Harleymoon Kemp’s early career achievements have seen her land a UK country #1 hit with ‘Space’ and win the prestigious Horizon Award for best new artist at the British Country Music Awards as well as playing high profile festival sets at theIsle of Wight and C2C. Now the singer and songwriter is set to elevate herself to the next level with the May 31st release of her debut EP ‘Lone Ranger’. Today she previews the EP by sharing its first single.
‘What Good Looks Like’ demonstrates that Harleymoon’s songcraft stands out even in the most stripped-back of sounds. Performed with both gracious control and exposed emotional vulnerability, she celebrates the strength that comes with knowing who you are and what a relationship should offer you. Just as importantly, it acknowledges how important the influence of your family is in shaping your hopes and expectations for the future.
Harleymoon says, “My parents gave me an amazing gift, showing me what a loving relationship looks like. It has made it potentially harder for me to settle into love and relationships because they have set the bar so high (a gift and a curse – I’m expecting rainbows maybe). They have shown me what true best friends are, what trust and support is… even if it’s just getting up early to start up the car so it’s not cold when the other person gets in. That’s what good looks like to me.
‘I know what good looks like’ was a line I just kept on saying whenever people asked why I was single. It was so easy to write this song it only took a couple of hours because the story was already my truth.”
What Good Looks Like’ was written by Harleymoon with solo artist Lloren, and it was produced by Charlie T (Calum Scott, Jax Jones).
She adds, “I’ve never been afraid of being honest. Expressing myself through my music is the most honest I can be. We all go through the same things in life but I love the way sharing emotions connects us. I am so drawn to being bare bones and vulnerable in my stories and this EP feels like little movies to me, little capsules of time I didn’t want to forget.”
Harleymoon also co-wrote the other three songs that feature on the EP, with collaborators including Barnabas Shaw (Twinnie, Megan McKenna), Adrian Hall (Goldfrapp, All Saints), Michelle Leonard (AURORA, Robin Schulz) and Jess Sharman (Gabrielle Aplin, Ward Thomas).
‘What Good Looks Like’
‘Lone Ranger’
‘Faith In You’
‘America’
Inspired by the likes of LeAnn Rimes, John Mayer, Maren Morris and Alanis Morrisette, Harleymoon’s songs are often similarly narrative: stories which focus on everyday incidents and emotions, but moments which also shape who we became and how we feel about things. ‘Space’ first fired Harleymoon to attention during lockdown, and she added to that compelling introduction with a series of independently released singles. Her rise was supported with tastemaker acclaim across media and streaming platforms alike, as well as TV appearances in both the UK and US plus an unforgettably flamboyant main stage performance at Brighton Pride.
Based in London but regularly visiting Nashville for sessions, Harleymoon has felt compelled to make music since childhood. It was only natural given her family: her father is actor and Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, her mother is Shirlie Kemp of Pepsie & Shirlie and Wham!, and the TV presenter / recent BRIT Award host Roman Kemp is her brother.
Harleymoon’s most recent headline show came with a sold-out night at The Grace in London before she started 2024 with a bang as she performed to a televised audience of millions as part of London’s New Year’s Day parade. Her summer festival schedule is now taking shape, with the following dates already confirmed.
APRIL
St Georges day Event – Trafalgar Square – HMK to host the whole event and perform.
JUNE
23rd – Cardiff Pride (main stage)
JULY
6th – Oxted Festival (main stage)
13th – The Somerset Weekend festival (main stage)
21st – Urban Van Fest (headliner)
AUGUST
9th – Deva Fest – (main stage)
25th – Carfest – ( Wig wam stage)
SEPTEMBER
22nd – The Weekend Fest
Connect with Harleymoon Kemp: Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram
Photo Credit – Melissa Morgan