INTERVIEW: Harry Heart — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Harry Heart

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THE brilliant Harry Heart…

has been discussing his new E.P., First Endorphin, and the themes that inspired it. The Walthamstow-born artist talks about his move to Sydney and the differences in terms of music; what sort of sounds he is inspired by – Heart recommends some artists to follow.

I ask whether there are any gigs coming up; which albums are most important to him; how the songwriter spends his time away from music – he ends the interview by selecting a great tune.

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Hi, Harry. How are you? How has your week been?

I just wrapped up a game of Frisbee and I've got a cup of tea and a Jamie xx playlist on the go; so the week's going pretty well, thank you.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name's Harry Heart. I'm a musician from Walthamstow and I live in Sydney, Australia. I write Alternative-Rock songs and acoustic songs; sometimes performing by myself and sometimes with my wonderful five-piece band, affectionately known as The Harry Heart Chrysalis.

First Endorphin is new. Are there particular themes and ideas that inspired the E.P.?

If I really look for a common thread in the songs, they all seem to be getting at the idea of self-betterment. Some are about bitterness, some about frustration…but the idea of writing those songs is to look at what's going on in your life from the third-person perspective and try and rectify it. First Endorphin really means the first time I truly welcomed happiness.

You were born in Walthamstow but are based in Sydney. How did you come to end up there? Is Sydney the Walthamstow of Australia?

My family moved out to Australia some years ago. we were lucky to have the chance to try life on the other side of the world. Sydney's definitely not the Walthamstow of Australia but, interestingly, 'the chav' has just arrived in Australia in 2018, TNs and everything.

What are the main differences in terms of music and vibes? Are there good local artists around?

Australia's very driven by Garage/Surf-Rock, Indie-Pop and Electronic music at the moment. I think the U.K. still pays more attention to innovation rather than styles and genres; Bakar comes to mind. My favourite AU artists at the moment would have to be Jaala and Mildlife.

In terms of music; who do you count as idols and influences?

My big ones would have to be Jack White, Youth Group; Fionn Regan and Kanye West. I love artists that aren't scared to try something new with each record. Or, maybe they are scared but they don't let that stop them from putting it out.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Two Australian tours finished, one showcase at Australian Music Week; a U.K. tour up our sleeves, one E.P. finally released and the next record ready to go for 2019. Love a plan.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

I remember very clearly playing a show in a place called Townsville on the northeast coast of Australia in the band Arcade Made when we were about fifteen-years-old. The sheer terror of playing a real show that wasn't a house-party was electrifying. It was an introduction to a career as a musician and I bloody loved it.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Gorillaz - Demon Days

This is a big one for me. It's so diverse and engaging; a very progressive album with immaculate production.

Interpol - Antics

This album has a set style, lots of reoccurring guitar tones and songs in the same key - and the result is that the slight differences between songs feel enormous. Incredible imaginative lyrics from start to finish too.

Fionn Regan - The End of History

This album taught me how to write lyrics and avoid being lazy in writing music. It's so emotive and original. I wish there were more acoustic records of this calibre.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I'd support Townes Van Zandt. Any rider's a good rider.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

I'm touring Australia in September by myself; then again in October with the band. Tour dates at https://www.harryheart.com/. Stay tuned for U.K. dates in early-2019; it's well overdue.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Get a good team around you; don't limit your creativity and make sure you're excited by what you’re doing.

IN THIS PHOTO: Mildlife

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Bakar, Mildlife; Julian Wa, Kojaque; Emma Louise…that's a start.

IN THIS PHOTO: Kojaque/PHOTO CREDIT: George Voronov

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Studios are pretty nocturnal places so I get outdoors as often as possible. Love a good swim at the beach, a nice coffee; a book, a chinwag - all the good stuff.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Erykah Badu – I’ll Call U Back