Inspired #397 - Harvey Jay Dodgson
20-year-old singer-songwriter Harvey Jay Dodgson has just released the visuals for his new single ‘Tell Me’.
The track is driven by a kicking drum groove, which is met with a hypnotic guitar sound and looping baselines. He brings an effortlessly smooth vocal performance with his signature rasp adding heaps of attitude and character to this fiery release.
Speaking on the track, Harvey explains; “Driven bass and breakbeat drums set the scene for a swooping lead guitar line and you're already in the heat of the moment, middle of a crowded space, feet matching the energy of the music, eyes set on one thing. At that precise point in time, it's what you desire the most. Let your body be absorbed in a northern soul disco of percussion, gospel backing vocals and catchy lyrics as my latest track urges you to put on your dancing shoes and tell whoever it is to join you in the heart of the dance floor. Tell me, tell me, tell me ... do you want this feeling?” ‘Tell Me’ is a feeling, a mood, and a cut which is undeniably fun, with an air of spontaneity and impulse looming over the verses and released within the tracks animated chorus’ as the twenty-year-old puts his phenomenal penmanship on full display.
He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Kasabian - first band I remember listening to, love their experimental side and the rocky rawness of their earlier music / Kendrick Lamar - his use phrasing, flow, internal rhyme, as well as the fearlessness of vocal experimentation and musicality / Kate Bush - the topics she writes about as well as her paving unique vocal techniques which make her songs extremely interesting to focus in to.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
Old Disney films such as 101 Dalmatians, Robin Hood and Jungle Book inspire the fairytale aspects to my writing, such as certain characters and stories which I mainly use metaphorically.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
My hometown, Portsmouth. Having lived on the outskirts of the city all my life, if spent most of my time and have been greatly inspired by the sea, the people and the different aspects of life which formulate around it.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
My parents inspire me more than anyone else. They've always shown themselves to be extremely driven, they've taught me to be selfless, and they always appreciate the smaller things in life.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
My love of dancing and letting loose, Portsmouth night life, and the attractions it holds.
How would you like to inspire people?
Through my music, inspiring other artists to write about new and interesting topics, not holding back on the music they love to write, and approaching it without fear. I'd also like to inspire people to look more positively upon their lives, help other people, and make people smile.
