INTERVIEW: Harrison Storm — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Harrison Storm

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THERE is a part of the world that deserves…

greater exposure on my blog: I am spotlighting far fewer Australian artists than I’d like! Luckily, Harrison Storm is here to quench that thirst! He discusses his upcoming single, Feeling You, and what it is about; what themes influenced his E.P., Change It All (released last year) – I ask about his childhood and how early musical experiences impacted his career and ambitions.

He talks about dropping out of university to pursue his dreams; what tour dates he has coming up; the three albums that mean the most to him; whether he has a favourite memory from music – Storm reveals what his plans for the remainder of the year are.

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

Hello! I’m great, thanks (smiles). The week has been really cool. I’m in the U.S. for a bunch of songwriting sessions, so it’s a busy but a super-creative time.

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

I’m a singer-songwriter from the Mornington Peninsula, Australia (Which is about an hour south of Melbourne) and I play Indie-Folk.

Feeling You, your upcoming single, is out on 25th May. What is the story behind the song?

It’s a song about being captivated by someone for the first time...

Your E.P., Change It All, was released late last year. Were there particular events and inspiration points that compelled the music? How personal are the tracks on the E.P.?

All the tracks on the E.P. (each) have their own stories and meanings to me. The thing I love about songwriting is that you capture a moment in time in sound form and, for me, the emotions that I decide to capture are always so varied.

The title-track, Change It All, was written when I was quite down about a lot of things…and is a song about facing those darker thoughts with a different perspective.

Is it true, when you were twenty, you organised an acoustic night near your home in Victoria (Australia)? What was the reason behind that?

It is true! Some of my favourite memories of music are from those nights. I got a call out of the blue from a friend of a friend who found out I played music and wanted me to book the live music for a new night they were starting.

At first, I was reluctant, in part, because I didn’t know any other musicians and I’d only played music for my friends and myself. But, I took the plunge and it turned out to be a really popular night, with people lining up for hours to get in at its peak. I was booking local artists and we built a cool musical community where we’d share our original songs. It’s still going, five years later, although, at a different venue and with a different booker. But, it’s still a great place for new artists to play for the first time!

You left to university to follow music; you started busking to develop your craft. Did you expect to go from where you were then to the man who put together a debut E.P. in 2015? Was it a rather nervous leap?!

Leaving university was a tough time for me. I really liked studying Engineering; although my passion for music was stronger. So, leaving was something I won’t regret. Everything that led up to putting together the E.P. was quite surprising. Everyone that is a part of it appeared in my life from putting myself out there. It all fell together in such a weird and special way.

It seems your childhood was quite idyllic – living near the beach and learning to play an Ibanez guitar. What are your memories of that time? Which musicians did you aspire to be like and follow at a young age?

My family’s property, growing up, had a creek running through the back of it, which led to the beach. So, my friends and I would always be exploring the creek, building little forts and spending time at the beach. It was awesome. Yeah, my mum had a beautiful acoustic Ibanez guitar lying around. She taught me Blackbird by The Beatles and we’d always listen to Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles.

I guess I just wanted to be like those artists at a young age: strumming the acoustic guitar and singing.

What is the music scene like where you are in Australia? Do you find there are a lot of varied and interesting sounds bubbling around?

There are a few bands on the Mornington Peninsula who are making some cool music, which is all pretty varied. But, if you drive an hour north to Melbourne, that’s where all sorts of stuff is going on. As much as I love Melbourne, I like the peace and quiet of the Mornington Peninsula...especially for writing.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

I have a bunch! I’m playing some showcases in North America this May and then I head to the U.K. and Europe for some touring with New Zealand artist Louis Baker at the end of May and into June. Check out my website for dates.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’ve been writing a lot lately, so I’m feeling quite creative. I really can’t wait to share some of these new songs and visit places I’ve never been before, playing some shows!

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

It was probably my first ever headline show in 2015. We booked this really cosy room in Melbourne and didn’t really expect many people to come...

Anyway; my guitarist Justin Lewis and myself busked three-four times per week leading up to the gig as promotion and we ended up filling the entire room on the night. Think it was just shy of three-hundred people…and they were singing the words. I won’t ever forget that.

If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Neil Young – Harvest

A lot of memories are tied to this album - from my parents playing it when I was growing up. A true favourite.

Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were

This album lived in my car’s C.D. player and I think its the album I’ve listened to the most. It never gets old for me.

Jeff Buckley – Grace

One of the greats - and this album is pure gold to my ears.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I think busking is such a great way to get your music out there in a really organic way. So, get onto the streets!

IN THIS PHOTO: Hollow Coves

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I am a big fan of Hollow Coves. Beautiful, beautiful music.

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

Yeah. I guess, if music gets too much to me, I’ll go for a surf; a walk or something. But, usually, my decompressor is reading a book before bed. Something really boring like that. Haha.

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).

Jack the Fox – Brother