Harriet (Roberts) is an artist who has already earned incredible praise from her peers, with Rumer saying she 'sounds a lot like Karen Carpenter' and Denise Van Outen selecting her as one of her 'artists to introduce'.
Harriet
We got the opportunity to put some questions to Harriet all about her passion for music, challenges in her career and more! Find out what she had to say below…
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
I would say honest, melodic and inspired by the music from the 60s and 70s. I write from the heart; from my own experiences. I love to create 'moments' with my music. And I love rich arrangements - lots of layers of vocals and strings! I grew up listening to The Beach Boys, America, The Eagles and The Carpenters. You can hear this in my sound I think.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Much as it is great to be unique as an artist, it is often difficult to reach people with something new that they haven't heard before. This is one of the challenges for me. It took me a while to realise how important it is to stay true to yourself as an artist and not to be swayed by trends that the industry presents. Fans tell me that my music reminds them of another time, whilst still being contemporary and relevant - I hope I am able to continue to maintain this balance!
How difficult would you say this career path is then, in terms of making a name for yourself?
There is no doubt that the career path I have chosen is a tough one. You have to do a lot of work for little in return initially. But the minute people start to respond to what you are doing, that's when the magic really happens. I will never get over that - how generous people are with their support and comments - particularly on social media. I have the best management, producer and creative team around me - this has and will continue to be fundamental in ensuring the best possible chances of success. It is a long journey, but I'm in it for the long haul and want to do this for the rest of my life, so in the grand scheme of things, what's a few years of ground work?
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
Vital. I am a singer and a songwriter. I create music and use my voice to share it with the world. If a song doesn't feel right, I don't sing it - and if I can't hit a note, I sing a different one. There is too much pressure in this industry to conform to trends and ideals. I am fortunate enough to work with people who have respect for what I want, but also whom I respect enough to listen to. I am not always right and that is an important thing to learn! However, it is important that I have a say in how a song turns out… How my album looks… And how I am promoted. Otherwise, it wouldn't be 'me'.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
Everywhere. From my own experiences, observations of those close to me and of course, from music. I remember the idea for the first song my producer Steve Anderson and I wrote together stemmed from a movie I had seen. A single line in the script. I rewound it several times, and could hear a whole song hiding behind it. I love writing. I think when you write songs, everywhere you see words, you see a song - from a movie title, to something profound a friend says over coffee. I love that. I also make a habit of always going back to listening to the music that has been in my life for years. I always love listening to The Beatles or Carole King, I'm reminded of where my love for music began - with my Dad's record collection!
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I would love to sing with George Michael - I adore his voice, and he is a superb writer - I would love to hear our voices blended together on a song. And perhaps Michael Buble - I think he has mastered bridging the gap between jazz and pop music - I'd love to work with him, as I think we perhaps have a similar audience. There are so many writers I am dying to work with - Diane Warren is such a talented writer - 'Because You Loved Me' by Celine Dion is a masterpiece. I would love to work with Barry Manilow - I grew up listening to him too - and David Gates of Bread is probably my hero - I could listen to his songs for hours - what magic it would be to work with and learn from him.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
I am an ambitious person, but am patient. You have to be in this industry. If something is given to you on a plate, then it can be as easily taken away just as fast! My goal is to reach as many people as possible with my music and make them feel something special. I hope to travel all over the world doing this, until someone takes my voice away… So hopefully - forever!
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
This time next year, I would like to be on tour - reaching out to the many fans who have been so supportive up until this point, and hopefully gaining some more. And of course, Ill be working on my next album!
Can you tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know?
On stage, I like to drink Twining's ginger tea with a ton of honey drizzled into it - warm on the throat and perfect for when I'm singing. And it has to be in a cup and saucer!
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
I will be promoting my album over the next few months and am planning a tour for the New Year. I can't wait for this album to be released. So many people have put so much hrd work into making it, and it is such a milestone for me. It is all so exciting.
