Cardiff-raised musician Harry Jowett is making strides in the music industry. From humble beginnings, self-producing his first single in his bedroom during lockdown, he is building up quite the career. We caught up with Harry to find out more.

What was your first introduction into the music industry? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

It was probably my first real writing session in London. I had been invited to collaborate with a singer named JGrrey. A mutual friend of ours, Douvelle19, had several of my tracks with her, knowing I had just moved to London without any connections. To my surprise, JGrrey played me one of her songs that had sampled one of mine. That was the moment I thought, “okay, maybe this could be the career for me.”

Although music was always something I enjoyed, I didn’t take it seriously until I turned 21. Before that, I was more focused on skateboarding and making videos with my friends, but I still see that period as the foundation of my musical passion. I do remember walking home from primary school, listening to bands like AC/DC and Queen, and imagining myself performing their songs on stage.

What kind of music do you want to create for your audience?

Transportive. In a lot of my favourite songs, I don’t necessarily know what is being said, but it still means something profound to me. That’s what I’d want my music to be for someone else- visceral and beyond explanation.

Your music is gaining quite a bit of traction, with 12.7k monthly listeners on Spotify, how does that feel?

To be honest, as clichéd as it might sound, it’s something I try not to feel much about. These numbers rise and fall all the time, so I’d be exhausted if I paid too much notice. That said, assuming it’s not 12.7k accounts created by my mum and dad to make me feel better, it’s a nice feeling to know that my music is being listened to and enjoyed in some capacity.

What would you say are your main influences?

It would have to be the hip-hop I obsessed over as a teenager. A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, and MF DOOM were all entry points into the world of sampling, which later led me to the jazz, funk, and soul that are central to my musical palette now. There are a few more modern artists I love, the Sampha and James Blake, who take really inventive and boundary-pushing approaches to production.

Beyond this, my friends are the ones who inspire me the most. Many of my songs stem from conversations I have with them. I’ve always found it easier to untangle my thoughts when I talk them through with someone else, and I’m lucky to have a lot of good people around me who really listen and help me navigate this crazy life.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

One thing I’ve learned in the first few years of my career is not to rush anything. Be persistent, consistent, and driven. Do what feels right to you, and create the things you want to see in the world. Don’t fret over trends, and prioritise working with people who align with you both creatively and morally.

Do you have any exciting upcoming plans you want people to know about?

On 1 November, I’m releasing a single called Anyone, an ode to the people in my life that I’ve depended on at various points. It feels like the closest I’ve come to realising my “sound” and artistic identity.

Apart from that, my friends and I have just set up a little home studio in our new house, and we have big plans for bringing in different artists, cultivating a relaxed creative space, and making a lot of great music.

Keep an eye out on what Harry is up to next on his website, Instagram and Spotify!