Harts (musician)

Last updated

Harts
Harts, 2016 Press Shot.jpg
Background information
Birth nameDarren Hart
Born1991 (age 32–33)
Chennai, India
Origin Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres Funk, Pop, Alternative Rock, Electronic Indie, Nu-Disco, Blues
Occupation(s)Musician, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Music Producer
Instrument(s)Electric guitar, keyboards, drums, bass guitar, synthesizer, vocals
Years active2008–present
Website hartsmusic.com

Darren Hart (born 1991), better known as Harts, is an Indian-Australian musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer and music producer from Melbourne, Australia. He composes, produces and records his own music in his bedroom studio. [1] Harts' music has been described as dance-oriented alternative rock and electronic indie, blending elements of funk, post-disco, psychedelic rock, soul, jazz, new romanticism, and blues. [2]

Contents

More recently, Harts has become known for his Hendrix-like guitar playing and blend of funk, pop, rock and soul music, [3] which has earned praise from wide range of musicians such as Prince, Questlove, Nick Littlemore, André Cymone, Lars Stalfors and publications such as Time , Rolling Stone , NME and more. His voice and music also bears resemblance to that of Lenny Kravitz, who he worked with on the unreleased Rio 2016 Olympic Games theme song with American hip-hop band the Roots. [4]

Harts was awarded the GQ Breakthrough Solo Artist of the Year award at the 2016 GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards. [5]

Biography

Born to track and field athlete parents in Chennai, India, the family moved to Australia when he was around two years old. [6] He grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Point Cook and went to Heathdale Christian College. [7] He has said in interviews that he first started learning music in High School when he was 15 or 16 years old, starting with drums and eventually teaching himself guitar, keyboards and music production. [8]

Career

2009–2013: Offtime

Harts' first release, a teaser track and demo titled "Back to the Shore," was released on iTunes on 19 August 2010 [9] through Australian independent A&R company, The A&R Department, headed by former Warner Music A&R Manager Matt O'Connor. [10] The original demo, along with a few other tracks, attracted attention on the internet, leading to an offer from Lars Stalfors of The Mars Volta to mix the tracks. The newer versions of the tracks mixed by Stalfors formed Harts' debut EP, Offtime. [11]

Offtime was released in 2012. All songs on the EP were composed, produced, arranged, written and performed by Harts. All songs were written and recorded between 2009 and 2010, when he was 18/19 years old. [12] The EP received positive reviews which included many online blog features and music publications. [13] It was mixed in Los Angeles by Lars Stalfors and mastered in New York by Heba Kadry. [14] Stalfors said of working with Harts, "He has such a great ear for melody and his production is so unique, which is what I love". [15]

The music director of Australian radio station Triple J, Richard Kingsmill, quoted Harts as "A one[-]man music[-]making machine." [16]

On 4 October 2013, Hart revealed a new track via his Facebook page and blog, titled "Leavn It All Behind". The song quickly gained much attention on music blogs and social media, which led to the track being released independently as a single on 11 November 2013. The release featured two versions of the song: the extended 12-inch mix and a radio edit. [17]

"Leavn It All Behind" was released to positive reviews and marked a clear shift in momentum for Hart. Paul Lester, of The Guardian , featured Harts as the "New Band of the Day" on 20 December 2013 in an article which referred to Hart as a "Super-talented Aussie pop funkateer who does everything – write, perform, produce, arrange – in his PJs", referring to Hart's bedroom home-studio ethic. Astonished by Hart, Lester wrote "...he's able to reference said genres so skilfully and assimilate their influence with such a mastery and attention to detail", later going on to make the remark that "In a world where someone like Bastille can become a breakout star, Harts should be No 1 everywhere, including other planets." [18]

The single was also released with an accompanying live video of Harts performing the song in a studio rehearsal room. [19] Hart reported on his blog that the video went on to catch the attention and praise of one of his musical idols, Prince.

