Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with Addy Walker from Halfway Home
- Amit Ahuja
- Sep 21, 2025
- 14 min read
I conducted an interview with Addy Walker, the lead singer of Halfway Home, in which we explored his upbringing, his musical journey, his band, and various other topics. I trust you will find this engaging.
Amit Ahuja: Let’s start at the beginning — tell us about where you grew up. What was your hometown like, and what kind of environment did you call home during your early years?
Addy Walker: I've spent the majority of my life living in and around the Buckinghamshire area, just a little northwest of London, England. Although life could be a bit hectic, I really enjoyed growing up in an area with so many people, especially through my teenage years. It felt like new connections and friendships were being made every time you went out, especially in the tribalistic alternative groups I spent time in. I have fond memories of hundreds of socially awkward, strangely dressed teenagers sat huddled around portable speakers in parks until the early hours of the morning or catching trains and buses to London and Oxford to see larger bands or the many smaller bands of friends and idols who would play in the local area. I was so blessed to see so much live music in my hometown growing up.
Amit Ahuja: Let’s start from the very beginning of your musical journey—can you recall a specific moment, experience, or influence that first ignited your passion for music?
Addy Walker: I think a massive moment for me was realizing how young or small scale you could play in a band. My father idolized bands, I think they may be the only thing he did. Seeking his approval, whether consciously or subconsciously, my brother and I both showed great interest in music appreciation and creation. However, I remember being at a Christmas assembly at my school at age 11, I was still finding my feet musically. I remember this boy called Luke Quincey, in the year above me, took to the stage with a drummer and a bassist while he stood there with guitar and microphone. He waited so patiently for our music teacher to give him the okay and then the obnoxious instant chords of Green Day's ‘Holiday’ rang out with an impressive clear yet gritty voice. Not only had I never heard it before but seeing him play in front of everyone with such clarity and passion was inspiring. I would never have told him this, my ego was far too strong at this point, but seeing that made me realize you didn't have to be a successful famous musician to make an impact because I was desperate to be him. As time went on I would later battle it out to share music room spaces etc. and never quite managed to make a connection in school with him even after idolizing him so much, although maybe this wouldn't have been the best. Later in life I somehow convinced him to bring his talents to my current music project Halfway Home, and I promise you my inner child is absolutely beaming.
Amit Ahuja: What initially drew you into the post-hardcore and metalcore genres, both in terms of musical composition and visual or aesthetic style?
Addy Walker: As a listener I think these genres redefine extremes of music while still being very much in the place of representing human emotion. To me there's nothing musically lighter and more calming than the beautiful stripped back acoustic bridge after having just come out of a thick textured crushing chorus. The opposite side being that to me heaviness also comes from these opposites and polarity so if I want to hear something that feels huge, unfiltered and rage-filled or powerful, to maximize this effect it has to come after something climactic, calm and dissimilar to have a real impact. This paired with a lot of the emotional honesty that comes in much of Metalcore and Post-hardcore speaks worlds to me.
Amit Ahuja: What first drew you to becoming a vocalist?
Addy Walker: I had spent time being a bassist in a few bands and after some previous experience always been asked to sing clean vocals as well. From early gigs I loved that feeling of connection with the crowd, watching them build up into a frenzy or sometimes wishing they would as they stood motionless made me want that freedom to frontman, and (with no disrespect to Fall Out Boy) being the front man bassist didn't seem viable. When a former project ended, I started looking not only at available bassist positions but also singing roles and ended up singing for a pop-punk band One State Drive which would start my learning curve and realization of how different it is singing lead to anything I had done before.
Amit Ahuja: Who were your earliest musical influences, both vocally and stylistically?
Addy Walker: I've loved Alkaline Trio from the first moments I heard those edgy pained lyrics, and I still hear them in my writing. Senses Fail were a huge part of my childhood too. More recently there's no doubt that I take a lot of inspiration from Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari, Frank Lopez aka Hobo Johnson and the more modern lyricism of Oli Sykes, Bring Me The Horizon.
Amit Ahuja: Did you take any formal vocal training, or are you naturally gifted with your singing ability? How did you develop your voice over time?
