Be A Highway Woman
Photographer by Bonnie Dymond.
Tearsheet by Cheyney Chiddick.
The Highway Women, a country band comprised of Jess Paige, Drew Haley, Kristen Kae, and Bailey James, released seven singles, including God Made Me Right, Stand Up and Fight, and Shake the Dust. They are currently working on producing their first album to be released Friday, November 27th.
1. How did the band come to be? How did you choose the name The Highway Women? Where did the inspiration for your work come from?
The group name is a nod to the original Highwaymen and their representation of empowering yourself.
2. What would you describe your collaborative process as a group?
We work well together because we really enjoy each other and celebrate our individual ideas.
3. Do you ever hit roadblocks as a team? What is your favorite part of working together?
It’s work but to us it feels like family time: we really love each other so it's always a good time.
4. What is the most challenging part of working together?
We all basically are ADD except Bails who keeps us in line.
5. What’s your favorite The Highway Women song, and why?
My favorite song is our new one, The Highway. Bails and Drew love Shake the Dust, while Kristen loves The Highway.
6. As you’ve broken into the music scene and gained traction in your online visibility, is it the life of a musician like what imagined it would be?
Kristen: Not much different but really surreal. When fans get excited that I follow them back, when they send you fan pics, it really is different because I lived on their side all of my life. It makes me excited, and I feel so happy knowing I inspire them.
Bails: Much different, you only see the glamorous parts, but living the hard parts in between can be tough, but I am grateful for those because it makes me so grateful.
7. What’s different in the reality of living it than you expected it to be?
Drew: I thought I would be rich and famous and driving my corvette by now. Struggling to make ends meet is the toughest part and it’s no secret that we struggle, especially now not being able to play shows.
Jessica: I had no idea that my reality would be living this dream. I am so blessed because the good times outweigh the hard times.
8. What parts of your vision have stayed true to what it was to you when you first started this project together? Have you had to make any compromises while working together?
We all have our solo careers so at times it is a juggle. Drew: Shout out to myself!
9. Who is your biggest inspiration in music right now? Why?
Kristen: Reba McEntire, the queen of reinvention, who made it all work. She did not allow herself to be pigeonholed into one corner. She is confident and sexy but also modest.
Bails: Amy Winehouse because she is honest in her music, that is something that not many people can say.
Drew: Well, Dolly Parton forever and always. She uses her platform to help others.
Jess: Terry Clark, who made it okay for gals in country to be authentically themselves.
10. Is there a piece of music out there that you love so much that you wish you wrote it?
Bailey: Crazy, Patsy Cline.
Jess: This is Me, The Greatest Showman
Drew: The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert.
Kriste: Turn on the Radio, Reba.
11. What’s the biggest goal that you want to achieve as a group? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
We would have done that already, but let’s go on tour.
Kristen: We are going to get that CMA award.
Jess: Playing for young girls and inspiring them to chase their dreams.
12. How is the production of your new EP going? Can you tell us about it? What is inspiring that new music? When you write music, do you write from your personal experiences? What is your relationship to the narratives portrayed in your music?
Our EP releases Friday November 27th. It is all of the songs we have released in the past two years.
13. What do you think sets The Highway Women apart from other girl groups in country music?
We genuinely love each other and support other women. We stepped up with action (Bailey) with our Be a Highway Woman Platform.
14. In terms of social causes, which are most important to you? How do you get involved with them?
Bailey: Mental Health awareness. I am part of the Jason Foundation to help other people because my brother took his life three years ago.
Kristen: Team Red, White & Blue, which puts together activities for veterans. My Mom is a veteran.
Jess: Ovarian Cancer Research. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago. I am in remission now. I was diagnosed with 9-10 tumors on my left ovaries. I am also a supporter of The American Cancer Society.
Drew: Be a Highway Woman & a local Women’s Shelter.
15. What is your life’s motto?
Drew: If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain.
Kristen: I’m a little classy, I’m a little bit Sass, don’t get in my way or I’ll kick your a$$.
Jess:- Do Good Unto Others, and they will do good unto you.
Bailey: Be Groovy or Leave Man, Bob Dylan.
16. What about your motto as musicians?
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life” (Maya Angelo).
17. Link us to your socials: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
@highwaywomen
Interview by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
