Netflix’s We Can Be Heroes Actress and former American Idol contestant, Haley Reinhart is a star on the rise and one to watch.
Reinhart recently stepped out to support and celebrate as well as perform for the relaunch of Caroline D’Amore’s sauce line, Pizza Girl. The Knockturnal had an exclusive interview with the multi-talented singer, actor and voice actor right before she took the stage for her first live performance in a while. Guests of the intimate celebration were all Covid tested to ensure the night was equally safe and enjoyable. Catch our interview below as we discuss her inspiration, future acting roles, her new EP on the way and so much more!
The Knockturnal: In the spirit of Women’s Month, what women inspire you?
Haley Reinhart: I’m big on family so my mother first and foremost. She’s somebody I really look up to, she’s also a musician like myself, an artist, a singer so she has a very strong personality. She’s Italian, we’re here tonight with a lot of Italians too so I feel kind of at home. But yeah, my mom and I also look up to the singers from the olden days like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin, and Dusty Springfield—I’m kind of an old soul at heart.
The Knockturnal: How was it going from reality tv show star to signed musician, then professional actress, was it hard to make that jump?
Haley Reinhart: Yeah, I mean, I guess I’ve been through a lot in between those different chapters, different labels, now I just actually trademark my own so Reinhart Records is in session and I’m full independent which is pretty awesome because now I get to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I’m kind of here hoping to support other artists that are in that same boat and don’t know if they can do it, they can. And acting-wise, it’s so cool to be in We Can Be Heroes and this movie is going bonkers. I knew it would be good but I didn’t have the thought that this would be exploding the way that it is. I’m actually singing one of the songs that I sang in the movie tonight, ‘Heroes’ from David Bowie, my version.
The Knockturnal: We Can Be Heroes is breaking records on Netflix, what does an accomplishment like that mean to you?
Haley Reinhart: Yea it’s been the longest-running movie in the Top 10 ever so I’ve already thankfully been a part of the Netflix family, I do a voice of a little boy on this show called, F is for Family, it’s animated, I have to say that. The Netflix family has been super warm and welcoming to me and now watching this movie still do its thing is incredible. The whole cast is so great that we’re getting a sequel so I just want this train to keep going.
The Knockturnal: You posted on Instagram a new headshot and you asked fans what your next role should be, what is your dream role?
Haley Reinhart: A lot of people know me well on Instagram and just from following me I guess, they get the brand so a lot of things people said I was like, oh my God, how did you know I want to be in the next Bond movie, a Bond girl or an Austin Powers girl. I love the weird parts like Girl, Interrupted, like Angelina Jolie. If I get to play a freaky, crazy role, it could be cool. I’ll start off with something more girl next door maybe though.
The Knockturnal: We love you as an actress but you are also a talented musician so is there a new EP or new music on the way?
Haley Reinhart: You said it! Yeah, we’re going to do an EP this Summer. I have really exciting plans for some of the videos that I haven’t announced yet but a really special director is involved. I’m so excited! I’m working with people in Sweden on this project and we’re doing it from afar. Obviously, it couldn’t be much different anyways during this time so I’m grateful for the team I have and I think that everybody is going to really love these songs and it’s kind of just a different production experience for me and we’ve taken it to the next level, I think. That’s always what I aspire to do is evolve to the next better thing.
The Knockturnal: Will it be a specific genre or concept?
Haley Reinhart: There’s going to be a few different ones but it’s leaning towards sultry, neo-soul, almost r&b, a little funkier for some of the tracks.
The Knockturnal: When you say r&b and funky, I think of Bruno Mars.
Haley Reinhart: I love Bruno! He would be my top choice to tour with. He’s definitely keeping the soul alive in this industry like Anderson Paak. He used to be my drummer, I hired him for his first gig in L.A. I’m so proud of him! We’ve done a couple of things since and hopefully more to come with that too.
