Artist Spotlight: K Harrison

Shot by @shot_by_tye

Sonically diverse, stylistically slick and casually charismatic, K Harrison is a name that has been charming listeners this year. Born and raised in East Midlands hotspot Derby, the rapper/singer is fighting the constant battle for attention and acclaim that plagues artists who weren’t born in a geographical hotspot. Instead of being stuck in an endless rut, Harrison is vying for a place in the industry through acute and faultless branding, leaning towards the commercial safe-haven whilst remaining artistically nuanced. 

Showcasing a vibrant sound with his three releases so far this year, the Midlands boy most recently and significantly impressed with his latest summer-ready hit Love Me Leave Me, a Latin-infused dip into a vivacious ocean, illustrating an eclectic tone and flow atop the dulcet guitar licks and upbeat percussion. With his debut album on the way, Harrison has the widening musical appeal, the image and the talent to soar to stratospheric heights. 

I spoke to K Harrison abut his new single, his drive to create, the big city bias, and the importance of social media.

Who and what influences you?  

Anyone and everything really, I can feel influenced or inspired by anything that catches my eye, good or bad. I think you can find influence everywhere you look if you let it. Life is influence.

When did you first start creating? 

I wrote my first bars in school after watching Like Mike on a Friday before we broke up! My boy Jordan Carrol bought a camcorder and made his own little channel too that did well, I wanted in haha we did a hood vid, and it went alright - never stopped after that!

What is it about writing that drives you to continue?  

When I write music, 90% of the time it comes from things we’ve experienced in the past or something we’re going through right now. I can’t express like I can when I write! On the fun side though hearing people sing back your work and love it, you can’t beat that! It’s also just something I love doing, even if it wasn’t my job, I would still do it anyway.  

How would you define your style?  

I never know how to answer these ones, my style is just me init. I’m an easy going and open-minded guy and I just dress in what I think looks sick or just accordingly, you know? Music wise, music is my style. 

You’ve moved from a more rap base to a more melodic sound. Why is this? 

It’s just what I do - no two things are the same round here, similar maybe but we keep it original and unique… never know what’s coming next.

How has being from a city without an established music scene changed the way you market yourself?  

Its 100% been a bigger challenge coming from a city that ain’t really on the map for music but it kinda gives you a push to go harder and you’ve also got a clean slate. Yeah, it’s a little harder cos the opportunity ain’t where you are but when is it ever that easy anyway. You have just got to step out your comfort zone and explore new things, travel to the big cities, or just create your own scene! It’s not that easy I know, and failure is certain, but make it through that and you will win in the end. Its mad true when they say what you put in is what you get out…but it does take time and the passion has got to be there! 

What difficulties have you faced in your rise due to your geographical situation?  

It’s definitely harder to make noise and get the big boys to listen and take you seriously, and again just the lack of contact and opportunity around here puts a downer on the motivation you have to go get it. The UK is small, the world is small too! The more you get out there the quicker you rise above it all and you’re flying. Going back to the clean slate I feel people love the Derby sound, because we are bringing something new and fresh from a brand-new place.  

How do you think the big city bias in music can change?  

It’s always changing, I think. Music moves fast and we are starting to see stars emerge from unknown cities around the world that wouldn’t have had a second look in the past! It’s really good to see… All that travel to Hollywood or London to be a rapper or movie star thing is dead now you can do it on your phone man.  

How important is social media to you in gaining an audience and fan engagement?  

I think other than people taking time out of their days to come and see you at a show or perform live… It’s up there at the top. It’s the only other place millions of people can connect at once and you can grow as an artist or whatever it is you do in life, being from Derby, social media plays a big role in pushing my name and music for sure.  

Love Me Leave Me has a big vibe! Talk me through the meaning behind the track? 

Love Me Leave Me was just written on the basis that you need to stand your ground and find your own lane in life. Stay true to yourself and don’t rely on others for your own peace of mind and happiness. You are unique, we all are. People will always come and go - for good and for bad… Just keep going and do you!

Your recent singles have been lighthearted and summery, why do you musically place yourself in that space? 

Don’t worry I’m just warming you up for the future - were going hard! But on a real though, I’ve got 200+ songs ready to go and these have just made the spots for first release – I’ve got a solid team of dedicated and professional music people now, I’ve sat on some of these songs for years so being around them makes it easy to know what’s needed and when. Every song I make and then put forward for release is how I want to look and sound as an artist so it’s just a case of who goes first. You must have a plan and it’s all about team work too. Surround yourself with good and like-minded people. 

Can listener’s expect experimentation beyond that sound?  

Yes 100%! We’re going everywhere.

Who is your dream collaboration and why?  

I wouldn’t say dreams cos I don’t think you should dream on a collab, dream on your hit song man! But I’d probably belt out some big stuff with Adele or go hard in America with Chris Brown or Jack Harlow or something!

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track of yours would you play them and why? 

Love Me Leave Me or Boss for sure! They represent the sound and the feeling I want to keep giving. Real music and good vibes

What can we expect from you in the future? 

A lot of stuff ready to go coming forward! A lot of shows across London, appearing at Derby Pride 2022 in September plus constant, consistent, and creative music in flow! Big up RU Listening, the team, and Ten Letter, for believing in it all!