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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Arye Harmony talks about her new single, Can I Be Born Again, and what inspires her music.
Written by JJ Barnes
www.jjbarnes.co.uk
I interviewed Arye Harmony about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new single, Can I Be Born Again, and her creative process.
When did you first WANT to write music?
I first wanted and started writing songs in the 3rd grade. It was actually raps because I took that more seriously than singing at the time.
When did you take a step to start writing music?
When lil BowWow’s 1st album, Beware of Dog dropped. The earliest song I can remember that I wrote was about basketball, inspired by him
What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?
If I can remember correctly, it was a deep pop soul song called “Beautiful Storm”. It was talking about someone who was a storm within themselves but through all their chaos in the relationship, they are still beautiful on the inside and for you.
What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?
Can I Be Born Again was inspired by my own events which is something all my songs don’t have honestly. Thinking of my past and path choices in life feeling disappointed, shameful and upset about it. However, knowing who my God is and who I am in Christ, I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. By this time I am getting ready to release a new song very soon, so stay tuned.
Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with Can I Be Born Again?
The biggest challenge would be financials! The emotions, lyrics, motivation and inspiration was there but to pay to get it done and out was and is a huge challenge.
What are you working on right now?
My new single “Let’s Play” and EP that will be released next year. Plus some shows.
Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?
A little of both because my theme is always about love and societal relations. At the same time, the mood has to strike for the way it’s delivered.
What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?
It’s so hard to name this sometimes but an upcoming song I have called “Chocolate Sorbet” I love it so much because it gives that 90’s retro style of music with what embodies the genre jazz-hop.
Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?
All the time! Though there are some inspirations that come from today’s music, I am inspired by a lot of music between 80’s and early 2000s. In different ways that is of course. Lyrical delivery, music arrangement, instrumentation, vocal ability…etc. The most I listen to would be Whitney and other artist around her such as Anita Baker, James Ingram, Chaka Khan and other artist like that. Then there is the true R&B era of Tamia, Jill Scott, Joe, Brian McKnight and others at that time.
Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?
Unfortunately I have to pay engineers and producers. The cool thing is I have worked with a few amazing ones.
What instruments do you play?
Even though I learned some piano, I am all vocal. Haha! But soon enough, I will be on the keys!
Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?
I LOVE performing live! The funny thing is I get nervous and am ready for it to be over before every show lol. But I am always so thrilled about it. The Renaissance Hotel Midtown is a usual spot for me but we are paused due to renovations right now. Otherwise, working on other venues with a new schedule.
Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?
Yes, my music is available everywhere. Youtube, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music and so many more!
Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?
The good ol’ days of being able to do music full time are no more unfortunately. However, I do love my day job of being a Vet assistant/technician but I wouldn’t shy away from doing music full time again.
Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?
Oh yes, very much!
What’s something you never expected about writing music ? What have you learned that surprised you?
On a personal level, I never expect lyrics to stop flowing. But what surprises me is when your brain recognizes the space it has to create again, it comes full force! A non personal level would be I never expected for music to get so dull and dumbed down. But what surprises me is the impact some songs have.
Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?
A few times people have told me how much my songs mean to them and how it has made them reflect on their own life in a good way.
Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?
A couple of events I performed at just passed. Unfortunately there are shows in negotiations at the moment. So nothing is in stone right now but will be very very soon!
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?
It is a process, it takes time. Sometimes it takes you to go through something. Sometimes you can look around your environment or gather others stories to write about. Either way, don’t rush it and most importantly make sure you keep the quality of your lyrics because that’s what’s going to stay around and be remembered longer.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Great question! And a loaded one at that haha. In all, my accomplishments are worth it because I can always pass on the knowledge, advice and /or make more from my experiences. In other ways, even though I left a print of myself with what I’ve accomplished, because the music industry is so tough, there is not much to show for it in regards to having a stable consistent lifestyle. However, being grateful is never far from me.
Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
www.instagram.com/aryeharmonyofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yzR3P40RTGzeURt1VPESR?si=WhAlgnpWSYarwbGiN9VcCQ
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CS3P7XVX
Apple Music: Arye Harmony – Apple Music
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