Student Annalyse Hasty connects through music

 

Annalyse Hasty: A Rising Country Music Artist Blending Talent and Ambition at Virginia Tech

At just a sophomore, Annalyse Hasty is already balancing two worlds with remarkable grace. Majoring in both music and business at Virginia Tech, she has also built a professional career as a country singer that spans more than four years.

A native of Franklin County, Virginia, Hasty has produced two full-length albums now streaming on every major music platform. Performing regularly across the region, she is chasing her passion for music while embracing entrepreneurship—preparing for a future where she can blend both.

Recently, Annalyse sat down to share insights on her musical journey, college life, and the dreams guiding her path.

Balancing Today and Tomorrow

When asked about her plans, Hasty shared a grounded perspective:

“In the short term, I’m focused on keeping up my grades, enjoying college, spending time with my friends, and staying active,” she explained. “Looking further ahead, no matter what career path I choose, I know music will always be part of my life. I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up, but I definitely want to graduate, keep pushing my music as far as I can, and keep writing and performing because it gives me so much joy and purpose.”

Why Music Means So Much

For Hasty, songwriting isn’t just creative expression—it’s deeply personal and healing.

“I love how music connects people,” she said. “For me, songwriting has always felt like therapy. Whenever I’m going through something hard, like heartbreak or other struggles, everything feels calmer when I sit down with my guitar and write.”

Her song “Sober Eyes,” one of her most vulnerable works, holds special meaning:

“I was nervous to release it at first. But when I finally did, I realized how many people related to it—people with loved ones fighting addiction or who had been through similar experiences. That moment showed me that songwriting can help others, not just me.”

Why Study Business and Music?

Hasty started her college journey focused on music but soon decided to expand her education.

“By my second semester, I felt like I wanted to challenge myself and add another dimension,” she recalled. “So I added business. It hasn’t been easy, especially the math classes, but I knew it could open more opportunities and help me manage my music career one day.”

A Week in Her Life

Summers are especially busy for Hasty. She typically performs two to four live shows each week around Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, while still making time to stay active.

“I love summer and being out in the sun,” she said, smiling.

During the school year, her schedule blends classes, studying, practicing, and performing whenever possible.

Getting Started: Her First Gig

Hasty still remembers her first opportunity on stage:

“I was really lucky—my first show happened thanks to local musician Jerry Wimmer, who helped me book it,” she explained.

Her first independently booked performance came at Drifters restaurant at Smith Mountain Lake on Mother’s Day in 2021—before she could even drive herself there.

“My dad told me that if I treated performing seriously, like a job, and committed to using the equipment to earn money, he’d help me buy what I needed to get started,” she shared. “His support meant everything and helped me launch my career.”

A Moment of Pride

Among many milestones, winning the Lyrics on the Lake Songwriters Festival as a local artist when she was just 15 stands out.

“I’d only been writing songs for a few months,” Hasty recalled. “Being surrounded by so many talented artists felt overwhelming at first. But everyone was so kind and encouraging, and winning so early in my journey gave me confidence. It showed me I had something worth sharing and motivated me to keep going.”

Choosing Virginia Tech

Hasty’s choice to become a Hokie felt natural:

“I grew up going to Virginia Tech games with my dad and always dreamed of coming here,” she said. “I visited other schools, but VT was the only place that felt truly like home. I love the people, the campus, and the area.”

How VT Supports Her Journey

Virginia Tech has played a big role in Hasty’s growth, both personally and professionally.

“Studying business has opened my eyes to new parts of the industry, and my music classes have helped me grow as a performer,” she noted. “Even though they seem very different, I think both sides will support my music career in the future.”

But for Hasty, college life has meant more than academics:

“I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made here. My first year was challenging, not just academically but personally too, and having friends right there made all the difference. Sometimes just knowing someone down the hall cares about you is the best therapy.”

From live shows under Virginia’s summer skies to late nights balancing homework and songwriting, Annalyse Hasty is carving out a path that proves talent, passion, and hard work can truly go hand in hand. And wherever her journey leads, music will always be at its heart.