John Harvey is an Oregon-based songwriter and producer. He’s been a musician and composer most of his life and comes from a family of musicians and artists. "What's My Drug" has a cinematic quality to the arrangement and production. An anxious rhythm takes the listener into the thoughts and feelings of realizing there will be a void when you quit the person or thing that you love, or are passionate about to just addicted. Often one buzz, one drug replaces one that came before it. Fun, upbeat and unpredictable are reasons to give this song a listen.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey John Harvey, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
My dad was a professional trombone player in the swing bands of the 40s. There was always music in the house; Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole etc. I’m the youngest of 4 brothers and often I was home with mom and she always had the radio on. I remember bands like the Herman Hermits as well as Herb Alpert and the Tijauna Brass. My oldest brother served in Vietnam and sent back electronics from Japan like reel to reel tape recorders. He also sent home boxes of folk records like Peter Paul and Mary, Fred Neil and others.
What is your creative process like?
I write, record or play everyday. Although there are moments of inspiration, I find being creative is about the work and the craft. I love the process of taking a nugget of an idea and working it until I discover something interesting that excites me.
Your latest song is 'What's My Drug'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
As the first song off my forthcoming EP (to be released in 2022) I wanted it to be the best I could make it. The original mix I had mastered by 3 different mastering engineers to help me understand really what master does and which one sounded best. After I got those masters back, some time had past, so with fresh ears I released the production and mix were lacking. So I went back into the studio and re-recorded parts and remixed. It was a lesson in patience and resolve not to release anything I thought was shitty. It turned out to me a lot more work then I had anticipated but now I know I made the right call and learn a lot about the recording and mixing process as well as about myself to have the fortitude to be the best I can be.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Time. I still work a day job. Like most aspiring artists all I want to do is create. But I resolved not to be a whiny bitch and just work as hard as I can every evening and weekend.
What is the biggest mistake you have made within your career to this point?
I’m 63. So I probably seem crazy I’m even trying to pursue a career as an artist. But I feel the most creative and inspired I’ve ever felt. One regret would be when I was in my 20s in my original rock band pursuing an recording contract, that I didn’t expand my sights and work and play with other bands and musicians. Maybe things would have turned out different at that young age. However, I’m not looking back. I’m full on creating my vision and my future.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Is it every really? I’ve learned that sometimes you have to push go and publish with the best you’ve got and focus on the next song and production and keep publishing and learning. It always gets better.
What are your long term goals?
Support myself from music and quit my day job.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I was part of several profession song circles in the US. But nothing at this time. I’m too busy writing and producing.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
A young women in her 20s heard my song and said, “Wow, this is something my generation would get into.” That was cool.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep writing, producing and releasing music every year. I’m just getting started.