Breakout pop star and singer-songwriter Hayes Warner has just released her new single, “Predator”, through Glassnote Music LLC and Connection Music Publishing. Warner initially broke into the music scene with her catchy pop-punk track “Breadcrumbs,” which quickly earned her a following on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Her previous single “Just a Girl,” an updated take on No Doubt’s 1990s female anthem reached No. 23 on the Top 40 radio chart. The single led to massive success for Warner. She collaborated with the Recording Academy for their Grammy Reimagined series and performed at the 2024 U.S. Olympics Gymnastics Trials.
Warner is set to debut her first EP later this year. Her latest single, “Predator”, explores feminist themes and addresses an ex’s new girlfriend who has begun stalking her on social media. In a recent interview with Melodic Mag, Warner discussed “Predator” and the upcoming EP, and shared insights on her own identity as a woman, and her relationships with other women.
How did it feel to perform at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials Fan Fest, and what was that fan reaction like?
I’m a huge fan of women’s gymnastics so that moment was a dream come true! I’m still so grateful for the opportunity. It was so much fun meeting and talking to fans in Minneapolis.
What inspired you to create “Just a Girl,” and how does it feel to see it resonate with so many people?
I admire No Doubt and Gwen Stefani so much. Gwen’s unapologetic energy and how “Just a Girl” challenges gender stereotypes is just so timeless. My goal with this interpretation was to pay homage to Gwen’s impact on my life without altering the message from her original lyrics. Our version of “Just a Girl” is really a dedication to how much the original 1995 track means to me and that Gwen’s lyrics still ring true today.
These past months with “Just a Girl” have been such a whirlwind. Hearing it being played on radio stations I grew up listening to is just so surreal. It’s an honor that people love this song just as much as I loved reimagining and recording it.
You’ve talked about Hayley Williams and P!nk as influences. How have their styles shaped your music and performances?
First of all, I would die to collaborate with Hayley Williams or P!nk! I’d say both women influence me through the energy in their performances. Both Hayley and P!nk have such dynamic voices in general and then when you watch them on stage they can belt out super powerful notes while still engaging the audience with electrifying performances. I definitely feel like when I’m on stage, I try to channel their energy through my own style.
With your exciting lineup of performances this year, including Lollapalooza, how are you preparing for these big events?
It has been a really exciting few months – performing for the U.S. Olympic Gymnastic trials, touring with Scarlet Opera, my upcoming Lolla performance. If I think about it all together it’s a little overwhelming. I am just taking it day by day. I am so grateful that my music is resonating with people and they are coming to the shows. It’s been a dream come true for me.
What can fans expect from the upcoming EP?
In this EP, I’m exploring new sounds and embracing a high-energy, in-your-face vibe that I can’t wait to bring to life during live performances.
You’ve been teasing your upcoming single “Predator,” and now it’s finally out. What can we expect from this release?
I am so excited for everyone to hear “Predator.” It is the culmination of all of the work I have done over the past year to find a sound and message that is authentic to me. It’s the first official single off my debut EP coming out later this year. “Predator” at its core is about the complexities of femininity – the lyrics address my ex’s new girlfriend who is now dealing with the effects of being with a partner that makes her insecure, leading to her stalking me on social media and being curious about our past relationship. It is really just me reassuring the new girlfriend that I’ve been there, I get it, and I am not a threat. I wrote “Predator” with empathy, and wanted the song to promote women supporting women instead of tearing each other down out of insecurities.
I can imagine it’s difficult to manage your busy schedule, with shows, the upcoming EP and new singles. How do you unwind and stay grounded amidst all this?
Music has always been my passion, so this whirlwind is what fuels me and keeps me inspired creatively and artistically. When I step away from this world, I’m usually in thrift stores or being a hermit at home with friends.
And to wrap things up, what’s been the most surprising or unexpected part of your musical journey so far?
Seeing industry icons that I’ve always fan-girled over now show up to support me has been a total dream for me. We recently hosted a listening party to help celebrate “Predator” and I could not stop fan-girling out over the people in the room. This whole journey has already been a wild ride and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!
Keep up with Hayes Warner: Instagram // Spotify // X // Facebook // TikTok // Website
