Hayley Sara Knight
An interview with actress/songstress Hayley Sara Knight
by Tina Hall
August 2010
Actress/Singer Hayley Sara Knight
Hayley Sara Knight is a rather impressive young lady at only 18 years of age, the California native can already be found opening for Billboard Top 10 artists, She has a deal to record on a SONY project for Cinescore and was trained in the arts since at an early age. She has acting credits, TV voice over work, TV commercials, and works in modeling as well. Hayley has co-starred in several musicals and stage plays and had a starring role in an L.A production of The Wizard Of Oz. She began her career as a vocalist by training with Polish artists Ilona Europa and her first solo performance was at the Famous Canyon Ranch near Hollywood where she was called “part Katy Perry part Christina Aguilera with a dash of Rihanna.”
Maximum Ink: At what age did you first know you wanted to work in performing arts?
Hayley Sara Knight: I have always LOVED to explore different voices and different characters, I just loved the idea of pure CREATION. I think subliminally, at a very young age, the reaction that I got from people is what really inspired me to pursue it. I love making people laugh, making people cry, and expanding the minds of an audience just by simply allowing myself to be fearless. And when did you first began to train to do so? Since I was little girl I would constantly exercise my singing, acting, and performance skills wherever I was, I would constantly be using my imagination and not hesitating to share it with others. (Which got me into trouble sometimes.) However, I started to professionally train when I was 9 years old. I started in a little acting workshop. That is what started me off in the acting world. I got an agent and manager and went out on auditions. After being in a couple of musicals, I REALLY wanted to pursue my singing. So I got a couple vocal coaches over the years. But at age 15 is when I really found my vocal COACH. Her name is ILONA EUROPA, she is a recording artist from Poland. From age 15 to now she has turned into my mentor. Singing is not just “technique” it is mainly “soul.” Sometimes you feel butt naked when you are sharing your true soul with someone other than yourself. ILONA EUROPA has helped me to feel comfortable with that feeling.
MI: Did you ever want to do anything else?
HSK: Well, I mainly love the process of the entertainment industry. I love being in front and I am also interested and currently learning more about behind the scenes. I LOVE comedy, I LOVE acting, I LOVE singing, and I LOVE sharing it. I don’t share my food but I do share my stories. I am open to learning about other fields but I won’t pursue anything else, this is my Plan A and that’s all I have…maybe be an Ice Cream Man.
MI: You delve in television, musicals,and modeling as well as music. Which do you truly love to do most and why?
HSK: This is hard to say. Whenever I am in the middle of one of these things I always say, Oh I love this, this is what I am going to concentrate on, I end up saying that about each thing. I am doing my best to put all I have into each one of these things and doing my best to constantly do what makes me happy.
MI: What is it like to have worked in so many fields at only 18? Do you ever feel pressure to succeed? What advice would you offer to others that are looking to train in the arts?
HSK: Realistically, there is that pressure to succeed. My parents, my aunts, my uncles,they are always saying “Go to school, get a job”. But will I compromise to make them happy and not execute my desire to perform? NO. This is so old, but SO true, you must NEVER GIVE UP. This comes with the mindset of never second guessing yourself, never letting the fear be a set back but rather an asset. Stay focused on being you and what you love to do. The only thing that can get in the way of your dreams is yourself. We all struggle everyday to find ourselves and find ways to satisfy ourselves; even though its a struggle somehow we never stop.
MI: What was it like to have the lead in an L.A production of The Wizard Of Oz? Are you a fan of the movie and books?
HSK: This was a really fun experience, especially because of the role I played. I was the Lion which gave me the opportunity to do physical comedy and be dramatic and enthusiastic. It is the time when I can be enthusiastic and look somewhat normal while doing it. I am a HUGE fan of the movie. The Wizard of Oz never disappointed me in any part of the movie because it constantly reaches further into your imagination.
MI: Who are some of your influences musically and in the field of acting?
HSK: Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Tenacious D, the Killers, and Blink 182 and ILONA EUROPA. On the Acting side, Jim Carry, Sandra Bullock, Leonardo D’Caprio, Heath Ledger, and Adam Sandler.
MI: Where would you like to see your career go in the future?
HSK: I would like to see it in the toilet then I know I’m releasing in the right place, just kidding. I would like to be in the moment as of now. All I can do, is do what I am doing now. I can’t think about the past, I don’t know the future, but I do know the present and that’s what I focus on and hope that when the time is right, I have access to reach millions.
MI: Who are some of your other favorite artists? Why?
HSK: My favorite artists are Zoe D’ shanelle, Katy Perry, Alanis Morisette, Eminem, Gwen Stefani, and Cyndi Lauper. I could go on and on but these are my top favorites. I can’t say that these artists are individuals because that puts them with every other artist. Every artist is an individual however these artists challenge themselves. They are okay with pushing the boundaries and crushing the fear of other peoples opinions. They do not comprise, they create and truly believe in their art.
MI: How do you feel personally about being compared to Katy Perry, Christina Agruilera, and Rihanna?
HSK: Well I say thank you and hope I can prove to the world that I’m in their class!
MI: What do you like to do in your spare time?
HSK: I like to eat and exercise, I run to eat the pie (preferably cheesecake). I like to write, but if nothing comes in that moment, I don’t force it. I also like to be with my family, sometimes. They could get overwhelming, big family, you get the idea.
MI: What projects do you have in the works and where can your fans go for the latest information on your career?
HSK: Right now I am finishing up my album, were shooting for the end of this year. Also, Underground, a horror movie, the first film that I starred in is in the process of getting a theatrical release! I have a facebook page which doesn’t look at all that interesting right now but there are some cool photos and links to other places where you can download one of my songs. The link is www.facebook.com/hayleysaraknight. I can’t wait for you to hear my record. Many doors have opened for me I just have to walk in at the right time. I’m still working on trying to get in.