Meet The Nottingham Songstress Harleighblu

Rising artist Harleighblu is bringing the funk and soul to music lovers everywhere. Hailing from Nottingham, the songstress has been surrounded by music all her life – from immersing herself in her mother’s record collection to writing and recording at the young of 7. Over the years, Harleighblu tirelessly worked on her craft – molding and creating an unmistakable signature sound and style. After some time performing at talent shows and hustling to buy her own music equipment, the singer-songwriter met producer Dino Nisbett, setting the stage for her rise in music. Fast forward, and Harleighblu has released an array of singles and five albums – including her latest record ‘She’ with producer Bluestaeb. The new album is a testament to her unapologetic and refreshing artistry that Soul and R&B lovers will thoroughly enjoy.

We got a chance to chat with Harleighblu about everything from her album, working with Bluestaeb, and more…

Your album She is an amazing soulful body of work. How did this record come to be?

Thank you! I first heard Bluestaebs music in a jazz cafe in 2016… after a few ignored tweets (lol) I contacted his manager – we soon met up in Paris (where he now lives) and the rest is history as they say! We recorded the whole album in Berlin, and it’s our proudest work yet I’d say.

Which track off the album was your favourite to create?

Present… It’s based on a true story. And I got so into writing the storyline that even on our dinner break I carried on writing… effing, blinding, being generally explicit and telling it how it is. It’s a deeply personal track, and we wrote and recorded it at Red Bull Studios Berlin. It’s the D’angelo “shit damn motherfucker” track I’ve wanted to make my whole life!

What was it like to work with Bluestaeb on the album?

Incredible… he let me do my thing… write about what I needed to, wanted to. Even the album title She. He knew it was necessary. His beats and production are next level, and I think the combination of both our ideas creatively is why the album is so special.

The video for ‘Cake’ is such a vibe. What inspired the visual?

Thank you! Honestly? Berlin… we created the whole record in Berlin, and even though I reference England throughout the album lyrically, visually, we wanted to express Berlin’s part in our story. 

When did you decide you wanted to pursue music?

It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do… write songs… write stories… perform. It’s just a part of who I am.

What was your experience like supporting Rag’n’Bone Man?

We supported him at PRS for music summer showcase, and it was just before human dropped! His voice is phenomenal live. Very happy I got to see his career grow in the way it did… it was pretty fascinating how quickly it all happened but is super deserved.

You performed at Lollapalooza in Berlin this year. What were some of your favourite moments of that weekend? 

Yes! Possibly my fav moment of 2019… it was amazing playing such a huge festival!! And the new album out live. Myself and the band got kitted out with Levi’s and Vans on arrival, Champaign after the show. Felt like I was a proper musician that day 😉 it was lush!

What type of impact do you want your music to have?

I want it to be long-lasting… how we still talk about D’Angelo, Amy, Lauryn, Anderson, Erykah… I hope to make long-lasting music… classic records. Hopefully “She” falls under the category <3. And through my stories and the issues, I chose to highlight from my own life in my music… I hope to empower you.

Make sure to check out her video for ‘Queeen Dem’ and listen to her album She here…