AVM Publicity (Print media and television)
Anouk Van Meeuwen
Ph: 02 9974 3198
M: 0411 724 598
Radio publicity (radio)
Katania Lee Music
Artist Publicity and Consultancy Services
Ph: 07 3394 4256
M: 0409 090 104
Influences
Those who get a chance to watch this cowgirl singing her folksy, rootsy, country songs walk away believing she has lived every word of them, and damn it, she has. Her debut song ‘Tailwind’ song caught the attention of Roseanne Cash and beat Nashville writers to a win in the International Songwriting Competition. A virtual unknown she came out swinging with the quirky ‘Somebody Stole My Horse’. She jokingly refers to the hit song as her post modern take on both kinds (country & western) with a tongue in cheek poke at denial, relationships and excuses. If you think you can hear a hint of Patty Loveless, Wynonna, Terri Clark and Trisha Yearwood well maybe that’s because when she was old enough to realise that the music she listened to had a label these were the artists she sought out, spending hours listening to the cassettes and learning the songs. Nowadays Harmony isn’t so fussed on learning all the great songs from country’s finest because she is so busy creating her own songs and her own sound from her own experiences.
Sounds Like
Developed in isolation with no training or mentoring Harmony has come up with a style and sound that is compared to no one, but has captivated many. Country but not hokey, you will not find a ute or a swag mentioned anywhere. Her songs are tasteful yet quirky, serious yet self deprecating.
Harmony James has the soul of a drifter and an insatiable wanderlust. An introvert who sees the world through the bottom of a glass half empty she has found her niche writing songs about loneliness, loss and longing. Every now and then though, a surprising burst of sunlight emerges and a little joy shines through.
Harmony has hauled her guitar and her life across the deserts of the west, through tiny towns, down long highways, and deep into the heart of her country. Her songs have documented every change, every mile and every heartache.
Born in the south, on her 9th birthday her father packed the whole family into an old Ford and they started the long trip up to Queensland’s far north. She grew up barefoot, riding through cane fields and swimming in crystal clear waterholes.
A preacher’s daughter, Harmony sang with her 11 siblings at every opportunity and was an alto in the church choir. She grew up listening to old cassettes of bluegrass and country gospel.
As a teenager she earned her money singing on the street with a busted old guitar. Eventually moving into bars, she sang the songs of George Strait, Dolly Parton and her other favourites while learning the ways of the world from onstage.
A hankering for the western wind took her far out under channel country skies where she worked as a ringer, chasing cattle and embracing the isolation while she honed her craft of writing songs. Finally, after years dreaming, writing her own songs and singing everyone else’s, she made the trip to Sydney and cut her own record. An EP with just 4 original tracks, she released 3 radio singles which all made the Top 10.
Her debut song ‘Tailwind’earned her instant international recognition and a chance at the CMAA Golden Guitar Award for New Talent. This was followed up by what has become her signature song ‘Somebody Stole My Horse’, a track that racked up 4 weeks in the number 1 spot on the National Country Music Charts. She then released the beautiful, acoustic ‘Home’ which quietly found its way to number 2.
Now, for those who know and love her music, all there is to do is wait.
The forthcoming album will bring you in to her world sharing a little more honesty, humour, harsh reality and baring a little more of her soul.
Hi Harmony, received your New CD "Tailwind" in the post today from JB HiFi. Just played it. Excellent album and songs (all 16). Lots of new songs I hadn't heard before.Couple of the new ones that stand out are "Precious Little" and "Good Enough". But then again they're all Great! The New CD is something you should be proud of. Hope the sales and album launch go well. Have a great week.
JB Hifi say my CD is in the mail ... Cap News arrives today with ads & article promising duet with Kevin Bennett (How cool!) ... its been a long time since I looked forward to a CD so much ....
Just saw your message about the New CD. Have pre-ordered a copy. Looking forward to listening to all the new tracks. Already have the EP. Have a Great week...
Heard "Fly" this morning on 98.9 - when's the video comin? I spent the weekend setting up our spot for the Muster in August - any chance we'll see Harmony at the Muster this year?
Are you going to Pat's workshop again? He's in town now.
Anyhow, I'd love you to have a copy of the title track to my album 'Waiting for the Rain' for free (lots of nice slide guitar on that one) - you can download it free from http://www.zerafinazara.com.au
(or send me your email and I can send you the album there)
Hi Harmony. I've been looking at Bob's pictures from Caboolture. Looks like you had a great time there. I'm jealous because I've never seen you with a band!! By the way, I love Fly! When's the album coming out?
I think you get a amazing future in front of you with your music, because you have a amazing, beautiful and wonderful song voice and you have real good and amazing songs:):)
Hi Harmony, Thanks for accepting our friendship & you are most welcome! I truly believe you are a breath of fresh and we can't wait to hear more. Best Wishes Michael & Heidi
Great catching up yesterday and today Harmony..Gotta get more local gigs..John S might set up his "lounge room" again...And ,thats right,gotta check if that recorder worked for landline...bob
I think the Urban Country music festival was pretty impressed with you as well ... Landline WAS basically about A.I. too hey? I learned a lot about genomes! ... Good coverage ... but where was the hissy fit you mentioned?
Hey Harmony, just watched Landline. They did a really good segment on you. Already got your EP, have to let me know when your new CD is released. Have a Great week...
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