Real Talk: Sinead Harnett, Singer/Songwriter
Sinead Harnett is a singer/songwriter from London, UK. Over the last decade, she has collaborated with the likes of Disclosure, Rudimental & Snakehips, toured the world, released multiple EPS’s and last year, dropped her debut album.
Sinead is like a sister to me. We grew up together in an assuming town in North London, bonding over music and subway sandwiches. Seeing her rise from those early days to where she is now has been a constant source of inspiration and even more exciting, I know she’s only just getting started.
In this issue of Real Talk, we discussed where Sinead finds inspiration, what it’s like doing virtual gigs, the necessary evil of social media and all the things she’s going to do once quarantine is over.
I hope you enjoy this one!
Zack
Hi Sinead. How’s it going? Where are you and what are you feeling right now?
Heyaaa!! All is well thank you. I’m in the comfort of my flat, its 1:31 am and I’m feeling a few things. First, why can’t I just go to bed at a normal hour? Second, shall I eat the chocolate that’s in my fridge and third, I’m feeling very grateful for my health (and the chocolate that’s in my fridge).
I imagine it’s pretty weird to be a singer/songwriter without any studio time or live gigs. What has this experience been like for you so far and how are you adapting?
I’ve found that I flit between feeling very euphoric and very anxious, but mostly the good emotion. I can’t begin to imagine what life is like for our health workers and those being badly affected by the virus. This, the news and not seeing my family are the things that contribute to my anxious feelings. But, the simple things that are now such highlights of my day e.g - hot showers, hearing the birds sing, taking a walk in the sun and playing on the keyboard are things that fill me with euphoria.
In terms of being a singer, I’ve learnt how to work smarter. I used to rush around doing too much every day, too many writing sessions, too many meetings. I have found peace in the stillness, and that has helped inspire me to write. So, if and when normality resumes, I must take these learnings with me!
Are you finding this to be a more or less creative time than usual? What are the challenges and benefits of making music on lockdown?
It’s a way more creative time for me. When you are less busy, you can let the inspiration pour over you when it’s ready. It was harder to find it when I was more stressed about being too busy.
There are of course challenges, like not having the luxury of studio recording, gigs and festivals getting cancelled (which are the main money earners) and getting a little lonely at times. But the benefits have been marvellous. I feel like mother nature is getting a break from all the abuse us humans have given it over the years, and that makes me feel a little relieved.
I’m discovering who I am way more because I have to face myself each day (I live alone) and through doing that I’m becoming a more self-assured artist.
When can we hear some of this lockdown material?
I actually wrote a song about being in quarantine which is coming out soon! I’m really proud of it, and it was something that felt like it wrote itself.
👋 BLUNT is a newsletter that takes you behind the scenes of creativity, with weekly interviews, news and stories.
If you’re enjoying this one, why not sign up now!
We’ve seen the music industry quickly adopt virtual gigs to stay connected with fans. Is this a trend that you can see staying around? What’s it like singing to thousands of people through your phone, from your own living room?
Now is a time when people are more hooked to their phones than ever. I can’t say I think this is a healthy thing, but I guess being indoors this much means we have more time to be on them out of sheer boredom. I think the trend will definitely reduce once we are allowed outdoors and to work again etc, but I will say that doing concerts at home is so fun and relaxed. It has given me a sense of community which I’ve missed so much.
It’s probably an even more difficult time for artists who weren’t fans of social media in the first place. What’s your relationship like with social? Do you think social media is key to being a successful music artist these days?
I’ve always had worries about social media. It’s hard not to compare yourself when on it. I also don’t feel great when I’m on my phone for too long, it’s like a weird internet vortex that sucks you in and steals your hours away. However, since I started to have more fun with it, I found a way to enjoy it. It definitely is a HUGE part of being a successful artist these days. We are saturated with so much new music and news each day, that you can easily be missed if you don’t have an online presence. In an ideal world, we would all be like Frank Ocean and not need to be on it to be heard. But he is an anomaly and that’s that!!
What advice do you have for up and coming artists during this time?
I don’t see myself as any sort of guru, but I guess using this opportunity to get yourself out there and project who you are would be a great step into building your brand.
We know that most artists rely on touring to pay the bills, but with no gigs for the next few months at least, how can we best support artists right now?
I think when we do live concerts from our home it could be an idea for people to donate what they can, just so that there’s some money coming in that might help the financial dent of cancelled shows.
How do you stay inspired?
By letting everything just ‘be’. Not forcing it, and keeping it moving. I rarely just do nothing. Even if it’s doing some housework or taking my 1-exercise-a-day walk, having a hot shower or cooking - all of these things occupy my mind to be present, and in that state, ideas can flow.
Once the quarantine is over, what’s next for you?
I’m going straight to see my family and hug them all SO TIGHT!!! Then after that? Album number 2, TV performances, America and hopefully spreading my sounds across the whole globe!
Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to a bunch of creatives on the internet?
STAY HOME !!!!!
Thanks again to Sinead! Follow her on Instagram and listen to her music on Spotify & Apple Music.
👋 BLUNT is a newsletter that takes you behind the scenes of creativity, with weekly interviews, news and stories.
If you enjoyed this one, check out our previous issues or Sign up now!