8 minute read
HARRY MCGARRITY
Harry McGarrity, this local hottie is not only talented but is the typical guy next door who deals with the same issues we all do, we chat about how he deals with mental health, his love for performing, rising music career, what 2021 has in store and so much more!
TELL OUR READERS MORE ABOUT YOU, AGE, WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Well, I’m 20 years old, I grew up and still currently live in Bangor, which is nice in some parts like the beach, but I can feel myself becoming attracted to Belfast and on the look for apartments in the area.
IS MUSIC/PERFORMING SOMETHING YOU ASSOCIATE WITH FAMILY? DID THE INTEREST COME FROM PARENTS OR ANYTHING?
Music was always a massive part of my family, my dad has a record collection that would put old record companies to shame, I would spend hours, peeling them out of their case, admiring the artwork, experiencing the time and effort gone into it, it’s a lost art but I can see it coming back
My dad was also a singer in the 80’s performing in bars like the Limelight, Duke of York. He mostly did his own material, which I think is pretty fantastic and I’m looking to record some of his stuff and release it sometime soon.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING?
I’ve been performing since I could walk and talk, my Dad often quotes my grandad, he would watch me perform songs I had made up in front of the TV when I was only 4 years old, he was probably messing around when he said this, but he came out with “Mark my words, that kid will be on the stage someday”. Performing professionally however, that would be just under 6 years.
IF YOU COULD WORK WITH ANYONE DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I’d work with anybody though has to be Elvis, they say never meet your heroes but I don’t care, I would want to work with him, his ability to hold a crowd without even saying a word, his unapologetic manner towards life, his effortless charisma and of course, he vocals, in short, I would work with Elvis.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?
At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal because I had so much momentum and with every gig there was the same amount of energy and passion no matter the crowd, whether it be 5 people or 500 people. My greatest achievement would be performing at the Irish Pharmacy awards in Dublin to a crowd of 1000 people, I can’t wait to be back at it.
YOU SHARED YOU’RE THE FIRST SONG YOU PENNED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, HAVE YOU LEARNED MUCH IN THIS SHORT TIME ABOUT THE WRITING PROCESS?
My writing process has been a strange one, it all started in the first lockdown last year, I had more time than I knew what to do with so I started writing, then some more, after a while I struggled to stop, ideals would come flooding in and it became addictive, anything would inspire me, it taught me to always be aware of things, be present and in the moment, you never know what may bloom from the simplest of experiences.
WHEN COVID HIT LAST YEAR, THE WORLD LITERALLY CHANGED
OVERNIGHT, HOW HAVE THE PAST 12 MONTHS BEEN FOR YOU PERSONALLY? HAVE YOU TAKEN UP ANY NEW HOBBIES?
The last 12 months for everyone have been strange, good but strange, I’ve really come to grips with myself, one thing you’ll learn when spending so much time with yourself, you begin to get to know yourself, may sound strange but when you’re caught up in daily life whether it be a 9-5 job or nightshift, you forget to check in with yourself and ask the question “how am I today?”.
My writing really took off, it’s something I’ve never really explored but always felt I had something to say, so it’s been a wonderful experience and one that I hope will take me further
ANYONE WHO DOESN’T KNOW, YOU RECODED SONGS FOR THOSE WHO COULDN’T GET MARRIED, WAS THIS YOUR OWN IDEA OR DID SOMEONE ASK YOU THEN THE IDEA TOOK OFF?
sounding too cocky. You know what, it’s been a tough year, especially for couples getting married and as most of my work would be weddings, I saw this first hand. I was chatting with a lovely girl who was due to be married late last august and she had told me how much money she had lost, how she might not even be able to have her wedding due to the money lost and I just felt awful for her, so that’s where the idea stemmed, I asked her what her wedding dance song was and I said I’ll send her a full video and track of me singing it so she has something to dance to on what would have been her big day.
LAST YEAR YOU WERE VOCAL ABOUT YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH, ARE YOU IN A BETTER PLACE TODAY? HOW DO YOU MANAGE DAY TO DAY?
