Jeremiah Fale, known artistically as Hales, is a 22-year-old musician whose journey from South Auckland’s Otara to the forefront of the Pacific music scene is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born and raised in Otara, Hales proudly reps the 274, and his roots trace back to the villages of Lefaga, Fagae’e, Foailuga, and Foailalo in the 685. His artistry blends R&B and pop music, and he’s not just an artist but also a skilled songwriter and producer working with other Polynesian talents. His passion for the craft is undeniable, and his vision is clear: to see more brown faces in the music industry and uplift Pacific talent.
But how does a young man from South Auckland, with a love for music, stumble upon his calling? Hales credits his journey to a series of serendipitous events. “It all started with my brothers giving me ‘free’ guitar lessons,” Hales laughs. “Later, I found out my mum was paying them to teach me.” Despite the playful revelation, it was these early lessons that ignited a passion for music that would become his life’s work. Growing up, Hales played guitar and bass in church, a place where, as many Pasifika people will attest, musical foundations are built. “That’s where you really hone your skills and learn how to perform with purpose,” he says, referencing the church as his musical training ground.
Finding His Calling
As Hales transitioned into high school, his musical education took on new dimensions. It was here he began experimenting with songwriting. He remembers an assignment where he was graded on his songwriting and production skills, a formative experience that would influence his future. One of his most significant influences was his bass teacher, who, unbeknownst to Hales, had worked on tracks for Chris Brown’s recent deluxe album. “I remember seeing him produce and thinking, ‘That looks so fun.’ So, I spent my lunch breaks in the studio, learning how to make beats and write songs.” It was the perfect mix of curiosity and opportunity, and from there, Hales knew this was his calling.
After high school, Hales pursued formal training at SAE, where he focused on music production. There, he met fellow musicians Eddie on the Beat and Sam V, who would become two of his most frequent collaborators. These connections helped him establish relationships with other Polynesian and Pasifika artists in the industry, further propelling his growth as an artist and producer. “It’s all about picking people’s brains and learning as much as you can,” Hales says, reflecting on how far his relationships with other artists have come.
But being a singer, songwriter, and producer is no easy feat. How does Hales balance all these roles? “At a young age, I realized I wasn’t really good at anything else,” he admits. “I tried sports, design, and art, but music was the only thing that clicked for me.” Though at times it seems overwhelming to juggle multiple roles, Hales shares that it never feels like work.
“I never get sick of it. I love creating, and it’s my art. It’s never a balancing act because I just enjoy it that much.”
The People Who Lit the Spark
Much of Hales’s drive comes from the people who inspired him early on. His bass teacher, Astro, and his older brother were pivotal figures in his musical journey. “They were the sparks that kept me going,” Hales reflects. “Having their validation and support really fueled me to keep pushing forward.” And as for musical influences, Hales shares that Mac Ayers is his all-time favorite artist, praising Ayers’s ability to write beautifully without sacrificing the complexity of the music itself. Another artist that resonates deeply with him is Lucky Daye, whose sound and approach he admires.
When asked about his creative process, Hales opens up about his diverse methods. “There are so many ways I approach a song, but I usually start with a reference track,” he shares. “From there, I’ll jam some chords, figure out the tempo, and let the melody take shape. Sometimes, when I’m humming, the words just come naturally.” Another source of inspiration comes when he’s out and about. “When I’m driving or just living life, I’ll get these song concepts. I always carry a notepad with me to jot them down,” he says. “I have songwriting prompts that I turn to when I’m stuck, and that really helps me stay on track.”
But the creative magic doesn’t end there. Hales shares a ritual with his collaborator, Sam V, that’s become part of their creative flow: the Musahi energy drink. “We can’t start a session without it,” he laughs. “If we don’t have it, we’ll take a break and go grab one. And sometimes we hit up Four Shells Kava Lounge after a session, just vibing with some kava.”
One of the most defining moments in Hales’s musical journey came early on when he achieved his first million streams on his track “Overwhelmed.” “I had always dreamed of hitting a million streams within ten years, but I did it in my first year and a half,” he says, still in awe of the achievement. That moment was a validation of all his hard work and dedication.
Music From the Heart
As for the impact he hopes to make with his music, Hales offers a clear message:
“When I started, I thought I had to fit into this ‘brown artist’ box, like making reggae or something traditional. But I realized that I just want to create what I love. I want people to understand that you should make music from the heart, not because of what others expect of you.”
This commitment to authenticity and individuality is evident in every track Hales creates.
It Cost Me Everything
Fast forward to his recent release, the EP It Cost Me Everything, Hales reflects on the most rewarding part of the project. “It was hearing the final masters for the first time,” he says. “As musicians, we spend countless hours creating, writing, and perfecting our tracks, so hearing it all come together in one place—it’s a culmination of everything we’ve worked for.”
When asked to describe the EP in three words, Hales chooses:
- Melancholy
- Love
- Alternative
And if you’re wondering which track stands out most to him, it’s the outro, “What Is The Cost?”. “It’s the first time I’ve delved into my faith in a track, and it sums up the whole EP perfectly,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Hales is excited about what the future holds. He’s working on an R&B EP, and with collaborations lined up with fellow Polynesian artists like 8ro8 from Hawai’i and Boy Soda in Sydney, he’s eager to see where this next chapter will take him. “Next year is going to be crazy,” he says with a grin. “Just a lot of R&B.”
For now, fans can expect a lot more from this young artist, whose dedication to his craft, authenticity, and passion for Pacific talent are only beginning to carve a space for him in the music industry.
Fun With Hales
- Favorite Samoan song of all time: Any rendition of “A Pei Se Vaitafe.”
- If you could collab with any artist, who would it be: Mac Ayers
- Acoustic vibe or full production: Acoustic vibe
- Old school jams or new school bangers: New school bangers
- Palusami or oka: Palusami
- Island life or city life: City life
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, January 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 1).
January 2025 · Digital Magazine
