Governors Ball 2022: How New York City Inspired Halsey’s Stage Name

Halsey is an award-winning artist known for songs like “Without Me” and “Closer.” Of course, Halsey is not this musician’s name. What inspired them to take a stage name, and where did that stage name come from? Here’s what we know about the “Eastside” singer and her history with New York City. 

What is Halsey’s real name?

Halsey rose in popularity thanks to her Badlands album and her feature on “Closer” by The Chainsmokers. She earned praise for releases like “Without Me,” “You Should Be Sad,” and “Walls Could Talk.” Recently, the performer debuted If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.

Aside from their music, Halsey is also an advocate for the LGBTQ community, writing and releasing songs about her sexuality and openly discussing the importance of pronouns. She spoke at the 2018 Women’s March, going viral in the process. They also endorsed presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. 

Halsey also appeared in several iconic collaborations. In 2019, she partnered with the K-pop group BTS to release “Boy With Luv.” Later, she featured rapper Suga on Manic for the song “Suga’s Interlude.”

Halsey also offered insight into her stage name and why she doesn’t perform under her full birth name — Ashley Nicolette Frangipane. Halsey uses her stage name when releasing, recording, and performing music. 

Halsey’s name includes a specific reference to New York City

There are a few hidden meanings behind “Halsey.” The stage name is an anagram of the artist’s actual name (Ashley). Growing up in the shadow of New York City, Halsey is also a reference to the Brooklyn subway stop at Halsey Street Station. “Halsey” acted as a way to separate her real life from her stage persona. 

“I didn’t like being Ashley Frangipane,” the “Bad at Love” singer said during an interview with Rolling Stone. “It was a person I thought was weak and silly and sad.” 

Before she was a chart-topping musician, Halsey grew up in Edison, New Jersey. She told fans she would often travel into the city to attend concerts and spend time with friends. She even saw Ed Sheeran perform at Madison Square Garden, inspiring her to commit to music.

Halsey returns to New York City to perform at Governors Ball Music Festival

In 2022, New York City’s Governors Ball Music Festival listed Halsey as a headlining artist. She will appear on the event’s second day, marking Halsey’s first time performing at Governors Ball (also known as Gov Ball). 

All three headliners at the music festival have New York City ties, with J. Cole having attended St. Johns in Queens and Halsey and Kid Cudi having launched their careers in The Big Apple. Now, they’ll be taking the stage at the Citi Field-based event. 

Halsey previously headlined at Madison Square Garden, one of New York City’s most iconic venues. Music by Halsey is available on most major streaming platforms.