HARLEIGHBLU INTERVIEW

Harleighblu is a name that will soon be on everyone’s lips. Not just for the simple fact that it appears that every female English soul singer that cracks it, seems to crack it bigger than big time, but because Harleighblu is uniquely different. A young chanteuse, with street style and an old soul, she’s effortlessly blended Hip Hop and soul to create magic on her debut album, “Forget Me Not”. Grindin’s Kristie Nicolas had a chat with Harleighblu about her inspirations, working with producer Joe Buhdha on her debut and surprisingly, wiggling her bum.

What inspires you creatively/musically?
Experiences, putting myself in other peoples shoes, the music I’m listening to… It varies but I’m usually always inspired by something happening in my life.

What artists have shaped you the most as an artist? Who did you grow up listening to?
Jill Scott is a huge inspiration – I didn’t take her debut album out of my stereo at one stage. My mum’s record collection was the biggest influence for me though. Artists like Marlena Shaw, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Floetry, Bilal, the list is endless…

What would you like fans to take away from your debut album, “Forget Me Not”?
I hope we’ve created something strong and beautiful enough to slide alongside some of their favourite soul artists in their record collection. You just hope people connect with it you know, so you’ve not worn your heart on your sleeve for nothing.

My favourite cut from the album is “Love Of My Life”, with its mellow jazz-soul vibe. What is your favourite track from the album and why?
That would be like choosing your favourite child for me! Haha, I have favourites but that always changes. “Love Of My Life” was something different vocally for me I felt, so I’m glad it made the album.

Can you tell us how you came to be signed to Tru Thoughts?
UK Rap Pioneer, Rodney P, suggested for label boss (Rob Luis) to come check out the demos that myself and my producer, Joe Buhdha, were creating. Rodney has worked with Joe many times throughout his career, so it was a nice touch for him to introduce the label to us.

How important was it for you to find the right producer/s to work with on “Forget Me Not” to help bring your vision to life? What was it like working with Joe Buhdha?
Amazing, I’d never been so inspired. Working with Joe on my debut was a no brainer really… The sound I wanted and the sound we created together seemed to be perfect for where I wanted to go creatively as an artist. The fact I’ve always sought a producer and he was right there on my doorstep in Nottingham all along goes to show!

“Forget Me Not” has a definite hip hop-soul fusion throughout, and you have been called the ‘new Queen of hip hop-soul’, did you ever imagine that these kinds of statements would be aligned with your music?
You never imagine you’ll be hailed as anything… So when you do it’s such a shock! I’m really honoured.

Being an English soul singer with a hell of a voice, the comparisons to Adele and Amy Winehouse are inevitable, how do you feel about those comparisons?
It only ever feels good when people say your name in the same breath as anyone successful… They are amazing singers so it’s never a bad thing! I don’t really listen to Adele or Amy loads though so I’m not influenced by them as such, but it’s still great to get compared.

Now that “Forget Me Not” is out, what can we expect in the next year from Harleighblu in terms of tours and collaborations?
I’ve had some amazing names approach me about collabs since my first single dropped, so I feel really excited! You will hear something drop soon! I will be touring next year so I literally cannot wait! It’s crazy getting fans singing the words back to you at shows… I’d never had that before until now so it’s gonna feel so surreal!

What is your definition of Grindin’?
A provocative wiggle of the bum? No? Just me? Lol.

Interview by Kristie Nicolas