Harleymoon Kemp returns with a new upbeat country-pop anthem, ‘Back in Tennessee’. An exciting name in UK country music, her rich musical heritage is undeniable. Her father is Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, her mother Shirlie Kemp rose to fame with Pepsi & Shirlie and Wham!, and both Harleymoon and her brother Roman are godchildren to the late George Michael. Over the past few years, Harleymoon has been making her own mark on the country music scene, performing at sold-out shows, securing prominent festival slots, and hosting popular events.

Hi Harleymoon, it's the start of 2025! How did you bring in the new year?

I went to Mexico City! We had been touring so much in 2024 I’d forgotten to take a break so I went away.. NYE was magical, myself and some friends took a hot air balloon up at sunrise and saw beautiful views of Mayan pyramids! 

So, you've kicked off the year with your new track, Back in Tennessee. How's the response been so far?

The response has been amazing, it’s been playlisted on Absolute Radio as the only UK country song for January and that made me really proud - felt like a big stepping stone! 

Listening to your song Back in Tennessee, it sounds like you've been spending some time in the USA. Have you been working on anything new over there?

I’ve not spent enough time in the US! I love it there. Nashville started my musical journey when I got sent on a writing camp there a few years ago and never looked back- the writing and talent there is so high! Definitely heading back this year. 

Watching your music video for the song, I was trying to figure out if it was a bar I might recognise in Nashville, but I couldn't quite place it. Where did you shoot the video?

Dukes bar in London (Highgate)–can you believe it! We have our very own honky tonk right here in the UK! It’s a brilliant bar!! Hidden Gem! Would def recommend for country fans in London. 

Continuing from the last question, Nashville is such a special place, and you obviously visit regularly. What are your favourite hangout spots? Do you ever do the classic Broadway 'tourist' Honkytonk experience?

I love The Listening Room, The 5 Spot or Basement East. I love being able to get close to the talent, feeling what they feel in an intimate setting- just hearing it raw and honest, stripped back stories. Nothing like it! 

I love the upbeat, foot-stomping vibes on Back in Tennessee, with its mix of classic country and pop. Are we going to be hearing more releases like this soon?

I’ve got a few more releases on standby so watch this space!! 

I believe you recently played a sold-out show at The Courtyard Theatre in London. How did that go?

Very fun- we threw out cowboy hats to the crowd. Gave out shots of O'donnells Moonshine… it was exactly how I want to throw a party- lots of storytelling and laughter! 

Have you got any new shows coming up?

Shows to be announced very soon! 

If you could choose a dream venue to perform at anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Super Bowl!! Haha ! Obviously the Opry but I love intimate venues where you are squashed in and people can dance- In london you’ll find me at the Koko, Roundhouse or Brixton Academy’s where you can really get a feel and close to the stage! 

Who are you into at the moment in the country music scene?

Been listening this week to Sophia Scott and also Lauren Watkins ‘jealous of Jane’ song has been on repeat.

I see you're quite active on TikTok. Do you feel the platform is a good way for artists to share their music?

Yeah it’s a funny tool tiktok - it can be amazing to get the song heard by a new audience but you really need to be open to marketing yourself to the social audience! 

Finally, do you have any other exciting news or a message you'd like to share with your fans and followers?

Just a big thank you to all the fans who have been on the journey with me! We have started HMK merch with Binks and Bo which we will continue on putting out at the next shows as I know it sold out in London!! 

Thanks, Harleymoon – wishing you all the best for the rest of 2025!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

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