Often compared to the legendary Karen Carpenter, storytelling songstress Harriet is set to celebrate ‘70s nostalgia as she kicks off her extensive 2025 UK headline tour later this month, having completely sold out all her live shows last year, and with 2024 culminating in three special Christmas shows in London as special guest of former Pop Idol winner Will Young. For Harriet, this new headline UK tour presents an opportunity for personal rediscovery: to dig deep into her record collection and reconnect with the songs that first inspired her to pursue a life in music. To learn more, we caught up with Harriet.
Harriet
Photo: David Lopez-Edwards 2024
Hi, how are you? We are so excited about your upcoming tour. What do you have planned?
We’ll be travelling up and down the UK, performing more than twenty shows on this tour. Many have completely sold out, and I’m so excited! Last year was such a fantastic one for me with my music, and I can’t think of a better way of celebrating this than in person with my wonderful fans.
And what is your key ambition for the shows?
We are planning to transport audiences back to the 1970s and help them regain all those nostalgic feelings. I'm deeply inspired by this era of music, so performing these songs in an intimate live setting for people who I know also love it is going to be magical.
We want to get to know a little more about your musical taste. Tell us a song (and a reason) that makes you:
Smile
I’d Really Love to See You Tonight—England. Dan & John Ford Coley; This song just sounds like sunshine to me. I loved recording it for my latest album (Trying To Get The Feeling Again). It gives me that warm, uplifting feeling you get from opening the curtains first thing in the morning.
Cry
I Made It Through the Rain by Barry Manilow; when the chorus comes in, the combination of those chords and that melody goes straight through me.
Laugh
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da — The Beatles; I just remember larking about in the living room with my sister when we were little girls to this song. It brings back fond memories of that time.
Feel nostalgic
Make It With You - Bread; The moment the song comes on, I am 8 years old, in the backseat of my dad's car, driving down to Cornwall on holiday, often in the middle of the night and tucked up under a duvet. Their songs (and David Gates’ voice) are so transporting for me.
Dance in the kitchen
Last Christmas - Wham; Safe to say, the amount of spins this gets in my house throughout December surpasses that of any other song played at any other time of the year!
Sing in the shower
Bizarrely, I don't sing in the shower. It's my quiet, 'thinking' time! But if I did, it would likely be something by Celine Dion or Whitney Houston (most likely down the octave), as I would never attempt it anywhere other than the confines of a private bathroom. Ha!
Message a friend immediately.
Africa: Toto; it’s my friend Katy’s favourite song. Every time it plays, she must be present in the moment.
What was the best gig you have ever been to?
I saw Barry Manilow last year at The Palladium in London, and it was overwhelming. He is the best of the best. And he's still got it. I'm such a big fan, and I felt like he was singing just to me. I'll never forget it. There is also a wonderful new artist called Stephen Sanchez, who is bringing the iconic sounds of the 1950s/60s with his music. He did an extraordinary live show at Koko in Camden last year.
What is the best show you have ever done?
I have so many favourites! But in November 2024 I opened for Will Young at London's Cadogan Hall. I had the whole audience of 1,000 people, in that beautiful space, singing along with me to Yesterday Once More. It was so emotional. I'm learning that so many people have such a deep affection for these songs. It's so special.
What stage have you not performed on that you dream of?
The Palladium in London. I would also love to play a headline show at the Royal Albert Hall! I opened for Michael Bolton a few years back there, but to perform my own show there would be a dream come true.
Lastly, you can achieve one thing by the end of the year; what is it?
To play some international shows! And to connect with many more fans through my music.
Northern Tour Dates:
31 January Otley Courthouse (SOLD OUT)
14 February Boston Blackfriars Arts Centre
21 February Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (LOW TICKETS)