Interview: Harts the one-man funk machine

Melbourne based multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer Harts simply does it all, and with the recent release of his debut album ‘Daydreamer‘ he has us all in a lucid state of mind.

He is a one-man music making machine from blues to funk, rock, soul and pop, he blends it all and branches out. GroundSounds recently caught up with the musical mad man himself for an exclusive interview about his new album, musical inspirations and more. Check it out below!

For those just discovering Harts, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became a one-man music making machine? 

I started getting into music when I was about 15/16. I started playing drums in school, then I as I developed more of an interest in music, I started teaching myself other instruments for fun. I was really drawn to blues guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy, and they were the main reason that made me want to switch from drums to guitar. From there I just kind of developed a love for all sorts of genres of music like Blues, Funk, Rock, Soul, Pop… many more. I played in numerous local bands before branching out to try and create my own sound as a solo musician, and to also explore production and recording myself. From there, I started writing and releasing music under the name Harts.

Prince has been quoted saying that you remind him of him! How did it feel when you first heard this? Also, what was it like jamming out with him at Paisley Park Studios?

Amazingly surreal! Prince is a huge musical idol of mine and I really look up to him in a lot of ways. To have him say that about me, and to have had the opportunity to jam with him is a huge blessing and was a phenomenal experience. He really taught me a lot. I learned a lot, and I’m really thankful for his support. Dude is the coolest! 

We at GroundSounds have been jammin’ out to your debut album ‘Daydreamer’ can you tell us about bringing this project to fruition?

Glad you all like it! After releasing my first EP in early 2013, I felt it was time to put out a full length album this year as a way to introduce myself in the musical world. I wrote most of the songs for the album in the space of about 3-4 months, with the exception of a few songs that I had written and floating around prior to that. I had a concept in mind lyrically, and kind of wanted to cover all the musical styles that influence me up until this point. I wanted to make it diverse yet coherent, and wanted to really strive to create something unique.

From performing to writing to composing, producing and recording you do it all. Which of these skills comes most naturally? Which area would you like to develop more?

I think the playing and composing comes more naturally. I would definitely like to develop more of my production and recording side in the future. That’s something I’ve been working on for a while now.

Can you tell us about the creative and writing process for the track “Lovers In Bloom?”

I had woken up one day with the chorus melody in my head. I quickly hummed it into my phone and recorded it so I would remember it, then went back to sleep. Later that day I started working on it. I pieced together and wrote that chorus, then the main groove, then a wrote a verse. It then kind of evolved from there until I had the whole song worked out. Then I recorded and arranged it over the next few days.

Do you have a favorite track off of ‘Daydreamer’? If so, which one and why?

I think it changes constantly. I really like Lovers In Bloom, Daydream, Tide & Golden Beach. I like the melodies and grooves on those tracks. Red & Blue is super fun to perform, and I love that one too.

Can you tell us about the name Harts? What made you decide on this moniker?

I was looking for a cool name when I decided to release as a solo project. But I felt nothing really stuck. My last name is Hart and I had a few nicknames based around that at the time. I decided to go with Harts.

What was the inspiration for “Red & Blue?” 

Well it kind of came from the huge influence that Blues music has had on me. That song to me is a pretty traditional blues song in its composition, but I guess with a more updated funk flavour. The song was written about my music at the time not really getting the attention that I had hoped for.

What’s next for Harts? What can fan look forward to?