Este Haim names country as her favourite Taylor Swift era

Este Haim has revealed that country music is her favourite version of her close friend Taylor Swift, praising the pop superstar for returning to her musical roots with a new song written for an upcoming animated film.

The HAIM bassist, 40, recently shared her thoughts on Swift’s latest musical direction, describing the singer’s return to country as a welcome reminder of her early career. Although she also enjoys Swift’s darker musical era, Haim particularly appreciates the singer’s more stripped-back performances featuring her voice and guitar.

“It’s almost like she’s gone back to her roots a little bit,” Haim said while discussing Swift’s latest musical release. “That’s my favorite version of her. I mean, I’m also a Reputation girly, but I love when it’s just her and a guitar.”

Swift has revisited country music with her song I Knew It, I Knew You, which was written for Pixar’s upcoming animated film Toy Story 5. The track marks a notable return to the genre that helped establish her career before she became one of the world’s biggest pop stars.

The 36-year-old singer began her career in country music, releasing her self-titled debut album in 2006. She later achieved widespread success by transitioning into pop, experimenting with different sounds and developing a musical identity that has attracted millions of fans worldwide.

Her latest country release has also achieved a significant milestone, becoming her first song in 13 years to reach the top spot on the US Country Radio chart. The achievement highlights the continued appeal of her country-inspired music despite her evolution into other genres.

Haim expressed her admiration for Swift’s talent, making it clear that she was impressed by the singer’s latest work.

“It’s so good,” she said. “I mean, she’s so talented.”

While Haim is celebrating her friend’s musical success, she is also exploring a creative project of her own in the world of children’s entertainment.

The musician has joined Marvel and Disney Jr.’s animated special Spidey and the Avengers: Halloween Team-Up! as the voice of Hallow’s Eve, a villainous character featured in the Halloween-themed production.

In addition to lending her voice to the project, Haim has contributed original music. She collaborated with Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump to create a song titled Hallow’s Eve Theme, bringing together her musical experience and the playful atmosphere of the animated special.

Stump, who also serves as the composer for Disney Jr.’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends, participated in the recording session remotely through Zoom.

The project has created an interesting connection between Haim and Swift, as both musicians have recently contributed music to animated productions aimed at younger audiences.

Reflecting on their similar creative ventures, Haim jokingly suggested that their involvement in children’s entertainment was no coincidence.

“We’ve both got great taste,” she added.

Although the two artists are working on separate projects, their shared interest in creating music for animated productions highlights another dimension of their careers beyond traditional albums and live performances.

For Swift, the return to country offers an opportunity to reconnect with the sound that first introduced her to the music industry. For Haim, her work on Spidey and the Avengers: Halloween Team-Up! provides an opportunity to explore voice acting and original music in a family-friendly setting.

The animated special is now available to stream on Disney+, giving viewers an opportunity to hear Haim’s performance as Hallow’s Eve and enjoy her musical collaboration with Stump.