Addy Walker: I went to a theatre school from the age of 3 for 12 years and became a teacher there from the age of 15. My background in singing was originally firmly rooted in musical theatre with the occasional dive into a cappella choir ensembles. This was essential especially when struggling with voice changes through puberty, something I think puts many people off singing forever. Transferring this into a live context with close drums and loud PAs was a horrible experience that I really struggled with but there is no doubt it gave me a great foundation and confidence in regards to singing.
Amit Ahuja: Are there any songs or artists that have personally resonated with you and inspired your journey into learning music and starting this band?
Addy Walker: can remember desperately trying to learn bass and realizing one of my favorite bands, Rise Against, had the simplest bass tabs for most of their music. This was like opening a whole world. I would sit there and play album after album. With hindsight, it's a huge testament to RA bassist Joe Principe, as you can see his technical ability shine through from time to time, but for the most part, he seems far more interested in serving the song and bringing weight to its progression. I know I grew up and still exist around a lot of people who viewed technical difficulty in writing as a source of inspiration, and although I loved the techy sweeps of bands like Born of Osiris, I never understood the constant push for more speed, more notes.
Amit Ahuja: Can you take us back to the beginning of Halfway Home? How did the band first come together, and what inspired you to start this journey?
Addy Walker: In my previous project, One State Drive, towards the end I had written some songs that were quite personal to me and started to get that catharsis that comes from putting your soul into a piece of music. As the COVID lockdowns hit, I found myself lacking an outlet, lacking social connection of anything more than work. Myself and our guitarist Stu, who I had previously played bass in a band with, started writing separately and sending each other demos to write and shape around. It started out as a sort of techy sad boy pop punk sound. Before we knew it, we had ten demos in our hands and realized it was time to start bringing other people in, rewriting them and adding more to create what would end up being our first EP, Autumn.
Amit Ahuja: What was the original vision for your music when you started?
Addy Walker: I think we were just desperate to have a few songs we had written recorded to a high standard. We didn't care about shows, listens, videos—any of it. We just wanted a group to write with and enjoy. Those sessions were amazing, sat around in the space halfway between social and just hanging out. The original idea was to write a pop punk record, and as we wrote, it felt like storytelling. I remember Stu (guitarist) telling me there was a clear beginning and end in our demos, an emotional progression, and he wanted to know where it was leading. Somewhere towards the end of the EP writing process is where we realized that we wanted to be diverse and versatile and that, using this story narrative, we could change our sound with each release, with the closer to Autumn referencing the call of depression and colder and darker things to come.
Amit Ahuja: Did you have a different name when you first started thinking of the band name? What made you guys stick with Halfway Home?
Addy Walker: Names are tough. There was discussion and suggestion of many different names for a vote, but when Halfway Home cropped up, it felt fitting and nostalgic.
Amit Ahuja: The name Halfway Home is striking and full of meaning. Can you share the story behind it? What inspired the name, and how does it capture the band’s identity or vision?
Addy Walker: Names gather meaning with time, as I feel ours has to us. I think our music is deeply introspective and at times painful, however Halfway Home is a sort of juxtaposition. I feel it implies that home or salvation is still achievable through work, that progress has been made and that there is always something to be hopeful for. That said, emotional stability and happiness isn't a tick box. You can't just have it and own it and keep it. You always have to keep working and pushing for it. Halfway Home is telling that journey of trying to reach contentment, even if the goal isn't truly attainable.
Amit Ahuja: As the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the band, could you share the key sources of your lyrical inspiration?
Addy Walker: Every song we have written has been very much from personal experiences. Although sometimes it may be put through metaphorical lenses, there is always a direct, simple human story, statement, memory or feeling behind each. I'm quite lucky, at least for now, when it comes to writing. I will often be mid-task, conversation or sleep and find a lyric drop into my head about a situation or memory and note it down. I will then build out these words over time and over a musical structure to try and create a larger picture or narrative. For the most part, I do this over music, but occasionally we have switched this round.
Amit Ahuja: Could you share the inspiration, personal stories, or themes that influenced the writing and production of tracks like Dreamwake, Leeches, Ego Death, and Denbigh Road? What were the ideas or experiences that shaped these songs?
