Harleymoon Kemp | 5 Minutes With

Splitting her time between London and Nashville, country artist Harleymoon Kemp soaks up as much of her surroundings as possible. Exposed to music from as early as she can remember, her father Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet and mother Shirlie Kemp of Papsie & Shirlie and Wham!, it was undeniable that Harleymoon would quickly follow their musical path. The songwriter has now unveiled her own debut EP, Lone Ranger, showcasing her impressive storytelling lyrics that hone in on her own experiences over the years, as well as her ability to craft emotion-driven, foot-stomping country hits.

Lone Ranger truly includes something for everyone, as Harleymoon touches on themes from love affairs, relationships and wild nights in Las Vegas! The songwriter shares, “The EP is just more encounters that I hope everyone makes their own. Lone Ranger was written after a one night crush with a total cowboy. Faith in You was about really feeling safe in your home with your friend, lover or family and it’s a duet with the incredible Alex Francis who I met in Nashville on a writing camp, he’s also James Bay’s brother and has that indie crunchy beautiful tone in his voice. America was written on a female writing camp and produced in Nashville.. so great for anyone digging country crossover sounds!”

Noctis Magazine spoke with Harleymoon Kemp about the new EP, her dream collaboration and upcoming festival plans.

First off, congratulations on the release of your new EP, Lone Ranger. Can you give our readers an idea of what they can expect from the EP in just three words?

Three words?!? I’m a country songwriter – I like to use as many as I can fit haha ok three words..

Storytelling / Country / Romance /

The EP features four songs, from the heart-wrenching love anthem “What Good Looks Like”, to the foot-stomping title-track “Lone Ranger”. Do you have a favourite song from the EP and if so, what is it and why?

“What Good Looks Like” – it is so personal to me, I wrote it about my parents, the love they have shown me and the standard of relationship I’m looking for. I know it exists because my parents have shown me what good looks like.. so I’m holding out for the good stuff!

I do also love “Lone Ranger” – I wrote it after a trip to vegas.. “Cowboy boots in the casino, kissed where everyone could see…” you can listen to get the rest of the story 😉 It makes me want to dance in the kitchen kicking the air to this song and I highly encourage others to do the same!

You’ve shared how the songs on the EP all come from personal experiences that you hope others will be able to relate to in their own way. Are there ever any moments in your life that you struggle to be so open with in your songwriting?

My songs are all very literal experiences to me – it’s straight out my diary. I never want to ‘try’ to write a song, they are the thoughts in my head at the time that fall out. It’s an amazing free therapy tool I have to move on emotionally, once it’s in a song I’ve closed the door on that feeling.

Your track “Faith In You” features an incredible duet from Alex Francis. How did this collaboration come about?

Alex and I met in Nashville at a writing camp. He has a dreamy, crunchy and smooth almost Paolo Nutini voice and I fell into it!! We had written a couple times in the UK since, so when I wrote faith in you I just kept hearing it as a duet to really bring the thick texture the song needed – the track really builds as it goes on and I couldn’t do it with anyone else! Alex is the best.

Speaking of collaborations, who would be your dream artist of choice, dead or alive?

Ohhhhfff…. I love Alanis Morissette, I grew up on her and if there was ever an opportunity to sing with her … I think she’s a genius.

You recently hosted and performed on the main stage at the Mayor of London’s St. George’s Day festival in Trafalgar Square. Can you tell us about that experience and are there any highlights from the day?

Yeah at first I thought they must have been asking for my brother Roman (tv/ radio presenter) and only I was available haha but it turned out they did want me to host the whole show! I’m very confident on stage but it was definitely a first.. and I loved it! The backdrop was phenomenal, I was smiling all day. Performing “Lone Ranger” in the middle of Trafalgar square was something I will remember forever.

You split your time between both London and Nashville. Other than your love for country music, do you think there is anything else about the culture or lifestyle in Nashville that you think influences your sound?

The thing I love about Nashville is the talent – the songwriters, it’s inspiring. Every bar, every club, restaurant .. Everywhere you turn there is someone playing incredible music. The standard of songwriting there blew me away the first time I went and I feel like I wanted to join the circus and never go home. I just love the storytelling you can do with country style music. Fills me with joy.

If Lone Ranger was the soundtrack to any film or TV show, what do you think it would be and why?

Oh yes – The “Lone Ranger” single could be a Velma and Louise moment where they are driving off into trouble or Coyote Ugly where they can stomp on the bar. “Faith In You” I’d want in a Hugh Grant movie, making everyone cry as the lovers come back together.

You’re set to perform at lots of festivals this summer. What else can we expect from Harleymoon Kemp this year?

Festival season is kicking off – lots of cowboy boots and tassels in my suitcase at the moment. Now the music is out my main focus is to take that baby on the road!!