- How did you get your initial start in music?
I think I was about 12…..I hassled my parents to buy me a 2nd hand electric guitar that a friend was selling…
I was very fortunate to have some great tuition early on, and was soon annoying my parents constantly playing Jimi Hendrix solos and Oasis songs.
A little later when I started piano lessons, my teacher introduced me to the music of Ray Charles, and that really lit the fuse.. everything snowballed from there.
- What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?
I’d really like to have a long successful career in the music industry… ideally as an artist in my own right, but I also enjoy writing for others too.
I have a huge amount of respect for artists who have careers spanning decades.
People like….Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, The Rolling Stones and Paul Weller are all still selling out shows
- How long have you been writing your own music?
I guess I started writing in the mid 90’s, I was the lead guitar player in a school band and I remember putting a few tunes together.
It got more serious in my Twenties when I decided that music was something that I really wanted to commit to and make a career from.
- Who are your top three influences and why?
Otis Redding
For me the greatest singer of all time… the way he balanced raw energy and strength with emotion and vulnerability still amazes me. Otis wrote some timeless songs too… ‘Respect’ for example.
He was also usually backed by ‘Booker T and the MG’s’, which are another favourite band of mine, so I’m never far from an Otis record for so many reasons.
Marvin Gaye
I’m a big Motown fan and Marvin Gaye helped create that sound. He was an inspiring singer and songwriter, always pushing the boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and directions.
When I was learning to sing, I looked to Marvin Gaye records for guidance of how it should be done… he had an incredible range, but equally impressive control.
Paul Weller
As I’ve already mentioned Paul Weller has had a long successful career in the industry. His music has evolved and moved with the times, as has his great sense of style and fashion.
I’m into the whole Mod scene too and you don’t get any more Mod than Mr Weller!
I remember being blown away by the ‘Stanley Road’ album in the mid 90’s, and immediately searching out everything he’d done in the past…I think ‘Broken Stones’ was one of the first songs I learned to play on keys.
5. Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?
My debut single ‘Ring Ring’ is released on 28th April.
I had an unbelievable time recording the track late last year at the famous Air Studios & Smokehouse Studios, London.
I was really fortunate to have an incredible team to help me record the track, the producer, engineer, musicians….. everyone was amazing and I’m really happy how it turned out.
- Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?
I am based in central London, not far from Shepherds Bush, so there’s music going on everywhere!…. it’s overwhelming really…. any style of music you want any night of the week.
One of the best things about moving to London has been meeting other musicians that are in to the same styles of music as me.
I think my favourite London venue would have to be the Royal Albert Hall… the whole place just has an aura, it get’s you before you even walk in the door… I’ve seen some amazing artists put on some unbelievable gigs there over the years… it’s one of my ambitions to play there one day.
- Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?
I’ve done a few gigs with a Neo-Soul band called ‘Retrospective For Love’. They have a really cool relaxed vibe and are great live.
- Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.
My website is: www.harrisadams.com
You can hear more of my music on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/harrisadams
And I have some covers of classic soul songs from the likes of Sam Cooke & Ray Charles on my YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/harrisadamsmusic
Other social links:
www.facebook.com/harrisadamsmusic
Know Me Better Music 