Singer-songwriter Gavin Haley has teamed up with LA-based musician Ella Vos on “The Way I Am,” creating a glossy duet that builds a soundscape of sentimentality. With songs like “96” and “Sad Season,” Haley introduced us to his unique genre-bending instrumentation and transparent lyrics, dripping in honestly and coated in reflection. Coming off of his most recent release, “Show Me,” the pro-cyclist-turned-musician’s newest single gives us a genuine glimpse into Haley’s own world.

“The Way I Am” feels as if we’re watching Haley view himself in the mirror. It’s awfully intimate and remarkably sincere. Haley’s voice floats over a soothing aural synth while he laments over his learned inability to be vulnerable. He sings of feeling stuck “like a deer in the headlights” when he wants to show authentic affection. In this song, the pop-pair of Haley and Vos are both deeply introspective and apologetic about their flaws. Haley and Vos’ voices swirl around one another on this song in a way that creates goosebumps. 

About collaborating with Vos, Haley said,

“Ella is a beautiful human. We were able to relate a lot outside of music and that made the process so fun to be a part of. I love when people are pushing to be the best versions of themselves and Ella is a perfect example. ‘The Way I Am’ is a special song.”

Catch Gavin Haley supporting Ashe on her “Mom’s First Headline Tour” this fall:

9/10 - Washington, DC - Union Stage
9/11 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
9/13 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
9/15 - Uncasville, CT - Wolf Den
9/16 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
9/18 - Cleveland, OH - HOB Cambridge Room
9/19 - Toronto, ONT - Velvet Underground
9/20 - Detroit, MI - Shelter
9/22 - Nashville, TN - Basement East
9/23 - St. Louis, MO - Blueberry Hill
9/24 - Chicago, IL - Chop Shop
9/26 - St. Paul, MN - Amsterdam
9/27 - Kansas City, MO - Encore
9/29 - Salty Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
10/2 - Denver, CO - Moon Room
10/5 - Vancouver, BC - Fortune Sound Club
10/6 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
10/7 - Portland, OR - Holocene
10/9 - Sacramento, CA - Holy Diver
10/10 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
10/12 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst Atrium
10/14 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
10/17 - San Diego, CA - HOB Voodoo Room
10/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge
10/21- Dallas, TX - HOB Cambridge Room
10/22 - Houston, TX - HOB Peacock Room
10/23 Austin, TX - Parish
10/25 - Atlanta, GA - Aisle 5