Addy Walker: Dreamawake was a surreal one. Eighty percent of the lyrics were written in the de-escalation of a panic attack. After having never suffered with anxiety for most of my life, I felt my first panic attack at 25 and had quite a few more after this point. Dreamawake is willing yourself to find beauty in terror and to be stronger for your own sake and the sake of others.
Addy Walker: Leeches is probably the coldest song we've released lyrically. It delves a bit too deep for frank open discussion, but its basic root is seeking validation for yourself in anyone you can find in times of low self-worth. It has a sort of sinister, sordid feeling to it that I think starts the progression of Winter well.
Addy Walker: Ego Death was written purely as the outro poem in the song originally and built from there. Ego Death is understanding that we all have pain, and all suffer and that my suffering is no greater than anyone else's. It tells a story of how I searched for dissolution of my ego in many things with no luck. I was desperate for change, and what I truly needed was the depths of depression to see just how beautiful the world is when you manage to step across that boundary to the other side. I'm happy to say I'm in a much better place now.
Addy Walker: Denbigh Road is written like a love song, but it's anything but one. It speaks on our childish need to validate relationships that may not be good for us. Denbigh Road is focusing on a lost life, a honeymoon phase and a person lost.
Amit Ahuja: If you had the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a two-month tour, which artists would you be most excited to travel and perform with—and why?
Addy Walker: It may sound cheesy, but we already feel so lucky with the opportunities we have. The quality we've seen in bands we play with is astounding, with some of our favourite artists being ones we get the honor of playing with. This being said, being the ultimate fan boy, should Enter Shikari ever be willing to give us a 10 a.m. opener slot…be it mainstage, outside, or in the toilets, we are 100 percent in.
Amit Ahuja: What inspires you as an artist?
Addy Walker: I would say I'm inspired by storytelling and catharsis in music. I enjoy sharing and finding common ground with musical writers.
Amit Ahuja: What insights or recommendations do you have for musicians who face rejection or experience setbacks in their careers?
Addy Walker: There is no growth without rejection, it's a huge part of the deal. Sometimes it's about reminding yourself what you aspire to. If your aspirations are sold-out world tours and mansions, I respect that, but be ready for a lot of failure. My aspirations personally are to feel growth and challenge in writing and performing.
Amit Ahuja: When you create music, does it feel more like a form of release, a journey of self-discovery, or a confrontation with something deeper inside you?
Addy Walker: All three are most definitely at work. There is usually an initial phase of struggle to decide where you are going, what you want to capture, and then it just starts to free flow. Soon enough, it feels like therapy but in the most fun way imaginable.
Amit Ahuja: Is there a message you hope fans walk away with after listening to your music, or do you prefer to leave it open to interpretation?
Addy Walker: I think it's dependent on the song or discography, but I suppose the main thing I would want people to walk away with is understanding and compassion. You don't have to love or like everyone on this planet, but a bit of empathy can go a long way.
Amit Ahuja: What do you do to connect emotionally with the audience during a performance?
Addy Walker: We've been lucky to play some amazing shows to some great crowds. I think that freedom of expression is so good to see. I love the pits, I love the dancers, those who know the words and shout, and the people who stand further back and raise their hands. Having people there to witness feels like a connection in itself.
Amit Ahuja: Is there a particular song that’s especially meaningful for you to perform?
Addy Walker: We have only performed it once at this time, but playing Ego Death for the first time was beautiful and humbling. After a while, songs can become words, practised and rehearsed, and that one just came flooding back. It felt a bit embarrassing, but it was important and powerful, and I was thankful for the opportunity to share my feelings.
Amit Ahuja: Have you ever had to push through a show with vocal issues? How did you manage it?
Addy Walker: Many times! I'm both lucky and unfortunate enough to be a music and singing teacher and use my voice all day every day, so if illness hits at the wrong time, it can be really bad. I'm very lucky to have multiple outstanding singers in my band who will fill in a little bit. We end up pushing through with everything just sounding a bit more harsh. The screaming doesn't suffer too much, but calm, clear singing certainly becomes a very different soundscape.
Amit Ahuja: What’s one vocal challenge you still want to tackle?
Addy Walker: I would love to be able to falsetto comfortably on stage. I think one thing I vastly underestimated about bands and vocalists is how different it is. I've sung on large theatre stages, open-air festivals, etc., but nothing prepares you for singing next to a full drum kit and a roaring PA and not just shouting yourself hoarse in five minutes.
