Halsey Reveals Hardcore Roots in New Jersey Before Pop Stardom

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Grammy-nominated artist Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, recently revealed her unexpected beginnings in the New Jersey hardcore scene before rising to pop stardom. During a meet-and-greet event for her About-Face beauty line at Ulta, the singer shared her early days promoting hardcore and metal shows, a far cry from her current chart-topping success.

“I used to promote hardcore shows in Jersey before I started making music,” Halsey said in a video clip that has since gone viral. “I did a lot of hardcore, but then also some of the more commercial hardcore. The biggest show I ever booked, I was 16, was like [bands] and [bands].”

Halsey’s connection to the hardcore scene runs deep. She revealed that her senior yearbook quote was inspired by the band Defeater, and she even considered quoting another hardcore band, Hundredth. “I’ve said before that I might have quoted Hundredth, too, so who knows,” she added.

These roots in hardcore music have influenced her genre-blending career. Her 2015 debut album, *Badlands*, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, a feat she repeated with *Manic* in 2020 and *If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power* in 2021. Her 2018 hit “Without Me” marked her first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Her latest album, *The Great Impersonator* (2024), debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. According to Luminate, the album sold 93,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 81,000 in traditional album sales. Strong vinyl sales contributed significantly, with 26,000 units sold.

*The Great Impersonator* features tracks like “Panic Attack” and “Ego,” which debuted on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart at No. 25 and No. 30, respectively. “Ego” also gained traction on radio, peaking at No. 25 on Adult Pop Airplay and No. 28 on Pop Airplay.

Halsey’s rock and metal influences have been evident throughout her career. Her 2021 album, *If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power*, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, featured collaborations with rock icons like Dave Grohl and Lindsey Buckingham. For *The Great Impersonator*, she recreated iconic looks from artists like David Bowie, Cher, and Bruce Springsteen in the lead-up to its October 2024 release.

Halsey’s journey from hardcore promoter to pop superstar highlights her versatility and deep connection to music. As she continues to blend genres and push creative boundaries, her early days in New Jersey remain a testament to her enduring passion for music.