Stripping back the song to its raw, original essence, Harrisons classically-inspired fingerpicking and disarming vocals take centre stage. Talking about the acoustic version Harrison says: this version of the song is the truest to how it was when I originally wrote it. Stripped back and just me and the guitar. I think something so bare bones always hits the hardest for me. It’s this vulnerability that I strive to carry with me in day to day life. It’s only really allowed in its full capacity when I’m alone writing, so by releasing these versions of the songs is a way for me to bridge that gap.
Written and recorded in the UK & Australia, the EP is a 5-track offering of encouragement and clarity in love-loss told through tender, introspective lyricism paired with expansive, inspiring, and beautifully composed soundscapes. The EP includes title track Be Slow, as well as two previously released singles: the intoxicating You & I – a haunting narrative of long-suffering love – and the indie-pop anthem Breathe Again, which earned a spot on 18 Spotify New Music Friday playlists, including UK and USA and was featured by the likes of Mahogany, Indie London and 1883 Magazine.
Harrison worked with producers Nick Atkinson and Edd Holloway – the duo has a name for developing new artists – they produced and co-wrote Lewis Capaldis Top 10 hit Grace – in their converted barn studio in the English countryside, before returning home to Australia to complete the EP with long-time collaborator and friend Hayden Calnin. This collection of songs is something I’m really proud of. For me, it covers moments scattered over the past few years, moments that have been defining and pave the way for a new space I feel I’m moving into. There seems to have been a real cleansing emotionally through these songs and I’m starting to become really wide-eyed and excited for what lies ahead. I hope people can connect with these songs in a way I connected with myself writing them, explains Harrison.
Over the past few years, Harrison Storm has crafted a singular style, merging classically-inspired fingerpicking and sophisticated lyrics with a rich and soulful vocal delivery that is both intimate and explosive. A born troubadour, Harrison traded college for busking in Melbourne. The fruits of his impromptu performances financed the 2015 debut EP, Sense of Home. The latter yielded a worldwide hit as Sense of Home‘ generated upwards of 65 million Spotify streams and counting. Signed to Nettwerk, he unveiled the Change It All EP two years later and notched another hit in the form of the title track, which racked up over 35 million Spotify streams. Along the way, he occupied real estate on coveted playlists such as Your Favorite Coffeehouse, Relax & Unwind, The Stress Buster, and more as the total stream tally exceeded 150 million and counting.
The EP is a skilfully-crafted musical gem that shares a painful, yet sobering reflection of love and loss with emotional honesty and sharply observed lyrics that have come to define Harrisons innate ability to paint a picture that instantly connects with the human soul.
Photo Ella Crotty