HRVY Reinvents His Approach to Making Music For Growth’s Sake 

Is 14 HRVY’s lucky number? He signed his first record deal at the age of 14. Now, 14 years later, he is releasing his debut album. 

No stranger to the music industry, the British singer-songwriter has built an impressive track record that includes collaborations with electronic music heavyweights such as Steve Aoki. Yet, rather than follow the trajectory audiences have come to expect of him, HRVY is charting a different course. It is a direction that reflects a more considered understanding of what it means to grow as an artist, and the kind of musician he ultimately wants to become.

In this interview with GQ Singapore, HRVY reflects on the experiences and influences that have shaped who he was, who he is and who he hopes to become. He is entering a new chapter, one in which he is determined to find his own voice and make it heard.

You’ve been creating music since you were 14 years old. What drove you to explore making music at such a young age?

In all honesty, it was an accident. I’ve always loved and enjoyed music as a hobby. My friend and I used to post videos on Facebook, with him playing the guitar and I singing. Some went viral, essentially creating a happy accident leading me to explore making music more seriously. 

Songwriting can be rather revealing of your inner world. How do you think your relationship with songwriting has evolved over time?

When I first got started in music at 14 years old, I was intimidated by songwriting, due to insufficient life experience, particularly love, to write about. Now that I’m older, that’s changed for the better. Beyond writing songs, I’m now more involved in production, increasing the personal resonance I have with my releases. This differed from previously entering the studio and having someone say, ‘Oh, we’ve already written this song for you,’ and I’m like, ‘Okay cool.’ It’s been a journey with a lot of personal evolution. 

How do you think staking out your current path as an independent musician is pushing you to grow differently, compared to being represented by a label?

When I was younger, I just wanted to write songs and go on stage. My younger, more naïve self didn’t really understand the business side of making music, which is important for every musician to be aware of. Now, I have a better understanding of what lies behind the opportunities I get, so I walk out of rooms I’ve entered with more appreciation. Music and being an independent musician is hard. However, if I’m unwilling to bet on myself, then how can I expect anyone else to? The challenges exist, but it’s even more rewarding, because I’m giving it a shot anyway. 

You’ll be releasing your debut album soon. What has been the most rewarding or toughest part of the whole process? 

The toughest part is not being able to release it right now, especially considering how much I’ve loved writing it. I’m left with the last two songs that I’ll be finishing in Sweden after this trip to Asia. The most rewarding part is seeing it all come together with just my producer Robin and I  working on it. It’s cool to see fellow artists-producer duos like Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, and Olivia Rodrigo and her producer. Just two people locked in to create an entire world – that’s been the most rewarding part for me. 

What’s some of the most surprising ways you’ve grown as a person, and in turn a musician, since the start of your career?

I’ve always felt like I grew up pretty fast, with me not being in school a lot and out there travelling. I’ve always felt exactly like myself, even as a 17, 18-year-old being chill about travelling Asia and the world. I’d like to think of myself as staying the same, but in a good way. In the music industry, it gets easy to lose yourself in all the ups and downs. I’ve stayed rather level-headed over the years, which I appreciate. 

What’s something you wish you’d done differently as a young person making music, that you’ll offer as advice to other young people looking to explore making music now? 

Listen to yourself. Focus on the people around you, notice whether they’re advising you to discover yourself and immerse yourself in your music and artistry, or merely redirecting your attention. Of course, coming from a position of starting as a younger person, it’s helpful to listen to professionals. However, it’s also important to remember that wanting to be an artist means needing to know who you are. The music you put out allows people to look to you to know who you are as an artist. 

Who do you think your debut album is for? Tell us a little more about it. 

First and foremost, it’s for fans and people to discover it. But I’m being a little selfish, it’s for myself. I signed my first record deal at 14, and now I’m going to be 28 when this album is released – it’s been 14 years. If I’d been told this when I signed my first record deal, I’d be like, “Wait, what? It’s going to take this long?” Now, I get to tell myself, “You know what? You did it, well done.” Even if no one listens to it, or nobody cares, at least I can say I released an album and gave it my best. Regardless of what I’m doing 20 years down the road, I get to look back on this. 

What are some genres or approaches to making music that you’re keen to explore in future? 

This album is quite different from the electronic dance music I used to do in the past. My producer (Robin) played more organic instruments live, making the music sound more honest and raw. Think something more vintage and analogue, sprinkled with some electro beats. After this album, I would love to explore making music reminiscent of hyper-pop, which I’ve been enjoying lately, to infuse some dance-y elements.  

Outside of music, where are you investing time and energy into this current chapter of life?

Like many Gen-Z people, I’m investing into my health and wealth. People aren’t really going clubbing these days. I feel like everyone’s going for coffees, matchas, doing yoga and Pilates. Two months ago, I tried Pilates for the first time, and it absolutely killed me. I walked in there thinking it’d be easy, so it was crazy how I could barely walk down the stars afterwards. 

What would you say is your greatest inspiration behind everything you do? How has that changed over time?

My greatest inspiration is witnessing artists who’ve been in the industry for years continually stay the path to evolve accordingly. Zara Larsson is one example. After head-turning moments and albums that didn’t resonate as widely, she’s finally getting her well-deserved big moment. 

Charli XCX is another. She was already sensational back in 2013, when I was in school and going to parties, before gradually becoming less of a mainstream presence. Then came Brat, and I am inspired by her remaining true to herself even as she reaches new heights. Sabrina Carpenter is another artist I admire for that reason. 

I think it’s really cool to be able to keep going, to evolve and put yourself out there. It is a source of inspiration for me. Just keep going, because at some point, I believe it’ll work and it’ll click.