One of 2018’s most exciting emerging artists returns with the release of her infectious new single. Harlea’s Beautiful Mess is out now via Roxy Princess Records.

The single is a highly addictive slice of pop-rock, filled with undeniably catchy hooks and Harlea’s dynamic, soul-filled vocal taking centre stage. Talking about Beautiful Mess, Harlea elaborates, “the song is powerful and raw, it’s relatable to the world in which we live. Life is the most beautiful gift we have but humanity has an inbuilt destructive nature which inevitably creates a mess. I feel like this single shows another side of who I am as an artist. It’s still edgy and raw but has a more contemporary feel.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Harlea about her latest release, challenges, motivations and more.

Full Q&A along with links and the music video for Beautiful Mess below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I have always been into more alternative music. I mean, I love mainstream music too, but there is something about the rawness of alternative bands that gets me excited!

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

Music kind of found me, its a long story, but everything started to point towards music again. There was one late night by a fire pit when I was with friends, one of them brought a guitar along and we all started singing, it was their encouragement and how alive I felt at that time that it really hit me.

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

Everything inspires me. I say it time and time again. The world is constantly changing. I travel so I am always seeing new people, places and scenarios that inspire me. And of course my tastes in music changes, we are always evolving. But even though I am more open to new sounds, I can’t help but love a good throwback.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

Just to live with no regrets. I wanted to do the music to see what happened. If I didn’t enjoy it or it didn’t work out, at least I can say I tried!

What was the last song you listened to?

Honestly, ‘You’re Welcome’ from Moana… My daughter is obsessed! But before that I had Blondie on repeat.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I love vinyl, but honestly, MP3s just make life so easy when it comes to music. I remember when I was a kid going on holiday and my hand luggage was basically CDs for my walkman. The fact it is all on my phone now is kind of amazing! Especially when travelling! Life saver!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I do like Spotify. I can’t say I am the most tech savvy so I don’t have all the streaming services, too many usernames and passwords to remember. I like it because I know my username and password! Ha!

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

Trying to get them to listen to someone new. Its hard! People are creature of comfort and I am the first to say I am guilty of that too. Trying to get them to pay attention is a real challenge.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

All the usuals really!

• https://www.harleamusic.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/harlea.music/
• https://www.instagram.com/harlea.music/
• https://twitter.com/HarleaMusic
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/58egSlPiywlyQ4puhkXQpI
• https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/harlea/id1153642308
• https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Harlea?id=Ap4orojfbynnyh2o23e6q2nzajm

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thanks for having me!