There must be something in the water in Brisbane. Not only is the Queensland city producing some incredible talent of late (we’re looking at you Hatchie and WAAX), it’s also the hometown of burgeoning pop-with-soul artist Hartley.
The songwriter and producer burst on to the scene when debut single ‘Used To’ generated early excitement on triple j Unearthed. Now, with new single ‘Mind’ just released, and with major label support from Warner Music, Hartley can clearly write it better than you ever felt it.
A self-professed daydreamer and over-thinker, Hartley gave Tone Deaf an insight into her own Mind as she answered our Get To Know questions below.
Get To Know: Hartley
How did your artist name come about?
It’s my mum’s maiden name, and as well as her being my favourite person, I’ve always liked the way it sounded. It was weird at first calling myself a name that I’d grown up only hearing as a surname within my family, but it didn’t take long for it to feel like the perfect fit for me and my sound.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
I don’t think she knows what music production involves, so I’d just say, ‘good, different, unusual.’ I’m pretty sure other people listening to my music would describe it like that too!
Tell us about your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
I have quite a few tracks lingering inside my laptop, but the songs I have out now are; ‘Used To’ – my first-born child. This was the first song I wrote and produced and it’s got a combination of chill-pop mixed with drum and bass.
‘Mind’ – a warm fuzzy track about daydreaming and overthinking in the nicest way possible. I was in a frustrating period of my life, yearning for someone, but looking back on it while writing gave it a new, really sweet light. It’s also paired with some more laidback drum and bass breaks and pretty bells.
Hartley – ‘Used To’:
What do you love about your hometown?
All the green spaces in Brisbane like Roma Street Parklands. I also spend lots of time in the treehouse that a mystery person has built in the park next to my house!
Fave non-music hobby?
I love fashion styling so much. A lot of the time, the highlight of my day is creating my outfit. Recently on my day off I made 23 outfits from my wardrobe just for fun. Idk, don’t ask me why.
I also love thrift shopping and making collages using Photoshop!
What’s on your dream rider?
Three things I’m sure of: face masks, Hydralite, and kingfish sashimi. What more could one ever need?
Hartley – ‘Mind’:
Dream music collaboration?
Right now it’s Hayden James, and internationally I’d love to work with Mark Ronson and Rudimental. I love my UK influences.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d say I’ll still be making music, but there’s a slight chance I’ll have joined a tribe that’s isolated from all of society in a jungle by then.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
The only time I’ve ever done karaoke was when I was eight-years-old at a birthday party and I kept hogging the mic to sing ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA. Funnily enough I haven’t done it since…
