BOSS Loop Stations transform solo performances into dynamic, multi-instrumental experiences. Singer-songwriter Hailey Knox has made a name for herself by showcasing her innovative looping skills on social media and on stages alike. From guitar and bass to vocals and percussive beats, Knox builds swirling soundscapes with her trusty RC-505mkII Loop Station. Her wildly popular TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube videos give fans a glimpse into her song production workflow, letting viewers watch as she stacks layers to construct a cohesive track from scratch. She discusses this signature part of her performances and how looping ignites her creative freedom.
A Familial Foundation
You come from a musical family. How has that foundation shaped your musical journey?
Growing up in a musical family automatically drew me to music. My dad taught me guitar, so that is my main foundation. I’m still exploring how I want to make music in my 20s. And I find myself going back to guitar but still finding new ways to create.
Who are some of your main influences?
Right now, I really love Doechii. She’s so free. I admire people who are unapologetically themselves. I’m also a big fan of Ed Sheeran and the way he’s able to be a one-man band with his looper and do it all.
"The RC-505mkII was really a game changer because when I started doing videos, it was easier for people to see what I was doing.'"
The Game Changer
How does looping expand your idea of what was possible musically for one person?
During a show, it’s great because I can loop guitar and bass and play everything at once. Creatively, it helps me stop overthinking and just make something. Sometimes, when you have Logic or a DAW open, you can get distracted by so many of the sounds. But with looping, I feel like you have no option but to keep going and looping and moving forward. So it’s helped in terms of creativity—just block out self-doubt and keep going.
You loop vocals and instruments; does your approach change?
It’s different every time I pick up the looper and freely create and loop. Sometimes, I’ll pick up the mic and beatbox and looping that is very different.
The Loop Station has so many cool effects that help me alter or elevate the sound of whatever I’m doing. Some of the built-in effects definitely help enhance beatboxing, like the octave function, giving it more body and bass, or the chorus effect.
Does how you use the looper differ from song ideation to performance?
When I’m getting ready for a show, I like planning and prepping with the pedal. It’s more of a structured way of thinking about it. Performing a loop live can be very scary, so I like to know what I’m getting into and have a planned loop. But when I make videos, I like to free-form and go off the cuff because I find that I get lost in a way. And I have no idea what I’m going to do, and that’s really fun.
Have you ever been surprised by some of the happy accidents that occur when looping?
A lot of my favorite things happen that way. Sometimes, when you hit the looper, it thinks you hit it twice, and it becomes a complete stutter. There are a lot of happy accidents that happen.
"The Loop Station has so many cool effects that help me alter or elevate the sound of whatever I'm doing."
Social Connections
How does social media impact your music?
I try not to let social media impact what I’m making. I try to create based on what I’m feeling and then share. But sometimes, if I make a loop and people are really into it, then I’m like, maybe I should make this into a full song.
You recently posted an amazing collab with ZEP on TikTok. How did that partnership come about?
We actually found each other on TikTok. Our first time collaborating was during COVID. He posted a TikTok, and I loved the beat. I ended up duetting it and singing on top of it. And then we connected when he came out to L.A. I just love what he makes. It’s so creative, and the sounds he comes up with—sometimes he’ll use a basketball—I don’t understand how he does it; his sounds are just crazy. He’s really talented.
Do you use any obscure sounds within your loops?
Yeah, I do it a lot. I’ll make my voice sound weird to make a strange-sounding loop or manipulate my vocals. Or I’ll hit the guitar for percussion.
Looping Forward
Where do you want to go in the future, sonically?
I don’t like to completely box myself in and say, “I want to do this or that,” because I’m very much a free creative. But I’m open to so much. So, I don’t know. We’ll see. I love jazz and experimenting with new sounds. My current sound is a fusion of R&B, alternative, and hip-hop. I love anything you can feel—whether that’s the chords or the passion of the vocals. I like music you can turn on and feel whatever the person is saying and giving you.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started with looping?
I started with the one-track pedal, which helped me understand the idea of looping and getting my timing. So, start there before going to a looper with five tracks because that can be overwhelming.
Also, focus on repetition and practice timing because if your timing’s off, then the loop’s off. I would sit there for, like, seven hours, literally every day, making sure it felt right. The happy accidents sometimes turn into a really cool rhythm and unexpectedly become something you didn’t even realize. But also, be free and have fun with it because looping is really fun.
