Harl3y is an R&B and Hip-hop artist from Jersey City, New Jersey. The aspiring songwriter and producer has been making music professionally for five years. However, his career is the result of a lifelong love of music. The thirty year-old singer lists diverse musical influences such as; Drake, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and even Coldplay. This broad range of inspiration is reflected in his new EP.
Over the course of just four songs, Harl3y explores multiple styles and genres on “National Anthem.” The record opens with the emotional soul ballad, “Dear God.” The track is built on a jazzy and organic arrangement of piano, bass, and acoustic drums. Harl3y recounts tales of family, life and love in an R&B prayer, “Dear God, don’t let me leave before I be the man that I know I’m supposed to be.”
“Glow” introduces some Hip-hop flavor with a trap beat and deep electronic bass. Atmospheric vocal effects and synths create an ambient space for Harl3y’s smooth singing and melodic rap. “Thotiana Walk” shifts to a Caribbean groove. The singer calls out to the object of his affection over a mellow Dancehall, peppered with Island vibes and percussion. It’s a cool summertime jam.
The final track on “National Anthem” takes a dramatic stylistic turn with a sound reminiscent of 80’s New Wave. On “Million Miles Away,” Harl3y sings an emotional love song over a rich synthwave track that brings to mind the classic Alt-Pop sounds of Berlin. It is an adventurous and creative direction to take on an R&B song, and it works.
Although Harl3y’s career is still relatively young, he has already worked with some big names including; Ghostface Killah , Raekwon, Big Daddy Kane and many more. Follow the links below to connect with this exciting artist. And check out “Thotiana” on the Deep Indie Beat playlist.
Connect:
Harl3y on the Deep Indie Beat playlist
