The Artist Explains: Harmony Byrne - 'Demise'
Australian psych-rock artist Harmony Bryne has released her debut recording ‘Demise’, she took a moment to talk to us in more depth about the track.
What is the track ‘Demise’ about?
I wrote ‘Demise’ over the course of many years, starting with the spoken word part in 2011 and then the first part 2016. I wanted it to capture the demise of humanity. It’s a call to be better, to listen, to love, to be greater than our flesh seemingly permits us, and it’s an acknowledgment that we are all in it together whether we like it or not.
You recorded it live out in the woods, what made you decide to record it that way?
I like recording live and in one take, and because this song in particular is such a journey, it made sense to try and capture it all in one go. I also love the quality of sound that tape carries. It's a great way to keep things raw and warm. Not having heaps of takes that can be comped together offers more honesty and enables you to just move on. Working within those parameters pushed me to really focus, like I would at a show. We recorded in the forest because my dear friend Joe had a home studio set up and because it was a home for me for many years and because one should never question recording in the woods if the opportunity arises.
Are there any behind the scenes stories from the recording process?
I remember being really sick and not being able to sing a full take. I think it was take 3 and all of a sudden the sun came out from behind the clouds and shone directly on the drum kit which refracted light throughout the whole room on all of us. I was like ' oh of course' and away we went and that was that.
Your music style is very bluesy with a late 60s vibe, do you take influence from that period. If so who?
For sure I'm influenced from that period, and many others of course. This song in particular is influenced by The Doors, Janis Joplin and Jeff Buckley.