Amit Ahuja: Where do you see the band heading musically over the next few years?
Addy Walker: This is the question. We are just getting started on our next large release Spring, which will follow a few singles already written. This is still very much cooking, but it will certainly be a contrast to our previous releases.
Amit Ahuja: I would love to hear about any exciting projects, tours, or collaborations you have on the horizon! What are you looking forward to the most?
Addy Walker: We have some great collaborative singles very close on the horizon that we are very proud of. We are really excited to get them out there and perform them towards the end of the year before 2026 brings a new phase.
Amit Ahuja: Who are three individuals who have had a significant impact on your life—personally or professionally—and how have they influenced your journey?
Addy Walker: My Mother – One of the most positive people you could ever hope to meet, forever supportive and has always stood by me in hard times. Those who know my lyrics may have noticed I don't shut up about her.
Addy Walker: My Son – Not only is my son (six years old) such a whirlwind of fun and energy, but he is also more empathetic, loving and understanding than I could ever have imagined. I remember feeling great guilt in the first few months of fatherhood. Work and effort came easily, but love didn't appear straight away, which ate away at me. But with time, I grew to love him more than anything I could have ever imagined. In turn, as a little mini me, he has taught me that some of the things I was analytical of or disliked in myself are ridiculous, and to be more forgiving of myself.
Addy Walker: Stu (Guitarist) – A rock and a pinnacle for so long, through early days at 17 years old playing questionable shows to now pouring love and craft into music I am so proud of. For all the times he's stood by me as someone to confide in and give you raw, unfiltered honesty, I am eternally thankful.
Amit Ahuja: What kinds of TV shows, movies, books, or podcasts do you all connect with—and what is it about them that draws you in? Is it the storytelling, character development, the themes they explore, or just the overall craft?
Addy Walker: TV shows – I love a good serious drama with great character development, although you can always catch me spamming some Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Addy Walker: Movies – I love a psychological thriller. I want to question existence.
Addy Walker: Literature – I'm a fan of classic texts and historic fiction or analytics. I will confess this is for selfish lyrical interpretation and inspiration mostly.
Amit Ahuja: How do you define happiness in your life, and how does that connect to your vision of success?
Addy Walker: I derive happiness from socializing and sharing time with my friends, family, co-workers and anyone who wants to chat. My vision of success is a space to be comfortable with these people, a garden for my dog and to grow things, and free time to express myself. There are many other things I would love to achieve and try, but I truly believe this is what I want in life and I'm comfortable with these aspirations.
Amit Ahuja: Are there any particular hobbies, passions, or interests outside of your involvement with music that really energize or excite you—things that you love to spend time on or that bring you a sense of purpose or joy when you're not immersed in your musical pursuits?
Addy Walker: Music takes up pretty much all of my hobby time, but I love hiking, water sports, travelling and cooking.
Amit Ahuja: Can you share your personal experiences with mental health challenges? What coping strategies, tools, or support systems have helped you most? Additionally, what advice or insights would you offer to others your age who might be going through similar struggles?"
Addy Walker: Working in the profession I do makes it difficult to be completely open and honest here. What I will say is that there are many amazing people in this world who may have had similar experiences to you, who are happy to be leaned on. Just remember that support needs to go both ways to ever be truly effective. If you want to find true love and compassion, you must be willing to show it.
Amit Ahuja: What message would you share with humanity if you had the world’s attention for five minutes?
Addy Walker: Humanity has many outstanding qualities that are seen in no other species. We hail ourselves for our ingenuity, our intelligence and our strength. However, at times the same individual needs and wants that drive us cause us to be self-centered. One of our greatest gifts is that of compassion, and our intelligence allows for great understanding. If suffering is a window to better things, how can we help others through that window? The world's people, creatures and all living things deserve our compassion.
Amit Ahuja: Thank You So Much Addy Walker from Halfway Home for sharing your story with us.
Kindly explore Addy Walker's band, "Halfway Home." You can find all related links through the Linktree provided below.
***Photo credit is attributed to Mortalmediauk and Alien8n.co.uk. Video credit is attributed to Halfway Home, unless otherwise noted.***
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