French nightly news and television talk show, Le Grand Journal featured 'Leavn It All Behind' during the show's "Coming Next" segments, which aired weeknights on Canal+ from 6–10 January 2014. [20] [21]

2014–15: Daydreamer

On 24 February 2014, Harts released the single "Lovers in Bloom" from his upcoming debut album. [22] The single charted at No. 30 on The Hype Machine and gained independent radio play worldwide as well as many blog features. Harts gained further exposure when the video for the single was tweeted by Questlove of The Roots and Prince's 3RDEYEGIRL Twitter account. [23]

Prince was quoted as saying, "He reminds me of how I was at that age" after it was revealed that Harts had spent time jamming with Prince at his Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis. [24]

"Red & Blue", the fourth single from the album, was released on 15 August 2014. It quickly landed a spot on Triple J's 'Hit List' as well as being added to high rotation. It was confirmed by Harts that the single was Prince's favourite song off the album. [25]

On 5 September 2014, Harts released his debut album, Daydreamer. [26] Daydreamer was released to positive reviews, which included many online and print music publications and articles globally. Rolling Stone Australia described Harts as "A supernaturally talented young buck who's mastered Hendrix's blistering guitar shredding and the electro-funk pop perfection of Prince in his Eighties prime." [27]

On 7 November 2014, Harts announced and released a new single, titled "When a Man's a Fool". The single was added to high rotation on Triple J radio as well as landing another spot on the Triple J 'Hit List'. Harts announced Australian tour dates to promote the release throughout December 2014–January 2015. [28] Another new single, titled "Breakthrough", was released in February 2015, which was announced to be included on a new EP release of the same name. The Breakthrough EP was released in June 2015. [29]

2016–17: Smoke Fire Hope Desire

In February 2016, Harts released "Peculiar", the first official single from his upcoming sophomore album. "Peculiar" went on to become Harts' most popular song to date, earning him exposure through radio, streaming, and major online publications. [30] Harts released his second album, Smoke Fire Hope Desire, on 16 September 2016. The album also featured the singles "Power", "Hope" and "Fear in Me". [31] The album peaked at number 22 on the ARIA Album Charts, while Australian radio station Triple J also selected the album as their “Album Of The Week”. [32] The album went on to earn Harts a GQ Men Of The Year award in 2016 in the category of Breakthrough Solo Artist Of The Year. [5]

In 2017, Harts announced he had signed to American record label Razor & Tie/Washington Square for the release of Smoke Fire Hope Desire in the United States. The album was released in the United States on 21 July 2017, and was accompanied by a small U.S. tour. [33] Razor & Tie was acquired by Concord Music on January 17, 2018, and has since parted ways with Harts.

2019–Present

In 2018–19, American rapper Joey Bada$$ recruited Hart to play guitar in his live band for Triple J’s live music segment "Like A Version". [34]

In February 2019, Miami-based rapper Denzel Curry also featured Hart on guitar for his cover of Rage Against The Machine’s "Bulls On Parade". The performance went viral, amassing millions of views online and critical acclaim worldwide. [35] The performance resulted in a #5 position in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2019.

Also in 2019, Hart featured as the talent in iconic guitar brand Fender’s campaign for their new 2020 Ultra Series Stratocaster. [36]

Hart also stepped into modelling in 2020, landing the front cover and a 10-page spread in the David Jones men's magazine Mr Jones. [37]

Hart was chosen to perform as the headline talent at the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony at Sydney Showgrounds Stadium in February 2020 after it was announced he had been hand-picked to record the official campaign theme song. [38]

Hart also announced a special live Australian tour for 2020, dedicated to celebrating the work and the 50-year legacy of Jimi Hendrix. He announced on social media that the tour has now been postponed until further notice due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. [39]

Aside from new singles, Hart frequently uploads mashups and live jams on his YouTube channel. [40]

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart
positions
AUS
Daydreamer
  • Released: September 2014
  • Format: CD
  • Label: A&R Pavement Records (3967772)
-
Smoke Fire Hope Desire
  • Released: September 2016
  • Format: CD, LP, digital
  • Label: Dew Process (DEW9000883)
22
Queens Kings & All Big Things
  • Released: 2018
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Marshmallow Pavement Records
-

EPs

List of EPs, with selected details
TitleDetails
Offtime
  • Released: 2012
  • Format: CD
  • Label: A&R Pavement Records (2790488)
Breakthrough
  • Released: June 2015
  • Format: CD
  • Label: A&R Pavement Records (3967792)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sally Seltmann</span> Australian musician

