HARLOE – Rivers Run Dry

By starrymag | June 3, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as soulful and emotional.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I have so many different influences. They really vary a lot. Prince, Whitney Houston, Frank Ocean and HAIM.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Crush on You.”

A) The story behind “Crush on You” is basically me reflecting on my relationship that ended and being okay with that and being comfortable with that realization, but also having that part of me that was like, “Even though it’s over, I know it won’t be that easy to just forget about this because it was so relevant to me. So, can I still think about you from time to time? Can I wonder how you’re doing? Can I relive those memories when I’m alone?”

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I feel like fans connect to the fact that it’s really a simple concept, that it’s something we all go through and there’s no real filter in the song. There are parts where I even say that my friends are telling me to get a life. That’s not necessarily something that’s a nice thing to hear, but I put it in the song because I think that we all have had that moment.

 

Q) Tyler Cunningham directed the video. How does it play into the message behind it?

A) Tyler directed all the videos from Rivers Run Dry. It really set the tone for that transition and it really tells the story of the song. The fact that Tyler was able to see it through from beginning to end…

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) For every song it really changes and I try to not put any blockades into the process – anything that would get in the way of what naturally is trying to happen. It sometimes starts with just a chord, synths or something that I found on Pinterest that inspired me. Sometimes a concept will come into my mind without music. Even if I’m writing for myself or for another artist, I keep a little journal and I would call those the lyrics. The journal really sets the tone for what I want to say.

 

Q) Fred Ball produced Rivers Run Dry. How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I try to be very involved because the music is so important to me. I grew up playing piano, so that’s the instrument I go to write to. So, I’m very involved with the production as well.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live HARLOE performance?

A) I am so excited to take this music out there and to play it! I did a couple of shows in LA and there was some keytar in there. There’s a lot of energy, but then there’s also those stripped back moments at the piano that I loved to connect with the audience.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Rivers Run Dry?

A) Heartbreak, transition, growth and hope.

 

Q) What songs off your EP are you looking forward to performing live?

A) All of them, really! I love performing “Crush on You” because of the choreography and “Rivers Run Dry” because I play the keytar at the end and I’ve always dreamt of having a little Prince “Purple Rain” solo.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

A) I really hope that people take away that their humanness is what makes them amazing. I hope people feel connected to themselves more because then you can kind of connect with other people and be like, ‘Oh, we all have this common thread.” I hope people feel very inclusive and included.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love performing in New York because I’m from there and there’s something really raw and gritty about performing in the Village, for example, on the West Side. I can’t wait to play this music there.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Drake.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I’m always listening to Majid Jordan because I’m always seeing what new stuff they’re putting out and it’s always really good. I dig them because they are super fresh and they have this way of being super relatable, but also are very now, very what’s going on today with their lyrics but have this throwback element in their music.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) The more I’ve released music, the more I realize that it’s just so crucial and special. I used to have this love/hate relationship with it because we all know if used the wrong way and if viewed the wrong way, it could be really toxic or it could be really anxiety driving. But it also is right there. You can easily connect with your fans because it’s so attainable and achievable and it’s the way that you can be heard and your fans can be heard as well. It’s a very giving platform.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I really want to say thank you. Thank you for being there to listen and thank you for giving me an opportunity, giving me three minutes or thirty seconds or however long of your time to engage with you. And thank you for giving me that beautiful positive energy back. Thank you so much!

 

 

Listen to “Rivers Run Dry”