A Q&A with Harriet

Pop, in all the right places, from London…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
My new single, ‘Story Of Your Life’ is about standing tall, playing the lead role in your life and embracing everything that goes with that; the ups… and the downs. I want people to feel encouraged when they hear it; to know that we are so much more capable than we feel sometimes and that any challenges we face are what build us into our amazing selves! The title track of my album, The Outcome, has this same message of not being too concerned about the consequences of our decisions. Sometimes you just have to go for it!

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
When there is so much music out there it can be hard to stay focused on what the record should be. Especially when you’re an independent artist. Trust is so important. You have your own thoughts and hopes for the album, which you work with your team on to produce the best result. I’ve learnt that you have to stick to your gut and at the same time, be open to change. But always keep it about what you love in order to stay authentic.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
I was lucky to work with a variety of producers on this album and made the record in Stockholm. It was so awesome to work with the likes of Anders Hansson (Agnes), Jörgen Elofsson (Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson), Pär Westerlund (Blackpink) and Tim Larsson (Céline Dion, Rascal Flatts). It was enjoyable working with several different creatives as it gave me an opportunity to experiment with different ideas and sounds across the record.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I learnt a lot about myself making this album. So I’d like for people to learn something new about themselves too through listening to it. There were some tears shed during the writing process that were both happy and sad, so it’s a colourful record. It’s been a tough few years for everyone. I like to think of The Outcome as a reassuring ‘hug’ in the form of an album; it’s both vulnerable and empowering.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It often starts with a lyric idea I’ve picked up from an experience I’ve had. I jot down ideas all the time, and am constantly recording little melodies in my voice notes! I’ll then take this into the studio and work with another writer or producer to build on the idea. It’s so satisfying when something that started out as a tiny thought, ends up being a three minute moment of music. It’s kind of magical in a way.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I’ve been hugely inspired with spending so much time in Sweden. I’ve always loved ABBA, but rediscovered them during the process of making The Outcome. The joy they bring to people with their music is so special. I would love to be the ‘go to’ for someone who is looking for a song to uplift them and make them feel good or less alone. I have also fallen in love with Kacey Musgraves. She is so good at telling a story and peppering it with beautiful sounds. Great story telling is what it’s about for me too, so I’ve been really drawn to artists who do this during this process of making my album.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I’d love to travel to Europe and the US. So much music I grew up listening to came out of America. So I’d love to visit there. Also, Japan and Korea have a huge appreciation for melodic pop. I’d love to go there too and tour! My favourite venues to perform in are theatres. One day, I’d like to do a tour of opera houses. I think it would be amazing to bring contemporary music to those beautiful spaces.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
My new single, ‘Story Of Your Life’ for sure! It has an anthemic-type sound and something I hope people will want to sing along to; feel ‘free’ listening to it! It makes me want to sing and dance around like no one is watching. The visualisers we filmed for the track (of me doing exactly this) are how I wish I could feel every single day!

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To be able to continue making music that I love and to connect with people through it. The relationship between artists and their audiences is a funny thing. We have this connection, even though we have never met – It’s awesome.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
“To live is to die some. Forget the outcome.”

For more info visit: harrietsmusic.com