Hala
A Detroit-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Ian Ruhala crafts breezy bedroom pop with infectious melodies and a strong D.I.Y. spirit. Recording under the name Hala, he built up a grass-roots following during his teenage years in the mid-2010s, releasing a series of catchy home-recorded albums that eventually earned him a deal with Universal, which issued his studio debut in 2020.Growing up in Detroit, Ruhala learned to play guitar from his father and was schooled in the classic rock of the Who and the Beatles. He was particularly inspired by Paul McCartney's ability to play numerous different instruments and, using free recording software and a hodgepodge of budget equipment, taught himself how to build tracks and record all the parts himself. While in high school, Ruhala began releasing home-recorded albums under his nickname, Hala, that melded his vintage rock influences with the kind of lo-fi pop aesthetic of contemporary indie artists like Mac DeMarco. Between 2014 and 2018, he was extremely prolific, developing his style over numerous self-released albums and singles, racking up big streaming numbers with songs like "Sorry" and "What Is Love, Tell Me, Is It Easy?," and gigging around Metro Detroit. Signing with Universal, Hala headed to Washington to record his major-label debut with producer Ryan Hadlock (the Lumineers, Vance Joy). Red Herring was released in April 2020.
© Timothy Monger /TiVo
Similar artists
Discography
91 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
-
Spoonfed
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on 13 May 2016
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Feels Like Yesterday
Rock - Released by Hala Recordings on 30 Jul 2021
Available in24-Bit/88 kHz Stereo -
Red Herring
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cinematic Music Group on 1 May 2020
Available in24-Bit/96 kHz Stereo -
So Cold
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on 23 May 2025
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Found A Way
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala on 26 Nov 2018
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Mister Delusional
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala on 17 Oct 2025
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
-
Catching Feelings
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on 11 Apr 2025
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Oh Me, Oh My
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala on 28 Mar 2024
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
-
-
Club Soda
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on 22 Apr 2016
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Songs I Heard On AM580
Alternative & Indie - Released by 4471758 Records DK on 29 Aug 2024
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
-
Osool (Egypt X Sudan)
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Rap Shar3 on 15 Aug 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Shok W Sakakeen
Hip-Hop/Rap - Released by Warner Music Middle East on 1 Feb 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
-
Sorry // Single
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala on 15 Jun 2018
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Young Alumni
Alternative & Indie - Released by Hala Recordings on 10 Jul 2015
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
-