Harry And The Chicks
1) Tell us something about yourself that your fans may not know.
A: I had never seen Spider-Man before because I never liked superhero movies growing up, but I was taken to see Spider-Man: No Way Home and I loved it so I binge watched all of them. Now I can tell you that Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 3 is my favourite movie of all time, take from that what you will.
2) What was the inspiration behind your latest single 'Snakes In The Streets?'
A: I was suffering with sleep paralysis and having nightmares about when I was stalked as a teenager. The lyrics and melody came to me all at once after producing some of the backing with my producer, Imad Salhi, in the studio. It was a way to free myself from the anxiety I was living with. The music video was based on more recent events. I was walking to and from the studio whilst we were making this song and I was catcalled and harassed fourteen times. It made the lyrics very current to me, and gave the music video its narrative.
3) What was the studio process like when putting together this single?
A: The backing came together quickly and I thought it was a really energetic and driven sound from the beginning. I had some lyrics that were on my phone that I used before I wrote the lyrics we hear today, that gave us some melody ideas, but most of the core melody and lyrics came to me after I left our first session. We recorded all the vocals with loads of harmonies and ad libs, and then Dante Coates came in to layer some guitars. We added the final layers of production and effects, and then the track was finished. I was very sure of the way I wanted this track to sound from the beginning, taking inspiration from artists like Kim Petras and Griff.
4) How important was it for you to get involved with SafeUp, an app that helps women get out of uncomfortable situations?
A: I was following lots of anti harassment pages after being catcalled more in the last year than in my whole life, and SafeUp came across my page and followed me. I was floored when I saw that only women & gender minorities could join their app and that everyone on it was vetted. This app is a necessity in my life. If my family and friends can't pick up the phone when I'm alone in an uncomfortable situation, I know SafeUp is there to keep me safe. You can use SafeUp at any time you are out walking alone, whether you feel uncomfortable or not, it is a way women can have safer journeys walking home alone.
5) What can others do to help stop situations like this or get involved with the app?
A: When you see someone in the street being harassed, speak up. Too often people allow harassment to happen and feign ignorance. Women need men as allies and it's important men call out their friends on their inappropriate behaviour, and also raise awareness of apps like SafeUp. Of course, men are also harassed and I expect men and women to defend men when this happens too. SafeUp can be joined by any woman and gender minority, and if you're over 18 you can train to become a guardian to help other women walk home safely.
6) What is one message you would give to your fans?
A: If you see or experience harassment, know you're not alone and that your voice can help make a change. I am a small artist, but I've managed to talk about my experiences through song, music video, on social media, radio and through news outlets so far. I will do whatever I can to make a change because I'm passionate about making the streets safer for everyone, and not fearing being approached when I am out.
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