Sally Mary Seltmann, is an Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Record producer. From 2000 to 2009, Seltmann used the stage name, New Buffalo. Under that name, Seltmann wrote, performed, arranged and produced her debut album, The Last Beautiful Day in September 2004. Her second album, Somewhere, Anywhere appeared in March 2007. Seltmann and Canadian singer-songwriter Feist, co-wrote the song "1234" which was featured in a 2007 iPod Nano commercial. It became a Top 10 hit on the United States Billboard Hot 100 for Feist. Seltmann is married to Darren Seltmann formerly of electronic music group, The Avalanches. In April 2010, Seltmann released her third solo album, Heart That's Pounding. Late that year, she formed an indie rock trio, Seeker Lover Keeper, with fellow Australians Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby. They issued a self-titled album in June 2011, which peaked at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart. In 2013, Seltmann released her fourth solo album, Hey Daydreamer. In April 2018, Allen & Unwin published Sally Seltmann's debut novel Lovesome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frente!</span> Australian alternative rock band

Frente! is an Australian folk-pop and indie pop group which originally formed in 1989. The original line-up consisted of Simon Austin on guitar and backing vocals, Angie Hart on lead vocals, Tim O'Connor on bass guitar, and Mark Picton on drums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angie Hart</span> Australian singer

Angela Ruth Hart, billed as Angie Hart, is an Australian singer best known for her role as lead vocalist in the alternative pop rock band Frente! and the indie pop duo Splendid with her then-husband Jesse Tobias. Hart's solo career commenced in 2006 with the release of the album, Grounded Bird (2007).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birds of Tokyo</span> Australian alternative rock band

Birds of Tokyo are an Australian alternative rock band from Perth, Western Australia. Their debut album, Day One, gained them domestic success, reaching number three on the AIR Independent Album charts and spending a total of 36 consecutive weeks in the top ten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Corby</span> Australian singer-songwriter (born 1990)

Matthew John Corby is an Australian singer-songwriter. He achieved his commercial breakthrough with his fourth EP, Into the Flame (2011), which peaked at No. 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and by April 2012, was certified 6× Platinum by ARIA. His 2011 single "Brother" and his 2013 single "Resolution" both won ARIA Music Awards for Song of the Year. Corby has released three studio albums, Telluric (2016), Rainbow Valley (2018) and Everything's Fine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tame Impala</span> Australian psychedelic music project

Tame Impala is the psychedelic music project of Australian multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker. In the recording studio, Parker writes, records, performs, and produces all of the project's music. As a touring act, Tame Impala consists of Parker, Dominic Simper, Jay Watson, Cam Avery, and Julien Barbagallo. The group has a close affiliation with fellow Australian psychedelic rock band Pond, sharing members and collaborators, including Nick Allbrook, formerly a live member of Tame Impala. Originally signed to Modular Recordings, Tame Impala is now signed to Interscope Records in the United States and Fiction Records in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Sultan</span> Indigenous Australian singer

Daniel Leo Sultan is an Australian alternative rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, actor and author. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2010 he won Best Male Artist and Best Blues & Roots Album for his second album, Get Out While You Can. At the 2014 ceremony he won Best Rock Album for Blackbird, which had reached number four on the ARIA Albums Chart. In 2017, Sultan's record Killer was nominated for three ARIA awards: Best Male Artist, Best Rock Album, and Best Independent Release. Sultan's debut children's music album Nali & Friends was named Best Children's Album at the ARIA Music Awards of 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miami Horror</span> Australian electronic music group

Miami Horror are an Australian electronic music group from Melbourne, Victoria. Benjamin Plant, the producer and DJ, formed Miami Horror initially as a solo project. In addition to Plant, the band features Daniel Whitechurch (keyboards), and currently Rhythm Luna (drums), while featuring different vocalists and guitar players including Reva Devito (vocals), TC Milan of Crush Club (vocals), Nicolas Mulhall of Queen Magic (guitar), and Tom Frazer (guitar). The band takes influence from dance and rock artists of the 1970s and 1980s such as Prince, New Order, Todd Rundgren, and Pink Floyd, combining it with modern production techniques from styles such as house and pop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Art vs. Science</span> Australian electronic dance band

