”An electric ride through the embers of a relationship gone wrong” – Music Week
”A powerful talent” – Clash
It’s been a week to remember for West Midlands artist Harlea with the noise around her latest release Beautiful Mess growing ever louder. Following support for the track from the likes of NME, MusicWeek and BBC Introducing, Beautiful Mess went on to win the listeners poll on Amazing Radio‘s Audition show a few weeks back. Now the track has now been added to Amazing Radio‘s A-List, joining the likes of Christine and the Queens, Aurora, Idles, Slaves, Jungle and others.
Alongside this radio activity, the Beautiful Mess video has this week hit one million views on YouTube! Shot in the Californian desert, and directed by Abraham Roofeh, the video features British poets Robert Montgomery and Greta Bellamacina. Their starring roles and the video’s concept were envisioned by Harlea herself – “I had a vision of provocative words speaking ugly truths with a powerful blaze ripping through them. I instantly thought of Rob and Greta as I suspect it was their imagery that inspired my vision. Their art provokes society into self-examination and while filming we asked 40 people what the words in the “fire poem” at the end of the video meant? Everyone replied with something different and thought provoking.”
Early reception to Harlea’s latest ”stylish, hook-filled classic” has been impressive – Spotify added the release to their New Music Friday and New Pop Sensation playlists, while MusicWeek included Beautiful Mess in their Music Week Playlist. NME also shouted out Beautiful Mess on Twitter, calling it ”a belter”.
Talking about Beautiful Mess, Harlea adds; “This single shows another side of who I am as an artist, when compared to my previous releases. Still edgy but with a more contemporary feel”.
Harlea will soon be embarking on a series of performances around the UK, including an upcoming Sofar Sounds gig in London. Be sure to check out her website and social feeds for further details.
