Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known professionally as Halsey (born September 29, 1994), is an American singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 2010s. She built an early audience by posting music and writing on social platforms and independently released material before signing to Astralwerks in 2014. Her work combines pop hooks with electronic and alternative textures, and she is widely recognized for personal, narrative lyrics that address identity, relationships and mental health.

Early life and rise

Halsey grew up in New Jersey and began writing and performing as a teenager. She shared original songs on platforms such as Tumblr, SoundCloud and YouTube, which helped her develop a dedicated online following. That grassroots attention led to her first commercial releases and a major-label contract, and she quickly moved from small venues to larger stages and festival appearances.

Musical style and influences

Her music spans electropop, synth-pop, indie pop and alternative pop, often framed by dramatic production and strong melodic lines. Critics and fans have noted her use of vivid imagery, character-driven narratives and theatrical elements. Halsey has cited a range of influences from alternative rock to contemporary pop and electronic music; she has collaborated with producers across genres to shape distinctive sonic identities for each record.

Major releases and career milestones

Halsey’s debut EP, Room 93 (2014), introduced her moody, atmospheric approach. Her first studio album, Badlands (2015), established her in mainstream pop markets. She achieved widespread international recognition after providing featured vocals on The Chainsmokers’ 2016 single "Closer," a global commercial success. Her second album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017), expanded on pop concepts and narrative structure, while later records such as Manic (2020) and If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power (2021) explored varied styles, including more rock-oriented and experimental textures.

  • Room 93 (EP, 2014)
  • Badlands (2015)
  • Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017)
  • Manic (2020)
  • If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power (2021)

Collaborations and notable singles

Beyond solo albums, Halsey has collaborated with a wide range of artists in electronic, pop and rock spheres. Her duet on "Closer" introduced her voice to a large mainstream audience; later singles such as "Without Me" further demonstrated her ability to blend confessional songwriting with radio-friendly arrangements. She has performed on televised events and headlined international tours.

Themes, identity and public presence

Halsey’s lyrics frequently address mental health, sexuality, trauma and self-exploration. She has publicly discussed living with bipolar disorder and has identified as bisexual; in late 2020 she added she/they pronouns to her public social profile. Her openness about personal struggles and identity has been a consistent aspect of her public persona and has informed discussions around representation in popular music.

Activism and recognition

Halsey has used her platform to speak on political and social issues, including reproductive rights, racial justice and LGBTQ+ visibility. Her work has earned mainstream recognition, including award nominations and placements on major charts, and she is often cited in media coverage about artists who bridge independent sensibilities and mainstream pop success.

Entrepreneurship and personal life

Outside of music, Halsey has pursued creative and commercial projects, including a cosmetics line launched in 2021 and various fashion and visual collaborations. She has become a public parent, welcoming a son in 2021, and has discussed balancing family life with an active creative career. Halsey maintains a substantial social media presence and continues to engage with fans through releases and performances.

Further information

For official announcements and releases visit her official website. Label pages and press resources provide release details and credits at label and press pages. For interviews, profiles and feature reporting consult mainstream media sources such as music publications and long-form interviews at media interviews. Her social profiles and official statements appear on platforms where she posts updates and personal commentary; see her social accounts at social profile.