Art vs. Science are an Australian electronic dance band based in Sydney, New South Wales. Formed in February 2008, the three-piece consists of James Finn on vocals and keyboards; Daniel McNamee on vocals, guitars and keyboards; and Daniel Williams on drums and vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boy & Bear</span> Australian indie folk band

Boy & Bear are an Australian indie folk band formed in 2009, consisting of David Hosking, Killian Gavin, Tim Hart, Jonathan Hart, and David Symes (bass). The band has released two EPs and five studio albums. The first two albums, Moonfire and Harlequin Dream, reached the top ten of the Australian albums chart. Their third album, Limit of Love, was released on 9 October 2015, in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, and on 30 October in the UK and Europe. On 27 September 2019, after a four-year break, they released their long-awaited fourth studio album, Suck on Light. After yet another break between 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID pandemic, the band finally released their self-titled fifth studio album on 26 May 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Sentry</span> Australian hip hop recording artist

Seth Gabriel Marton, who performs by his stage name Seth Sentry, is an Australian hip hop recording artist. He has released one extended play and three studio albums. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2015 he won the ARIA Award for Best Urban Album for his second album, Strange New Past. Sentry's touring schedule has involved headline shows around Australia, as well as appearances at numerous festivals such as Breath of Life, Fat As Butter, Come Together, Sprung Festival, Big Day Out (Melbourne), Homebake, Hyperfest, Groovin the Moo and Triple J's One Night Stand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papa vs Pretty</span> Australian rock band

Papa vs Pretty was an Australian rock band from Sydney, New South Wales. Originally the solo act of then 15-year-old Thomas Rawle in 2006, Papa vs Pretty became a three-piece band in 2008 with the addition of Rawle's friends Angus Gardiner and Tom Myers, and a quartet in 2012 with the arrival of Luke Liang. On Monday 30 June 2014, the band announced their breakup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flume (musician)</span> Australian electronic musician (born 1991)

Harley Edward Streten, known professionally as Flume, is an Australian musician, DJ, and music producer. He is regarded as a pioneer of future bass who helped popularise the genre. His self-titled debut studio album, Flume, was released in 2012 to positive reviews, topping the ARIA Albums Chart and reaching double-platinum accreditation in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vance Joy</span> Australian singer-songwriter

James Gabriel Keogh, known professionally as Vance Joy, is an Australian singer-songwriter and former Australian rules footballer. He is best known for his 2013 hit song "Riptide".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Courtney Barnett</span> Australian singer-songwriter and rock guitarist

Courtney Melba Barnett is an Australian singer, songwriter, and musician. Known for her deadpan singing style and witty, rambling lyrics, she attracted attention with the release of her debut EP I've Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris in 2012. International interest came with the release of her EP The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vera Blue</span> Australian singer-songwriter

Celia Pavey, known professionally as Vera Blue, is an Australian singer-songwriter signed with Island Records Australia, which is part of Universal Music Australia. Her folk-inspired album This Music peaked at number 14 on the Australian ARIA Charts in July 2013. Pavey sings, and plays the guitar and the violin. She placed third in season 2 of The Voice Australia. Her debut album Perennial achieved Gold certification in Australia after its release in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gang of Youths</span> Australian rock band

Gang of Youths are an Australian alternative rock band from Sydney, now based in London, that formed in 2011. The group consists of David Le'aupepe, Max Dunn, Jung Kim, Donnie Borzestowski and Tom Hobden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cub Sport</span> Australian pop group

Cub Sport are an Australian pop group formed in Brisbane in early 2010. Founding mainstays are Zoe Davis on keyboards, bass guitar, lead guitar and vocals, Tim Nelson on lead vocals and keyboards, Sam "Bolan" Netterfield on keyboards and vocals, and Dan Puusaari on drums. They have released five studio albums, This Is Our Vice (2016), Bats (2017), Cub Sport (2019), Like Nirvana (2020) and Jesus at the Gay Bar (2023). Jesus at the Gay Bar peaked at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart, Like Nirvana reached number two and Cub Sport appeared at number twelve. Nelson and Netterfield married in August 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tash Sultana</span> Australian musician

