NZMM Artist Profile: Harry Parsons
On the back of opening for Tash Saltana and releasing a new single, we talked to Harry about the New Zealand music industry and the spot he’s made for himself in it.
New Zealand Music Month has arrived once again, and much like last year, Hendon wants to take the opportunity to highlight some of our favourite New Zealand musical talent. Last year we wrote about October, Tapz, Montell 2099 and Bailey Wiley who have all continued to shine in 2019. This year we caught up with Harry Parsons to talk about his musical journey so far and plans for the future at home and abroad.
Harry’s music career reached a tipping point in July last year when he opened for Tash Sultana in the Auckland Town Hall. For a curious and humble young musician, the opportunity to open for one of Australia’s most prominent musical talents was as gratifying as it was pivotal. Making it in the New Zealand music industry is incredibly difficult. With a smaller market and less industry infrastructure for artists to exploit, opening gigs like that are hard-fought, and Harry’s win was a much deserved moment of recognition.
Harry’s success so far can be put down to his business savvy approach to his music and openness to evolving his sound. Through the up’s and downs of his musical journey, he believes it’s essential to keep a good balance. He doesn’t let the high’s and low’s of his musical journey throw his day to day life out of balance and takes gratification from putting out something he’s proud of, not unpredictable successes.
There’s a vast amount of talented artists out there trying to crack it, so all I’d say is create what you want to create and back yourself 100%, then no matter the outcome you can be proud of what you’re making and happy that it’s out there!
Harry describes his sound as ‘a curious, honest and a fresh outlook on pop music.’ Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, Angel Olsen, Bob Dylan, Matt Corby and John Mayer his music has a melancholic, head swaying groove to it. His latest single, Scars captures the bittersweet harmonies that only a blend between Bob Dylan and Frank Ocean could create. Producers Carlos Bennett and Simon Gooding played a pivotal role in forming this sound, nudging Harry into an electronic style, featuring more synths and samples.
Ultimately Harry’s story is one of confidence. After an unsettling move to New Zealand from the UK at the age of 8, the difficult decision to commit to the challenges of a music career, studying a pop music degree, and confronting new sounds and styles, Harry has made a name for himself in a formidable industry. This considered and curious style is captured perfectly in his music and what makes it so charming.
We asked Harry if he were to start his journey all over again, from his move to New Zealand, what changes he would make:
I would’ve just listened to my heart more and gone for it from day one, without worrying about being cool or fitting in with others around me. But hey, I’m glad I had this journey and that I’m here now, I’ve learn’t so much through mistakes and successes.
Moving forward Harry has his sights set on capturing the New Zeland market, working on new music and collaborating with other artists like William Henderson. Into the future, Harry is keeping the international market in his sights, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already keeping an eye on him. With another single lined up for release later this year, there is certainly more to hear from this talented young Kiwi.
