Introducing Oli Harris

Feature

Introducing Oli Harris

Oli Harris is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from

Eynesbury, St.Neots writing mainly within rock and alternative music. Here, he tells Spark Magazine about his upcoming debut EP and future live performances.

I started playing guitar at the age of 14 after discovering

David Bowie’s music after his death in 2016. I was captivated by his uniqueness and postmodern spin on what music and entertainment could be via his range of musical styles, and experimental visuals and appearances. This inspired me to both start learning how to sing and play guitar.

I formed my fi rst band at the age of 16 whilst at secondary school, originally just playing cover songs by acts such as Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles along with a few current pop songs. I performed, at a range of open mic nights, weddings, communal events as well as performing at Bedford Esquires under the names

Twenty 20 and Masquerade. I started playing several of my own compositions although this drew to a halt due to the COVID lockdowns.

During lockdown I further developed my writing skills whilst also starting my fi rst year at the University of Hertfordshire studying Songwriting and Music

Production. This time was very valuable to me as it allows me to throw myself fully into writing and recording songs at home, one of which being my fi rst ever release, the single ‘Blu’ coming in the later part of August 2021.

This will be followed by my fi rst EP which I also self produced alongside Sam Burgess (who also plays bass in the band) under the name ‘Life In Space’ set to come out in September 2021. The EP has been influenced by a range of my favourite artists ranging from David

Bowie to Jeff Buckley and The 1975. I still perform with two members of the original band: William Martignetti (drums) and Sam Burgess (bass guitar). We are now also being accompanied by guitarist Leo Tang who I met at

University.

We are set to perform at the Pig’N’Falcon in St.Neots on the 29th of August supporting the alternative pop/rock band Dohny Jep on the last show of their tour where we 26 spark will be performing the entire EP along with a few cover songs. (This will be the fi rst time playing these songs live as well as being the fi rst live performance I have played under my own name). This gig will be followed by a performance at the Offord Charity Beer Festival on the 25th of September. This will be held at Offord Village Hall and tickets can be purchased in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk If you want to hear my music or want to come and see me in the future you can fi nd more information out on my social media: Instagram: @oli_harris18 Facebook Page: @oliharris18 Spotify: Oli Harris (Soon to be online) Apple Music: Oli Harris (Soon to be online)