A QUICK CHAT WITH HARRISON STORM
Connection has always remained at the heart of everything Australian indie-folk singer-songwriter Harrison Storm has created, and on his recently released debut album Wonder, Won’t You? he is offering listeners an invitation to join him on a wondrous journey of unbridled introspection into the deepest crevices of his own heart and mind. To celebrate the release, Harrison will embark on a run of capital city headline shows, taking to stages in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth throughout February and March before heading to Europe, the UK, and the US throughout April.
What is the inspiration for your new album?
The songs for the album are from the last two to three years of my life. Working through some pretty intense mental health issues, as well as some relationships forming and ending.
Is there a theme or central point within this record? Where did it grow from, and how did it come about?
Music for me is very therapeutic, so the songs take on the form of processing my emotions and trying to understand how I feel and see the world. I took myself away on a writing trip in 2022 to work on songs for the album, it was a hugely healing time.
What was the creation of this record like? Take us through the process!
Spending time away focusing on writing songs for the album was crucial. I had two weeks in this beautiful house right on the water. It was a very inspiring time, but also quite exposing in terms of being by myself just focusing on music. It was the first time I’d done something like that. So, taking these songs that are very personal to me to [ARIA Music Award nominee] Dustin Tebbutt, who produced the record, was something that meant a lot to me.
What is your favourite memory from writing and creating the record?
The first few days in the studio with Dustin were pretty magical. I had a bunch of demos that I’d made that we were basing elements of the songs from. I’m no expert when it comes to production, so to have Dustin turn some of my ideas into polished productions was very rewarding.
Who/what are your influences/inspirations?
Artistically, I’m hugely influenced by artists such as Asgeir, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Ben Howard. I also take a lot of inspiration from nature and where I live is full of natural beauty that finds its way into my music in some way or another.
What do you love about making music?
I love getting lost in creating and expressing. You can be playing guitar for hours and come out the other side feeling like a different person. There’s a quality of presentness and imagination that ignites and fills me with energy.
You’ve had quite the musical journey leading to your debut album – what lessons have you learnt along the way that helped you bring this record together?
I’ve been so fortunate to work with a team that are equally as passionate about the project as I am. Having people in your corner who champion you, makes the entire process so much more rewarding. So, I guess the lesson there is to work with people who get you.
If you had to summarise the record in one-sentence, what would you say?
I hope you know it’s okay to feel that way, and there’s always someone who has an ear to lend.
You’re heading out on quite an extensive tour around Australia, Europe, the US and the UK once the record is out – what can fans and listeners expect from these shows and how are you planning to bring this new music to life?
I’ll be playing with a band for the first time in a long time here in Australia and for the very first time overseas too. So naturally the show is going to be a lot bigger and more of a journey. I can’t wait to show everyone!
