-Hungarian-Irish descent, Halsey’s multicultural upbringing became a vital influence on her music and identity. Her life shaped by a juxtaposition of two worlds.
Her childhood was marked by constant relocation due to her parents’ work, which made her adept at adapting to new environments. This rich cultural heritage has often informed her artistry in adding depth to her narratives. From an early age, Halsey exhibited a creative streak by mastering multiple musical instruments including the acoustic guitar, cello, violin and viola. The Frangipane household was often a whirlwind of sound. Her parents’ love for music exposed her to an eclectic mix of influences. Influenced by her parents’ eclectic music taste, Halsey grew up listening to Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
But life wasn’t always harmonious. Despite her talents, her teenage years were fraught with difficulties. Her mother had bipolar disorder which passed onto Halsy. This diagnosis profoundly impacted her by both artistically and personally. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 17, she experienced significant challenges including financial instability and struggles with mental health. Additionally, financial struggles led to periods of instability, including a brief stint of homelessness. These early hardships became the foundation of her songwriting which often centres on themes of pain, resilience and self-discovery.
Her teenage years were fraught with emotional turbulence. These experiences would later become central themes in her music and kept resonating with fans facing similar battles. Yet, as she has often said “rock bottom became the foundation for everything I built”. The name ‘Halsey’ is a carefully chosen moniker with dual significance. It is an anagram of ‘Ashley’ and it references Halsey Street in Brooklyn where she spent formative years. The name symbolises both a homage to her roots and reinvention. This dual significance reflects her knack for infusing personal elements into her work. More than just a stage name, Halsey represents a metamorphosis…a shedding of old skin to reveal an unapologetic self.
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| Halsey Station, Halsey street (Brooklyn) |
From SoundCloud to stardom – Halsey’s breakthrough of a meteoric rise
Halsey’s career began humbly when she uploaded a self-penned song, ‘Ghost’ to SoundCloud in the year 2014. The track which explored themes of betrayal and love, went viral and quickly catching the attention of major labels. The track’s raw haunting quality quickly gained traction which got her signing up with Astralwerks (an electronic and dance music label). That same year, she released her debut EP ‘Room 93’ which showcased her ability to blend electronic sounds, indie and pop while delivering deeply personal lyrics. It introduced listeners to her unique blend of dreamy pop and introspective lyrics.Room 93 wasn’t just an introduction but it also was an invitation into Halsey’s world. EP’s concept (a collection of stories unfolding in hotel rooms) set the stage for her distinctive narrative style. It demonstrated her ability to transform the mundane into the magical. Critics took notice of her fresh voice, one that blended millennial angst with poetic finesse.
In 2015, Halsey’s first studio album called ‘Badlands’ cemented her place in the music industry. Described as a dystopian narrative, the album reflects her emotional state and experiences as a young woman navigating fame and identity. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and was earning multiple platinum certifications. It was greatly lauded for it’s dystopian themes and introspective storytelling. Tracks like ‘New Americana’ and ‘Colors’ became anthems for millennials. It touched on issues like identity, self-expression and societal expectations. It showcased her ability to address societal norms while maintaining a deeply personal lens. With over one billion streams globally, Badlands established Halsey as a force to be reckoned with. Halsey had her first taste of global fame.
From pop-queen to genre-bending innovator – Artistic evolution | Expanding Horizons | Reinvention
Halsey’s subsequent albums reflect her evolution as an artist and a person. In the 2017, she released ‘Hopeless Fountain Kingdom’ which was a concept album inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. It explored themes of doomed love and self-destruction. Featuring collaborations with artists like Lauren Jauregui and Quavo, the album delved into themes of betrayal, love and self-discovery.
Hits like ‘Now or Never’ and ‘Bad at Love’ dominated the airwaves which further established her as a pop powerhouse. They became chart-toppers from blending indie, pop and R&B influences. The album was accompanied by a series of visually stunning music videos that enhanced Halsey’s reputation as an artist with a keen eye for storytelling and aesthetics. Her live performances during this era were praised for their theatricality and it added a new dimension to her artistry. From it’s intricate storytelling to it's genre-defying production, Halsey proved she was more than a pop star; she was a visionary.
A portrait of catharsis and chaos | Raw unfiltered mmotion – Manic (2020)
Unlike her concept-driven albums, ‘Manic’ was a deeply personal exploration of Halsey’s psyche. Yes, it was arguably her most personal work. Described by Halsey as a reflection of her “fractured self”, Manic was an unfiltered look into her own psyche. Unlike it’s predecessors, it lacked a central theme. It embodied the chaotic fragmented nature of the human mind. Eschewing a central theme, the album mirrored the unpredictable nature of human emotions.
Tracks like ‘Without Me’ (her first solo number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100) and ‘Graveyard’ detailed her struggles with heartbreak, identity, mental health, resilience and self-worth. The album featured collaborations with artists as diverse as Alanis Morissette, BTS and Dominic Fike. This showcased her ability to transcend genres. What made Manic extraordinary wasn’t just it’s lyrical honesty but it's sonic diversity. Critics and fans alike praised it’s honesty by calling it her most authentic work yet. She was successful in making the album a kaleidoscope of sentiment and sound.
