Ian Ruhala, better known as HALA, has been writing and recording music for several years now and at the young age of 19, he is already a singer/songwriter veteran.

After picking up the guitar (and learning how to properly play with the help of his father Ben), Ian began crafting songs of his own. His first recording was done when he was eight years old, and was inspired by a joke his grandpa told him, “about a pickle that was bought for a nickel, and ultimately was freed getting struck by a train.”

Several years passed, and so did several bands. In 2014, Ian’s group at the time fell apart as the drummer (who had been with him for many years prior) moved to Washington State. Ruhala was pretty much band-less, for the months following. Later that year, Ian went through another tug of the heart strings, SPLITTING up with his girlfriend of nearly two years. Although being truly bummed; amidst this he felt an immense amount of inspiration.

Ruhala decided to take matters into his own hands. Solo artists like, M. Ward, Mac DeMarco, and Ty Segall fueled Ian’s idea to begin recording at home AND WORKING WITH THE BAND INSIDE HIS OWN HEAD. In the beginning, he had very little knowledge and equipment. A couple of quarter inch-to-USB cables, and free recording software. It was during this time, in the storage room of his parent’s house though, that HALA was born.

After graduating high school near the top of his class, and releasing three EP's throughout the year, Ian and his live band, consisting of: JJ Stanbury (bass), Zachary Gagnier (lead guitar), and Elton Defrance (drums), journeyed to the country of Brazil for their first tour ever, in August of 2015.

The tour played a pivotal role in Ruhala’s life; spending a couple of weeks on the road in a country where he didn’t even know his songs were being played. The band had little experience as a whole, and at the start wasn't sure if the tour would even be a success, with that being said, it was.

The day after the tour completed, Ian Ruhala left for his first semester of college.

Despite doing well in his classes, Ian was not adjusting to the college life. The music bug had bitten him and was not letting go.

During this time Ruhala composed nearly sixty songs, some ending up on his release entitled, 'Beach Boys,' (recorded from his dorm at Central Michigan University), and others being saved for the right time.

After only one semester of college, the right time came, and HALA decided to take a break from school to focus on music and recording his proper debut.

Craving the city life, and a change of pace Ian moved to Detroit, to a house his bandmates had been renting. Living in the attic of a hoMe that was built one-hundred and two years ago, where he could see only a funeral home and The Motown Museum outside of his window, HALA began recording his first proper release, 'Spoonfed.'

As the cold winter air leaked through the cracks of the walls Ian tracked ten songs in about a month. Most days Ian wouldn't eat until well into the night, being so raveled up in his recordings. Ian explains that the songs are a compilation of the thoughts and feelings he has had experiencing the journeys that come with tour life, love, family, and most importantly dealing with the pressures people feed you as a person. To Ruhala, each song on 'Spoonfed,' is like a journal entry in a life that has been anything but ordinary throughout the past couple of years.

Get your bowls, and a spoon, this Indie singer/songwriter says, "breakfast is served."

7 piece boogie / synth pop band from Chicago.