What inspired you to choose "Rainbow Connection" as a track for your new album? What does this song mean to you personally?

For me it’s about wishing to have a deeper connection with people and the world. I feel like this is something we all need in order to be better understood. It’s also just feels like such a ‘hopeful’ song. I thought it would be a great addition to the other songs on the record.

How did it feel to receive praise from Paul Williams?

I couldn’t believe it! He has written so many songs that have inspired me as an artist. It was very surreal and humbling to receive such kind words from him.

Many fans have compared your voice to Karen Carpenter's. How do you feel about these comparisons?

It is of course a huge compliment. And despite receiving the comparison since I was about 14 years old, it's something that I have only begun to feel comfortable with in the past few months. Karen was and is still so adored. I can’t help how I sound… But it has connected me with so many fans, so I’m very grateful for it.

Your new album, Trying To Get The Feeling Again, features classic songs reimagined by you. What was the process like for selecting these tracks and making them your own?

It was hard to choose as there are so many iconic songs from this era. But it has been so enjoyable to essentially make an album of my favourite songs, that have shaped me as an artist. I feel so at home singing this music. We wanted to pay homage to the original versions, while still keeping everything fresh.

The ’70s pop era has clearly had a big impact on you. What draws you to this period of music, and how do you keep it relevant for today’s audience?

I grew up listening to music from this era as a kid. My parents loved it, so it was always playing in the house, in the car etc. There’s something about the way the songs were written at this time… so melodic, with unexpected chord changes, and lyrics about simple, beautiful experiences. Barry Manilow, The Carpenters, Bread - there is an air of melancholy about all these artists too. The music is reflective and from the heart. There is so much following of trends in the industry today I think; a lot of looking ‘out’ and not ‘in’. And I struggle to feel what I need to feel with a lot of it, so I wanted to go back to my roots with what inspired me to become a singer and artist in the first place.

You mentioned that "Rainbow Connection" is about believing in yourself and following your passion. Can you share a time in your career when you had to lean on that belief?

I’ve never really felt like I fit anywhere in the industry as an artist, so have been on several creative journeys from style to style, from genre to genre over the years. But something clicked for me when I started just singing all this music I love, posting videos of it online. People responded to it and I couldn’t believe how obvious it was! You really have to be prepared for the push and pull nature of the industry if you want to be an artist. Regardless of where I’ve been pulled, I know who I am and that I’m different, and I finally feel content with that and ready to embrace it. It’s taken a long time.

With millions of views on your social media teasers, how has the fan reaction influenced your approach to releasing new music?

It’s made me feel so confident about this project. We are insecure beings. It’s one thing to make music that you love, but for other people to love it too just makes it even more worth it. I’m excited to be putting out a record of these songs. It’s also the first time I’ve released a Carpenters song; a big deal for me. I can’t wait to hear what people think of the album. 

You’re set to support Will Young at Cadogan Hall and have 18 shows confirmed for 2025. How do you prepare for such an extensive live performance schedule?

All I want to be doing is performing. I find it so energising, so I can’t wait! Vocally, I try not to over-sing leading up to gigs, but it’s a balance, because you have to keep those muscles strong too. And I have to stay fit. Singing well requires a lot of stamina! 

In addition to covering classics, you’ve blended them with original songs on this album. How do you balance staying true to the original while infusing your own style?

Despite many of these songs being covers, I have felt so connected to myself with this album. It’s like this music is embedded in me somewhere. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to include a couple of originals too, that I feel really fit the feeling of the album overall.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future of your music career, especially with the release of Trying To Get The Feeling Again and the upcoming shows?

I really am. It’s all I have ever wanted to do. And it’s something I have to do. I hope we are able to take things international with the live show, as I have a growing fanbase in the US, Asia and Europe. That is the next goal for me. To help people get the feeling again, all over the world. I’m keeping everything crossed for that opportunity!

Thanks Harriet - all the best for the future!

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