The elusive Toronto artist continues to impress with another captivating release.
Born in Toronto, Canada, few are destined for the stage in the way that the artist we know as Harkness was. Having grown up as the second of five children in a family where both parents were talented musicians, young Harkness was inspired to delve deeply into music, often faking illness to stay home and explore his father’s extensive record collection.
Having absorbed the sounds of legends like John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis (among others) in his youth, it’s no surprise that Harkness’s natural ear for melodies has held up in the present day.
Learning piano at four and discovering a passion for guitar at twelve, Harkness planted the seeds for the beginning of his grand musical journey early. Growing up, his love for music was second to none, and his natural affinity for it even propelled him to drop out of school at seventeen to tour extensively. Having played across Canada, the U.S., U.K., and Europe with various bands and musicians, including Paul Humphrey and Sara Craig, Harkness racked up experience, honing his craft on stages the world over.
Harkness’s hunger for improvement and personal approach to his artistry means he’s continuously adding depth to his releases. “All The Things You Are” is the latest manifestation of his artistic ability, and an excellent representation of what he’s capable of.
As his guitar eases you into a lush, nostalgic soundscape, Harkness sings. As he drops lines like “Raise your flag today/tomorrow shoot it down / make the same mistakes,” Harkness reflects on all the pain and all the love that has brought him to this point. “All The Things You Are” captivates with its nostalgic and weirdly comforting instrumentals, but the sincerity with which Harkness sings definitely takes this release to the next level.
Through his music, Harkness hopes that his songs help people discover miraculous things about themselves and the world. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Harkness’s new release “All The Things You Are”, out now on all majour streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, Harkness! We loved “All The Things You Are”, we’re dying to know! What was the inspiration behind this release, and what was your favorite part of bringing your vision for this release to life?
'All The Things You Are' came to me in a very vivid dream so this song's inception felt particularly pure and deep to me. I sprung out of bed and picked up my guitar and the whole song spilled out of me in a fast and furious way. As I was writing it, the words were colorfully indirect, but the message and feeling were clear. Despite many of us having been through horrible and challenging moments in our lives this song hopes to remind us that we are not defined by them, that we are much bigger than that.
It's my wish that 'All The Things You Are' can serve as a beacon to those who have been through some form of physical or mental trauma and help them find their way back to the truth, back to the immeasurable, indestructible beauty of their total being. I think my favorite part of bringing this song to life was sharing the experience with all of the people who contributed to it, which included a brilliant young filmmaker named Maria Markina. She is the director of a feature-length film about Harkness, and she was there at every single recording session, capturing it all on film. Maria's presence helped create an extra exciting atmosphere and energy for all of the musicians and myself, it's something I had never experienced before and sets this song apart from all of my others.
What’s your favorite part of the creative process, and why?
There is so much about the whole creative process that I enjoy. I love recording all of the various musicians visiting my studio and also performing many instruments myself; we really shoot for the stars in every session. Mixing is also a super satisfying process, listening to the song as it slowly takes its final sonic shape. But without question my very favorite part of the creative process is the birth of the song. It is and always has been a profoundly mysterious process. Anytime a new song comes through me it is incredibly uplifting to the point of sheer bliss, reaffirming all that is sacred and beautiful to me.
What’s been your favorite part of your music journey so far, and what does music mean to you?
Aside from the creative act itself I have absolutely loved working with so many other fellow musicians. Having someone arrive at your door with a Tuba or Bassoon Cello and then spending such amazingly rich quality time together sculpting feelings with sound is an incredible trip every single time. Sometimes, it's effortless, and you nail the performance and vibe immediately, and other times, you really have to dig deep to achieve that high you are looking for.
Either way, it's the most fun in the world for me. The whole process is dependent on an almost psychic, heartfelt, and invisible communication. Ultimately I think that's what music means to me and why I do it i.e. it's a borderless meeting of souls, there really is no better way to reach someone's core in a real way than through a good song.
If your listeners could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be and why?
There are so many things I think people can take from what I do and my music. I think the major one is inspiration, i.e., 'If I can do it, You can do it,' and I would hope that applies to any and all vocations and dreams. I live my life doing exactly what I love with no restrictions, always have, and always will. There is absolutely nothing stopping you from focusing on what means the very most to you and putting your whole life behind it. Just like any path you choose, there will be constant challenges and obstacles, but at least this way, your heart and soul are at peace with the choices you make every single day.
What’s next for Harkness, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
'All The Things You Are' is the first of a new group of singles I will be releasing from summer to fall, leading up to the release of my full album, Ciao To The Beauty. So get ready for lots of colorful, creative music coming your way.
There is also a feature length film called 'Harkness' Directed by a fantastic young filmmaker named Maria Markina that will be hitting film festivals worldwide this year.
It is a very exciting and emotional trip that goes deep into the journey and world of Harkness, capturing all of the colorful characters in my life, so catch it if you can. While I have this chance I'd like to say Thank You to everyone and anyone who takes the time to listen to my music and explore my creative pursuits, it is appreciated beyond words.