Harleymoon Kemp, a fixture in the UK country music scene, has roots in a renowned musical lineage. Her father, Martin, is known as a member of Spandau Ballet, and her godfather was the late George Michael. Despite these connections, she modestly remains firmly grounded in her country roots. Today, she unveils her newest single, 'What Good Looks Like'. 

With the release of her latest single, I had the opportunity to catch up with Harleymoon and ask her a few more questions.

With your first ever EP set to release alongside the latest single ‘What Good Looks Like’, what can listeners anticipate from your new material?

This EP was written after a trip to the states, falling into someones arms and reflecting on how solid my family home life was back home. WGLL is written in ode to my parents, Faith in You is also about creating a sanctuary in your home. America is about someone who really led me on and promised me the world, still naively wanting to believe in them. Lone Ranger is about a one night crush in Vegas.. all written straight out of my dairy!

I remember watching and enjoying your performances at C2C in London and The British Country Music Festival in Blackpool. Are there any upcoming festivals or shows this year that you're particularly excited about?

Yes!! Me and my band are playing Cardiff Pride, The Oxted Festival, Somerset weekend festival, Urban van festival, Devafest, Carfest and The Weekend festival.

Given your regular visits to Nashville, have you had the opportunity to perform there? How has the reception been as an English country artist?

I spent alot of time in Nashville just writing but haven't had the chance to play more than once. I was on a writing camp and we all played a song we had written in the classic round style set up so Im yet to give Nashville the full Harleymoon experience with stage smack talk and tassle butts... if you havent yet seen me live.. the show is mostly a night of bad dates and heartbreaks with a hella lotta dancing.

Having a music legend like your dad Martin in the family must be advantageous in the industry. Have you ever tried to get him to team up on a country track with you?

Haha no, I feel lucky to have seen and been inspired by what a life following your passion looks like but I dont know if having famous parents is a big advantage in the music industry honestly - I was always so judged to be 'the daughter of' and 'is her music as good as...' it made me feel insecure so I started writing songs for other people... my parents always gave me and my brother such amazing advice and taught us that you just have to work hard and be the nicest person in the room.. but behind closed doors me and my dad can totally sweet home alabama ;)

Of all the shows or gigs you've played to date, which one stands out as the most memorable?

Brighton Pride - it was so wonderful, the energy, the happiness, the unity to support a cause. The environment was electric and the stage had a runway .. so me and my dancers strutted like you've never seen strutting. We had Mel C on after us and the year before I had been in the crowd watching Christina Aguilera and was totally shook that I was playing the same stage. Something I will never forget. 

Your performance at London’s New Year's Day parade to kick off 2024 sounded interesting. How was the experience?

New Years Day Parade was fantastic - we played in the middle of Westminster.. like.. in the shut down streets on huge monitors!! Another pinch me moment. Now every time I drive through London I have a huge smile on my face. Knowing I am doing it again in Trafalgar Square is going to be amazing. 

Could you share more details about the St. George's Day 2024 event at Trafalgar Square in London that you’ll be both playing at and hosting soon?

I got asked to host the event for the Mayor Of London and I am so proud of it. 12-6pm in Trafalgar square ( I will be there all day hosting and also performing some of my own songs at 2.45pm and 5pm!) Do come on down.. no tickets needed, just show up and have some fun!  

Who are your main influences?

When i grew up my mum drove Alanis Morisette into my brain, I still love her but Maren Morris is a huge inspo. I cant stop listening to the new Maggie Rogers Single. Love Kacey Musgraves. Love Kassi Ashton and shout out to my UK country girls Jade Helliwell- her telephone track gets me every time, Megan Mckenna - confetti is a killer hook, Jess Thristan - Woman Up live is a headbanger, Twinnie - Lonely Long so catchy.... I'm basically here for the girl power!!

Have you discovered any emerging artists recently that you've been particularly enjoying?

Love Lauren Watkins - her records I play alot in the car! 

Is there a dream collaboration you aspire to?

I AM DOING A COLLAB AND IM SO EXCITED.. on my EP is a duet with Alex Francis. I met him in Nashville on a writing camp.. his voice is crunchy and also smooth soul at the same time - he is the brother of James Bay if you can imagine his voice but mixed with a Paolo Nutini... ohhhhh its fire and when I had taken my girlfriends to see him play they were falling off their chairs.. I am so excited to release our single together FAITH IN YOU on my EP Lone Ranger.

Are there any specific new genres or musical styles you're keen to explore in future projects?

I'm honestly just writing whatever comes out of me emotionally rather than trying to write a style - my song Fast Fwd was very pop - Lone Ranger is very country, some songs are simple stripped back ballads.. I hardly ever sit down to write, I just suddenly hear the song in my mind, quickly slam it into a voice note then take it to the studio!

Finally, do you have a message you'd like to share with your fans and followers?

I never thought my songs would leave my own itunes playlist, I was so reserved about sharing my music and only writing for others so obviously a big thank you for anyone who's been supporting this journey so far. My gratitude is huge. Secondly... y'all wait til we play Lone Ranger live.. Sh*t is about to pop offfffff!! 

Thanks, Harleymoon! All the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.