Mental health is one of those things, everyone knows about, but nobody really understands or talks about… I do struggle, I won’t lie, not in a massive way but its every day. I have the ability to smile like putting on a show by playing a role but at the end of the day, the show comes to a close and that’s when the truth comes out, and the thoughts build, its completely manageable but the thoughts are there, and I firmly believe I’m not alone. So many people feel this way, if they know they are loved and cared for then that’s what truly matters.
YOU TRY TO DO YOUR BIT FOR CHARITIES, DOES THIS SPAWN FROM YOUR OWN STRUGGLES?
I believe charities are wonderful, it’s quite hard to imagine a group of people who offer help and support to those in need, and don’t want any money in return, these are beautiful people, and they need to be recognised and supported. I support because of my own struggles but also to give back, every day you need to be doing things for others, I always say “Where there is Love there is also Love” meaning if you give everything you have to others, they reciprocate, where there is love in you there will be love in others.
ON THE SUBJECT LAST YEAR, YOU HAD A CONCERT PLANNED IN THE EUROPE, LIKE SO MANY THINGS IT
WAS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID, ARE THERE ANY PLANS AFOOT TO DO IT LATER THIS YEAR?
The Europa Gig, a sore spot for me… a YEAR in planning, lots of money spent, lots of practice, lots of fall outs so to answer your question Daniel, the show will happen, and it is going to blow everyone away. We’re looking at November which should give us the COVID CLEAR and allow peace of mind for those attending.
SINCE DECEMBER YOU HAVE RELEASED 2 SONGS AND FAB VIDEOS, 1ST WAS I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS, AND RECENTLY BABY COME BACK, DO YOU ENJOY THE VIDEO MAKING PROCESS? ARE YOU COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA ETC?
I love making videos, everything about them, the planning, the story, the mood and of course performing. People like to picture certain songs in their head, but music videos are wonderful because it allows the listener to experience how the writer sees the song and that’s what I’ve tried to capture in my videos. I also have a wonderful team behind me who help with this process, Ross Bickerstaff my Manager who pushes me beyond any limit I set for myself and Peter Johnston the beautiful man who doesn’t get to be on camera because he’s the one holding it.
HOW CAN OUR READERS SUPPORT AND HEAR YOUR MUSIC, ARE YOU ON FB, INSTA, SPOTIFY ETC?
Everyone can hear my music on Spotify, Apple music and all major streaming platforms, if you want to stare at my ugly mug for 3 mins my videos are on YouTube and if you want regular updates or just want to hear me talk rubbish and try to be a motivational guru, you can find me on insta and fb, please feel free to give me a shout, unless you’re going to slabber, I get enough of that from my ex’s…
EASE, WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Gigging, 100%, I want to be out performing to the masses of people who haven’t heard live music in 8 months. I can’t wait to feel that electric buzz, the atmosphere when you know the crowd is following your every move, and are with the in the emotions, the feelings and making beautiful memories, also making a bit of money again would be nice, I’ve forgot how much a boojum is…
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? ARE YOU PLANNING AN ALBUM OR ANYTHING?
Very good question, I wish I knew. I’m writing all the time so an album is for definite, some sad songs, some happy ones, some your granny will like some she’ll disown you if you ever play them again. What I can guarantee Is that I am going to work HARD, I’m going to work harder than I have ever in the past, I want everyone hearing my music, feeling the same emotions I have when I pour my heart onto a page and I want them to LOVE every second of it because I know I sure will.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Soon we’ll be launching “Baby Come Back” merchandise, we’ve got a range of items, hoodies, t shirts and facemasks. We are looking at pushing the show until November, be sure to check my insta and fb Page for updates. Other than that, just keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, it’s gonna be fun…
Thank you, Daniel, I really enjoyed that, and I very much appreciate you approaching me and offering me this opportunity.
INTERVIEW BY DANIEL MAY
