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The Eighth Note: Harris

‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.

A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.

Today’s guest is harris, who has just released his debut album ‘Bed Bugs’.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
I never know what to say, or how to speak for the music, maybe. Im Harris? I write songs.

What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
Yeah, my first LP, ‘Bed Bugs’, is coming out Monday 6 November. It’s been finished for a few months now, so I’ve just been writing to see what comes out. There’s a bunch of new songs since then – right now I’m just playing them at shows.

Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Stream/download on Bandcamp.

What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Ah, I don’t know if I could choose just three. Although I remember listening to the White Album over and over when I was a little kid. Nirvana is probably the first band that got me writing songs, I guess. This sounds super cliche but I was around a lot of music growing up, I like all sorts, and it all feels important to me somehow.

Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I really admire a bunch of Wellington musicians. I’ve worked on a few tracks with Nik Brinkman (Physical), and those sessions are always heaps of fun. And Matthew Watkins (St. Bartholomew) and I are playing shows together lately. They’re both good friends of mine. Collaborating is kind of rare for me, but I’d work with anybody if it felt right.

What ’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I guess Caroline and San Fran? I love them both, although we need more venues in Wellington. RIP Puppies.

In your songwriting or composing (or the bands songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
Every time it’s a different creative process. I don’t follow a method, but I am chasing a new way to disconnect from the writing of a song, or whatever you might call it. That’s consistent, I suppose. I find when I remove myself from the drivers seat and just let the music go where it wants to, that’s when it sounds best. You don’t want to write the same song twice, you know?

Where/when is your next gig?
The release show for Bed Bugs! Friday 3 November at Caroline.


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