Tash Sultana is an Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer, described as a "one-person band". Sultana rose to international prominence with their 2016 single "Jungle", which was voted into third place in Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown of 2016. The following year, Sultana had three songs voted into Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017; "Mystik" placing at number 28, "Murder to the Mind" at number 43, and their Like a Version cover of MGMT's "Electric Feel" at number 78.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stand Atlantic</span> Australian pop rock band

Stand Atlantic are an Australian pop punk band from Sydney, formed in 2012. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Bonnie Fraser, guitarist David Potter, bassist Miki Rich, and drummer Jonno Panichi.

References

  1. ↑ "Harts! Back to the Shore on iTunes!". RiSH Publicity. 9 November 2010. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  2. ↑ Savellis, Cass (20 July 2012). "Harts". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  3. ↑ "ilikemymusicloud.com".
  4. ↑ "Harts, Questlove and Lenny Kravitz recorded an Olympics anthem - Stack | JB Hi-Fi". Stack | JB Hi-Fi. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  5. 1 2 "GQ Breakthrough Solo Artist Of The Year Harts Reveals He Nearly Quit Music" . Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  6. ↑ ONeill, Petra (31 March 2016). "From the Harts". Indian Link. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  7. ↑ "Prince takes Hart in Point Cook musician's Daydreamer". Star Weekly . 23 September 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  8. ↑ "Interview: Harts the one-man funk machine". www.groundsounds.com. December 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  9. ↑ "Back to the Shore Single". iTunes. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  10. ↑ "The A&R Department". The A&R Department. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  11. ↑ "About". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  12. ↑ "Blog". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  13. ↑ "Harts".
  14. ↑ "SoundCloud - Hear the world's sounds".
  15. ↑ ":: Harts :: - About". Archived from the original on 24 July 2012.
  16. ↑ "Harts | triple j Unearthed". Archived from the original on 17 September 2021.
  17. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Leavn It All Behind - Single by Harts". iTunes . Archived from the original on 21 May 2014.
  18. ↑ "Harts (New band of the day No 1,666) | Disco | The Guardian". TheGuardian.com . 20 December 2013.
  19. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : Harts - Leavn It All Behind (Studio Performance). YouTube .
  20. ↑ fr:Liste des coming-nexts du Grand Journal
  21. ↑ "myCANAL : tv, sports, séries, films en streaming en direct live ou replay | myCANAL".
  22. ↑ "Harts – Lovers in Bloom". Indie Shuffle. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  23. ↑ "HARTS - DAYDREAMER | Shock Records Australia". Archived from the original on 31 October 2014.
  24. ↑ "Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL share new music at late-night Paisley Park rendezvous".
  25. ↑ "When the Gramophone Rings - Amazing Musical". 27 September 2023.
  26. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Daydreamer by Harts". iTunes . Archived from the original on 31 December 2014.
  27. ↑ Department, The A&R. "The A&R Department". www.theaandrdepartment.com. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  28. ↑ "Magic Bones and Harts announce national co-headline tour! | the AU review". Archived from the original on 10 February 2015.
  29. ↑ "/". The Music. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  30. ↑ Peculiar , retrieved 27 November 2019
  31. ↑ "/". The Music. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  32. ↑ "triple j". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  33. ↑ "Harts Announces Release Of Debut U.S. Album Smoke Fire Hope Desire – Washington Square Music". washingtonsquaremusic.com. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  34. ↑ Ross, Alex Robert (21 January 2018). "Joey Bada$$ Reworks Prince's "When Doves Cry"". Vice. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  35. ↑ Moran, Robert (23 January 2020). "Why a Rage Against the Machine cover is tipped to top the Hottest 100". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  36. ↑ "Australian guitarist Harts is the star of Fender's new American Ultra campaign". Mixdown. 26 November 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  37. ↑ "Harts". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  38. ↑ Moran, Robert (20 February 2020). "Taking sides at the women's T20 world cup is just not cricket for Harts". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  39. ↑ "Harts". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  40. ↑ "Harts - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.