Following the release of ‘These Days’, a hazy breakbeat track inspired by the downtempo sounds of Massive Attack and Bonobo, Sheffield-born artist HART reflects on her life in music.
The first record I bought…
Was a jazz record I bought from Bending Sound in Bangor, just when I started getting into sampling vinyl. It’s called Jazz Odyssey Volume 1 – The Sound of New Orleans [1917-1947]. Honestly, I bought it for its sick abstract cover, but it has some amazing horns in there. If we’re going back to the first bit of music I ever owned, it was Eiffel 65’s ‘Blue’ on CD, which really set me onto the dance trajectory!
The first gig I played…
Last May in Sheffield (hometown, represent!), supporting Capriisun on his UK Tour. The lineup included Neo Sū, Morriarchi and Jackie Moonbather, amongst others. The venue was DINA, and I played all my own productions live on my Sp-404 MK2. The first gig I ever went to was, hilariously, to see KISS in LA when I was about 12. I’ll never forget when Gene Simmons’ tongue exploded with blood.
The first song I performed…
I’ve performed my Moon Jazz productions live in a few venues last year, but I am yet to sing live. Perhaps in 2024…
A song I wish I’d wrote…
‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morrisette or ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears – both lyrical miracles.
I first fell in love with music when…
My dad used to play his old records and rinse the Beatles over and over. I also have a distinct memory of jumping up and down on the sofa at toddler age whilst my dad played ‘You Can Call Me Al’ by Paul Simon. Those first eight chords will always make me smile.
A song I can’t get out of my head at the minute…
‘Let’s Go Back’ and ‘JOY’ by Jungle have been making an appearance in my brain quite frequently. Catchy, euphoric – total earworms. The Joy Anonymous remix of ‘JOY’ is also delightful.
A record which reminds me of a specific time and place…
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys. From start to finish, I can relive key moments in my life: specific parties, bus journeys, love stories, breakups, and all the nuanced experiences a 15-year-old experiences.
Music allows me to…
Enter a total flow state. When I’m making music, it feels like I’m on a different frequency and tapping into a part of myself that feels devoid of any weight or responsibilities. Time is irrelevant, and only the music guides my thinking.
Listen to ‘These Days’ here
