Eighteen
Young singer songwriter Harris Rafferty has just launched his first single, which he hopes will be the start of an incredible musical journey
In the run up to Christmas there’s a new kid on the block on the local music scene. Harris Rafferty, who has had a long-standing interest in songwriting, has just released his first single ‘Eighteen’, which has launched on major online platforms: “I am super-excited to get this out!” says Harris, who has been performing throughout the region to much acclaim.
Living in the Ribble Valley, Harris and his family have always loved music: “My mum and dad are massive music fans.
“I’ve been brought up with music playing all the time at home – rock, pop, indie, just about everything!”
Becoming involved in musical theatre while he was still at school was a game-changer for Harris, who went for his first audition in Year 6 when he was just 10 years old: “I auditioned for Madagascar and got the lead part. I enjoyed it so much, it was a blast!”
As part of Basics Junior Theatre School, Harris got involved in many hugely successful local shows including the King and I, Sister Act and his last show, the Adams Family: “It was all such good fun,” he recalls.
In his early teens Harris started playing the guitar and he went on to star in a musical theatre cabaret evening, singing Dancing in the Dark: “I remember it so well. The feeling was amazing – I was euphoric. Up until then I had always put off gigging as you have to be confident – there’s nowhere to hide when there’s just you on stage.”
Having been coached in guitar by music teacher Jack Herbert, Harris was encouraged to take on various opportunities to support a number of bands and singers including Canadian singer Ché Aimee Dorval and local reggae band Jeramiah Ferrari.
“Jack really gave me the knowledge and confidence,” says Harris, who went on to perform gigs on his own locally and further afield.
“I’ve built up a following locally and on social media,” he says. “My girlfriend Ava Grayce is also a singer and she has really helped with the social media side of things so I can promote myself.
“It’s a big thing to put yourself out there but up to now it’s all been really positive. I love what I do and I love the creativity – it’s an interesting journey and when I look back at what I’ve done it’s an indicator of how I am progressing with my music.”
Having been song writing for the past three years, Harris was inspired to write ‘Eighteen’ after performing ‘Seventeen Going Under’ by singer songwriter Sam Fender, while he was still at musical theatre school. ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ by the Courteeners also provided inspiration as he explains: “I love both those songs so I thought I would be the one to write about Eighteen – it just seemed to evolve very naturally. I fell in love with it and when I finished writing the song I sent it to Ava Grayce as she is my biggest critic. I was a little nervous, but she really liked it.
Having ambitions to produce his own music, Harris contacted Jack and together they recorded a demo tape of ‘Eighteen’, which led to an introduction to music producer Matt Heap at Lancashire-based Suff Studio: “We went on to record ‘Eighteen’ in the studio over three days – there were a lot of people involved and there are lots of people to thank as they all offered support – they were amazing.”
The recording also features guitarist Dan Arnold, drummer Luke Hiron, Joe Reuss on trombone and Lucca Fairhurst on trumpet: “They all contributed and of course, my parents were really supportive.
“They have really encouraged me to follow my dreams – a lot of parents rein in their kids but my mum and dad have always supported me. They love music as much as I do and they totally understand.”
During the three days in the studio Harris was able to see producer Matt at work: “He did all the mixing – it’s a fine art. Without his skills the single wouldn’t sound so balanced and professional.”
It was decided to launch the single at the end of August after Harris had completed his A levels at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School: “I needed time to process everything. You only have one chance at these things, so I decided to do one thing at a time.”
Switching his attention back to ‘Eighteen’, Harris used an online distributor to upload the single whilst also dealing with licencing and copyright details.
The single now features on all major online platforms including Apple, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora and Deezer – with an enthusiastic comment from Harris, saying: “Here it is! Eighteen is out and I hope you’re gonna love it. This is my first of many singles.”
He adds: “To be honest it was terrifying! You put your heart and soul into a song. I didn’t want to look at the numbers straight away – but when I did look I had 2k views and a good number of the people who had listened to the song, continued to like it.
“So overall I am really pleased – the reception has been incredible!”
Hoping that a record label will take interest, Harris who has many more songs lined-up for release, says: “We are making people aware of the single but luck plays a huge part when a record label wants to represent you.
“At the end of the day, I just love singing.”
