Tag: Harry Cleverdon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Survival” – Harry Cleverdon

It feels like Harry Cleverdon’s album, Survival, has been a long time coming. He released an experimental psychedelic album under the moniker SonofHarry in 2023, but Survival is the first released under his own name. It’s also the first featuring the sweet country-folk-pop sound I’ve enjoyed from Harry since 2022. But you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait.

Now that it’s out in the world, I appreciate that Harry took his time. He’s still a young artist, but the experience and wisdom he’s gained through the last few years I’ve spent following his career shows. Songs like the incredibly catchy album opener “House of Cards” and the stirring title track, which you can listen to below, are among the best he’s released. I love the cheekiness of “Empty Bottles,” but I’m also glad Harry balances it with more vulnerable numbers like “Nothing For Myself” and “Superman (Late Night Trance).” He shows more of his heart with “The Best That I Can,” an earnest love song that’s sure to leave most listeners swooning.

There’s also an ease about Harry’s music that only comes with growing comfortable in your own skin. When so many new releases rely on heavy production, Survival comes as a breath of fresh air. Harry’s not afraid to buck the trends and get back to basics with his music. With acoustic, organic instrumentation in support, his sweet vocals are never overpowered. We can hear every lyric, which is such a blessing when the songs are so well-crafted. Listening to these tunes you get the sense that they’d sound the same live as they do on the recording. There’s no tricks or wizardry here, and the music is better for it.

Survival is the perfect showcase for Harry’s talents as a singer and songwriter. The songs are instantly accessible, but spend a little more time with them and know you’ll fall as deeply in love as I have. Stream it on your favourite platform now. You can also hear Harry and other fantastic Aussie country acts on my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Country.

Images used with permission from Lambing Flat Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Has Me Swooning With “Late Night Trance”

I’m convinced Harry Cleverdon can do no wrong. Every song he releases is the perfect blend of country, folk, and pop. If you go wild for singer-songwriter types like me, I know you’re going to flip for his dreamy new single “Late Night Trance.”

Harry says “It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt lost, out of control, or in search of their purpose.”

Harry has released so many great songs in 2023, I can’t wait to hear what he’s got in store for us in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Releases Sweet New Single, “Back to Normal”

With its sweet acoustic vibes and emotional lyrics, Harry Cleverdon’s new single “Back to Normal” was guaranteed to make me swoon. If you love a sensitive singer-songwriter too, this will be right up your alley.

Apparently Harry wrote this song at 3 am on an acoustic guitar in his bedroom. From those humble beginnings, he’s built it up beautifully without losing any of that intimate charm. Excuse me while I press play on this one again.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Drops Genre-Defying Single, “Counting Sheep”

I never thought I’d be rocking out to a “synth-driven country single”, but here we are. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never really seen Harry Cleverdon as a country artist, no matter what his press releases say. I heard more pop and folk in his last single “Just For a Little While.” With his follow-up “Counting Sheep,” the big anthemic pop-rock vibe is a little more apparent. Whatever you call it, the music is pretty fantastic.

“Counting Sheep is a reflection on the depersonalising effect life can have,” Harry explained. “Losing sleep over build-ups of negativity or even a realisation of a harsh reality can have an interesting effect on our psyche. I wanted to create a piece that sounded happy and fun while talking of sadness and/or depression, of one not feeling like themselves. This juxtaposition would align with that feeling of being overwhelmed with everyday life and needing an escape, all whilst keeping a façade up for people you care for.”

Harry is writing really high-quality music that transcends genre, in my opinion. He might come from the country, but he doesn’t let that define his music. It’s such an exciting blend of influences, and I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Wows Me With “Just for a While”

I am absolutely swooning over “Just for a While” the gorgeous new single from Harry Cleverdon. The press release says Harry is a country singer-songwriter, but I definitely hear a little folk and pop influence in his sound. His voice and gentle acoustic sound have melted me. The lyrics, which celebrate living every moment, really resonate as the memories of lockdowns still loom large.

“’Just for a While’ was written during lockdown in 2020,” Harry said. “It’s about missing home or missing a loved one … it’s a sweet reminder of how important seemingly insignificant moments can be. It covers notes of sadness and depression due to a lack of familiarity in our upside-down world, while singing about happy memories. I wrote this during a phase of avolition that, I guess, was partially brought on by the lockdown at the time. I think most of us shared these emotions, and the promise of better times ahead and happy memories, was what got us through.”

Harry’s website says he plays a lot of corporate functions and weddings. His originals are so good that hopefully he can give those covers gigs away soon. He’s far too good to be stuck singing other people’s songs.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country