Hayley Orrantia Traces Betrayal and Denial on ‘If I Don’t’

Network TV actress and country newcomer Hayley Orrantia gets real on her new single, “If I Don’t,” opening up for a heartfelt ballad rooted in striking honesty.

The first release from her Upcoming EP debut, The Way Out, “If I Don’t” was written by Orrantia, Robyn Collins and Mike Miller and features a mellow beat, simple instrumentation and Orrantia’s vibrant, full-bodied vocal. But despite its relaxed vibe, it was inspired by romantic betrayal – and the denial that Orrantia used to shield herself from it. As the emotional song lays out, it’s sometimes easier to ignore a bad situation than face it head on, especially with the fallout that’s sure to follow.

“I pushed down the feelings and questions I had and told myself ‘he would have no reason to lie to me,’ all the while, I was lying to myself” Orrantia explains about the delicate track. “We often want to seem ‘nice’ and never want to be ‘psycho,’ so we’ve learned over time to suppress the little voice inside us in order to be liked and compliant.”

Orrantia’s The Way Out EP is set for release later in May. The Texas native first grabbed the spotlight on Fox’s The X Factor, and has since made a splash as Erica on the hit ABC sitcom, The Goldbergs. She’s also previously released two country singles – “Strong, Sweet and Southern” and “Give Me Back Sunday” – and will perform three shows in Nashville next month, including one on the Maui Jim Broadway Stage during the 2019 CMA Music Festival on June 7th.