Presidio & Haley Johnsen

Haley Johnsen

Meet the enigmatic Haley Johnsen, a musical maverick hailing from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. With an uncanny talent for pushing the boundaries of genres, her artistic journey is a uniquely fascinating odyssey. Influenced by iconic voices like Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, and Bonnie Raitt, her music is a symphony of soaring vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and an innovative blend of indie-pop and folk rock.

Haley's songs delve into the depths of self-doubt, the wistful beauty of nostalgia, and the resilience required to weather life's storms. Her genuine songwriting prowess, combined with her electrifying performances, elicit powerful emotional responses. She explains, 'I want my music to inspire people to overcome challenges, to embrace hope, and to believe in their authentic selves.'

Her stage presence is nothing short of electrifying, imbued with a rare sincerity that's profoundly endearing. With or without a band, Haley's shows leave audiences grinning ear to ear and shedding heartfelt tears.

Haley's artistic journey took flight in her early twenties, ignited by her remarkable journey to the top 24 on American Idol Season 11 in 2012. Returning home, she crafted around 200 songs in her parents' backyard shed over three years, with the most captivating ones finding a home on her debut EP, 'Through the Blue,' in 2015. Subsequently, she released her second EP, 'When You Lit The Sky,' in 2017, alongside a string of singles, national tours, and formative experiences with her hometown band.

In 2019, Haley's career skyrocketed when, just one day into her inaugural European tour, she was recruited as a bassist and backup vocalist for indie-pop sensation Big Wild. She embraced this opportunity with such fervor that she learned her bass parts while hurtling down the Autobahn. Her time with Big Wild led her to grace renowned festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Bonnaroo, and perform three sold-out shows at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Fast forward to 2022, and Haley's full-length album 'Goner' emerged. Written and recorded during the height of the pandemic, the album delves into the perpetual tug-of-war between confidence and self-doubt, fear and trust, and the yearning to be fully present with oneself. It's a masterful fusion of '80s-inspired synth-pop and poignant ballads, as noted by American Songwriter.

Presidio

Born in Berlin and now based in Portland, Oregon, Presidio is an intra-psychedelic rock band led by the dynamic songwriting and vocal partnership of Gabriella De La Cruz and Will Zesiger. Their unique sound features ethereal vocal harmonies, powerful dynamics, and mesmerizing guitar arrangements.

Inspired by their experiences in psychedelic therapy, Presidio delves into the depths of human experience, seeking to express the ineffable realms that reside within each of us. Their music often explores the transformation of trauma into healing and spiritual growth.

The band made a notable debut with their first EP, 'Telepathy,' in mid-2020, which amassed over 180,000 streams on Spotify. Presidio has collaborated and performed with various organizations worldwide, including Sofar Sounds, Sound Mind, Stella Artois, Deloitte, Verizon, and more.

Currently, the band is in the creative process of writing and recording their follow-up record, with the next single scheduled for release in early 2024.