A rock opera – If I can’t have love, I want wower (2021)
Motherhood transformed Halsey and her 4th album, ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ captured this metamorphosis. Halsey ventured into alternative rock and collaborated with Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. The album delved into themes of identity and motherhood. It was also about the female experience inspired by her journey into parenthood and her pregnancy. It revealed a fierce unyielding Halsey while tracks like ‘Darling’ showcased her softer maternal side. Tracks like ‘I am not a woman, I’m a god’ and ‘Easier than Lying’ showcased her vocal range and willingness to experiment.
Accompanied by an IMAX film of the same name, the album was both a sonic and visual spectacle. The accompanying IMAX film which is a darkly romantic visual masterpiece further cemented her status as a boundary-pushing artist. Halsey’s 2021 album took a bold departure into alternative rock by exploring themes of femininity, the human condition and motherhood.
Beyond the music – Halsey as an activist, innovator and a visionary
Halsey’s influence extends far beyond her music. She is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. Openly bisexual, she has been a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Her biracial identity has also made her a passionate supporter of movements like Black Lives Matter. Halsey has consistently leveraged her fame for activism, addressing issues such as mental health, racial inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights.In 2020, during the height of the George Floyd protests, Halsey was on the frontlines routinely documenting police brutality and using her platform to amplify marginalised voices. Her commitment to activism has earned her widespread respect and raised her status as a role model for her millions of fans. Halsey’s influence extends far beyond her discography. She has used her platform to advocate for the following causes close to her heart.
Mental health awareness – As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, Halsey has been a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health. Her openness about medication, therapy and self-care has normalised conversations around mental illness. Halsey’s openness about her bipolar disorder has helped reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. She has worked with organisations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness.
LGBTQ+ rights advocacy – As an openly bisexual artist, Halsey has championed LGBTQ+ rights. She has been performing at Pride events and supporting organisations like GLAAD. She is always supporting initiatives aimed at LGBTQ+ youth.
Racial justice – Halsey’s biracial identity fuels her commitment to racial equality. During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she was on the frontlines documenting police violence. She was also donating to bail funds.
Reproductive rights – After experiencing miscarriages, Halsey became an advocate for reproductive healthcare by using her voice to support those affected by restrictive laws. Halsey has become a vocal supporter of reproductive healthcare access. She is actively advocating for bodily autonomy even.
Aesthetics, artistry, business ventures and fashion – An entrepreneur and style icon
Halsey’s creative vision extends beyond music. Fashion is another arena where Halsey shines. Known for her chameleonic style, she constantly reinvents her look…from bold colourful hair to avant-garde couture. Her styles are bold, experimental and unapologetically unique. Halsey’s ever-evolving aesthetic is another hallmark of her career. She has become a fashion icon known for taking risks. Her ability to seamlessly switch between styles whether androgynous, edgy or the glamorous, it reflects her multifaceted personality. Her fashion choices often make headlines in the fashion world. Today, she is a favourite among designers.
Whether gracing the Met Gala red carpet or performing on stage at sold-out arenas, she exudes confidence and creativity. Her collaborations with brands like Yves Saint Laurent and her role as a beauty ambassador have further solidified her influence in the fashion and beauty industries. In 2021, she launched her own makeup line called ‘About-Face’ for celebrating creativity, individuality and self-expression. With bold colours and inclusive messaging, the brand reflects Halsey’s ethos of “Beauty is art and art should be fearless”.
Her continuing impact, future aspirations and legacy
Halsey’s journey is a testament to the power of overcoming the odds. She has shown that success doesn’t come from fitting into moulds but from breaking them. Whether through her activism, art or music, she continues to inspire millions to embrace their imperfections and find beauty in their chaos. Halsey’s journey from a struggling teenager to a global superstar is a testament to her authenticity, boundless creativity, resilience and talent. With every album, she pushes artistic boundaries and shown what it means to be a modern musician. She has redefined what it means to be an artist in the modern era by blending activism, music and personal narrative into a cohesive impactful career.As she continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, Halsey remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans worldwide. Her legacy is not just in her music but also in her activism, which has inspired countless fans to embrace their true selves. Her music not only entertains but also empowers and offers a voice to those who often feel unheard. As she continues to evolve, Halsey remains a something of a salvation by proving that authenticity and courage can lead to greatness. In the words of Halsey herself…
"If I can inspire one young person to be themselves, then I’ve done my job”.
“I’m learning to trust the journey, even when I don’t understand it”.
"There’s no greater rebellion than being yourself in a world that tells you to be someone else”.
Hidden gems and lesser-known stuff about Halsey
Academic excellence – Before pursuing music, Halsey was accepted into the Rhode Island School of Design but chose a different path due to financial constraints.Polymath talent – In addition to music, Halsey is a visual artist and often paints as a therapeutic outlet. She is a self-taught artist. She can paint and Halsey is a talented painter.
BTS collaboration – Her 2019 collaboration with BTS on ‘Boy With Luv’ became a cultural phenomenon and broke YouTube records. The collab earned her legions of fans in South Korea. Thus, she gained international appeal.
Artistic inspiration – Halsey is a self-proclaimed fan of iconic artists like Alanis Morissette and The Cure whose influences are evident in her music.
Literary aspirations – In 2020, she released a poetry collection called ‘I Would Leave Me If I Could’ which shows her talent as a writer.
Philanthropy – Halsey has donated as well as raised funds for various causes including disaster relief, mental health initiatives and reproductive rights.
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