HARLOE has a knack for choruses that you can’t get out of your head. Her shimmering songs are just so effervescent but somehow also haunting. Her voice is so mesmerizing, it sticks with you. Each song she puts out feels like a dream. Her EP “Rivers Run Dry” is out and she has a new video for “We’re All Gonna Lose” to top it all of. We talked to her about the EP and what’s been inspiring her lately.
How did you get started in music?
HARLOE: I always loved making music as a kid, playing classical piano and then growing into discovering songwriting. It was pretty organic how it all happened. Posted some covers on youtube when I was in high school and then found myself in-studio sessions soon after!
Tell me about “We’re All Gonna Lose” what’s the story behind the song?
HARLOE: “We’re All Gonna Lose” tells a story about knowing that when you have love in something – in a person, relationship, hobby, any walk of life – it’s not always gonna be rosy and you will lose. In order to gain something beautiful you kind of have to lose something along the way, but it makes you treasure it more and it’s okay. It’s a universal thing within every one of us here – we’re all gonna lose at some point and it’s the acceptance and appreciation of it because when you lose, you learn. It’s basically a celebration of it and nothing to be afraid of necessarily.
You’ve written songs for some big names, how is it different to write for yourself?
HARLOE: Every time I go into the studio, if it’s for another artist, I try to get into their world and connect with their space so that I’m like a vessel to help bring out their truth. And I think writing for myself has been so- it almost takes more out of me because it digs so deep. It’s just that much more soul-bearing because it’s your story. I try to, in every session, be as authentic as I can for other artists, so it’s taught me a lot about how to do that for myself so it’s a little more therapeutic.
What has been the biggest challenge in the music industry?
HARLOE: Keeping your head up, for sure. The biggest challenge in the music industry is to not be your own worst critic because you’re kind of led to believe that you need to be on top and compete, but the truth is, we’re all kind of in this together. Stay positive and grounded and stay focused on what your personal goal is, what you’re trying to get out of it because it’s easy to get distracted with all the talk.
What has been inspiring you lately?
HARLOE: Music has been inspiring me lately. Listening to a lot of projects that are coming out right now, like Snoh Aalegra and the new Weeknd project. Hearing music again, hearing chords, melodies, hearing the fusion of disco, soul and pop. Music has been so good lately, in my opinion, so it’s been inspiring me to come and put my own stamp on it.
What’s your best piece of advice for young women?
HARLOE: There’s a lot! Staying true to you. I have been signed and dropped, so this is a really special question for me. It’s knowing that the time when you are your most authentic, it resonates. And you’re doing this to tell your story, so my advice to women is to just tell your story as honest as it is. If you don’t want to do something, don’t do it. Just do it your own way, make your own path. You can do it!