Harrison Storm

SSW: Growing up in a very creative family, when did you first discover your passion for music? When did music transform from something you loved into something that you also did?

Harrison Storm: I got my first guitar for my 10th birthday and I guess a few years of lessons lead to listening to music differently. It probably wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I realized playing and writing music could be a way of comprehending the world.

Who/what influenced you the most when you were a child? 

My dad taught me to surf at a very young age and he’d take me surfing as much as possible. This definitely fuelled a connection with nature and in particular, the ocean. I also grew up with a creek running through my backyard which lead to my local beach where I spent a lot of time adventuring. Nature coupled with the music that my parents always listened to (Dylan, Morrison, Eagles) were my largest influences.

In a few words, how would you describe your signature sound? How would you characterize your music for those who have not heard it yet?

This is tough. It definitely has a softness to it. In my mind, when I think of my music, I think of the ocean.

If you had to describe your sound in terms of a feelings, how would you describe it?

I guess something similar to melancholy. I find it so hard to pin point feelings to my sound because each time I do, it changes. But to me it has an overall sober, thoughtfulness.

Your first single “Be Yourself” really impressed us. Where did the inspiration for it come from?

Originally it was an unspoken message to my group of friends I had at the time. But the more I sat with the lyrics and melody, I realized it was a lesson for myself.
This is the quality I love about song writing. For me, the transformation and evolution of a song is the most interesting. I love comparing the original (often cringeworthy) demo with the released recording and seeing how I’ve changed as a person over time.

The response to your debut single has been pretty great thus far. What has that feedback been like for you?

It’s been so humbling. It’s opened my eyes to the softness of strangers. I can’t thank everyone enough for the lovely emails, messages and comments people have left.

Some popular songs have meanings and stories behind them that are a lot more crazy than anyone could imagine. Any interesting stories behind the tracks on your EP?

Broken Feather has the most direct story related to it, but its not crazy or anything. I met a girl from the other side of the world some time ago and she really had a big impact on the way I perceived things. We went on a lot of adventures in nature and I got right into meditation when I began writing Broken Feather. When I showed this girl the song she cried a lot. It was in her tiny apartment in the city where I lived with the noise of the traffic so loud it was almost deafening. The song is quite spiritual for me, so playing it in that environment and getting that reaction from her really makes the song super special to me.

What was the biggest challenge with creating this EP? Who are the people you collaborated with?

I had the absolute pleasure of working with some great friends on this EP. Myself and great friend Justin Lewis went into the studio with producer/singer songwriter Hayden Calnin ( who is originally from the same area I grew up) over several months. Justin and I were super privileged to work with Hayden as we are huge fans of his music and we all became great mates because of it all.

Tell us about your busking experience. Where do you usually play? What did performing for people on the streets teach you?

Justin and I play most weeks on Bourke St Mall, which is the main busking street in Melbourne. The busking scene is really great in Melbourne and the Mall is littered with them. There’s a real community amongst us all and we go out of our way to help each other out and chat between sets during the day. The biggest thing I’ve taken away from busking is just the connection with strangers. To be able to stop people from whatever they are doing in that moment and just sit down and listen to our music is truly magic to me. I play a lot with my eyes closed and the feeling I get when I open to my eyes to see all these people I don’t know locked onto me, trying to figure me out is pretty special.

What are you listening to most right now?

Lots of different things. I still listen to a lot of Neil Young though. But since I supported one of my favourite Australian acts Husky last weekend, I’ve been listening to their music a lot. And another Australian guy named Kyle Lionhart. Check him out! But I tend to listen to whatever I can get my hands on.

Who is your biggest hero?

Musically, probably Ben Howard. But in life, probably my father.

In your opinion, Who are top 3 artists from australia to watch out for?

I may be biased because he’s a friend, but Hayden Calnin, the producer of the my EP has an album out this year and he showed me a track last night and it blew my mind. Another guy Sean who plays as Kagu, is making some killer tunes. And finally a Melbourne band called Dr Colossus who play stoner rocky/doom tunes.

What do you think is your life purpose, as a soul on earth?

This is the first time I’ve ever had to write an answer to this sort of question down. So this is testing. But I’d like to move through life with as much compassion as possible.

SSW features inspirational people. Which current peers of your industry inspire you?

Definitely the ones I’ve listed up above. Theres so many talented people in this industry its overwhelming. My closest friends who are working hard at what they love are the most inspiring to me.