After establishing himself with a flurry of rousing releases these last few years, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lucas Harmon returns for 2023 to deliver his sweeping new single 'Emilee'.
Channelling a wonderfully light and dreamy folk-pop energy from start to finish, 'Emilee' makes for a wonderfully rich and enchanting listen. With his rich and soaring voice layered across a subtle blend of piano and acoustic guitar throughout, he is returning with one of his most heartfelt efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
100% the Piano. My father used to play for me when I was growing up, playing originals and songs by artists like Elton John, James Taylor, etc. It pulled at my heart, and it made me happy. So by the time I was ready to sit down and teach myself my first instrument, there was no doubt in my mind that it would be the piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Due to the influence of my parents and attending the School of Rock located in Madison, CT, after school, I enjoyed a wide variety of music. In elementary and early middle school, I listened to an unholy amount of ’60s-’90s Rock and Pop. Artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Electric Lights Orchestra, and so many others. By late middle school and throughout high school, I listened to a lot of music by Greta Van Fleet, Bo Burnham, The Lumineers, Mac Miller, The Band, Led Zeppelin, Twiddle, etc. The list just doesn't end, and it’s all over the place genre-wise.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II by Billy Joel on CD.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right by Bob Dylan. Enough said.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
My songwriting process normally starts with either a random melody that pops into my head or an occurrence of an intense situation in my personal life that I feel strongly about, which inspires me to write as a way of self-expression (like a personal journal). I isolate myself with my keyboard and can go for hours on end. Sometimes I finish a song in one sitting, and other times it will take me multiple sessions over the course of months to finish one song. Throughout the later process, I normally FaceTime close friends in order to get some feedback. (Thank you ‘close friends’ for picking up by the way)
Who are your favorite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Peter McPoland and Cat Stevens as of late, they have quite different feels, but they are both fitting my vibes perfectly now.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
30 years ago? Elton John. Today? I’d probably have to say The Lumineers or Vance Joy.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to share my emotions on an open, honest, and vulnerable level. I believe the world could use more proof that it is okay to be vulnerable, especially my generation. I see my music as my outlet to work towards that idea, and it feels freeing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Sometimes being open about your personal experiences that have had and still have a strong emotional effect on you can lead to judgment and aggressive criticism. I am lucky I don’t see too much of this. I accept most critiques with open arms, but not everyone is going to understand your point of view, and that makes some people upset, of course.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“You can be the best singer in the world and sing covers, or you can write your own songs and sing like Bob Dylan” - Richard Harmon (My Father)
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Lucas Harmon's new single 'Emilee' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.