Urban Pulse Magazine

Some artists are born into music, while others discover it through unexpected paths. For Harrison Jay, music didn’t begin with a guitar or a beat machine — it began behind a microphone as a radio show host. From reviewing new releases on air to now releasing his own infectious and emotional tracks, Harrison has steadily grown into one of the most versatile emerging artists to watch.

The Origin Story

Before Harrison ever stepped into the recording booth, he spent over two years hosting Recent Releases, a radio show dedicated to fresh drops and rising talent. “I already loved music before I started,” he explains, “but by doing this, I became next-level attached to music, so much so that it inspired me to make and release music of my own.” That passion for dissecting sound soon shifted into creating it — a decision that has defined his artistic path ever since.

The Creative Process

When asked how his songs are born, Harrison reveals that melodies come first. “There are so many song concepts I have a melody for, but no lyrics, and I could hum the entire thing,” he laughs. Titles are also key — from the medical term-inspired “Rubatosis” to the dreamy “Cherry Blossom,” he loves weaving layers of meaning and double entendres into his writing. “I try to be specific with the theme of my songs,” he says, noting that he often balances happy tracks like Your Vertigo with somber ones like Time Kills.

Influences and Inspirations

Growing up in Crewe, a small town in North West England, Harrison found inspiration in both the isolation of limited opportunities and the artistry of musicians who rose from similar circumstances. He cites Sam Fender as a huge influence: “He consistently perfected his craft and sound, creating conceptual albums with deep meaning. That’s something I want to do too.”

A Defining Song

If someone were to discover Harrison Jay today, he’d point them to Drive to My Oasis. “It’s a great introduction song because of the lyrics like ‘our love is in ignition,’ which conveys the message of a new love worth staying for the journey. The production and vocal layers showcase what I can do as an artist.”

Challenges and Breakthroughs

Living in a small town has been both grounding and limiting. “There is no music scene or opportunities here, so all the networking and promoting I have done so far has been online,” Harrison shares. Despite this, he has found ways to connect globally, from collaborating with rapper Marcus Daniel to teaming up with Indian producer Shreyansh Janagal for a remix of Flying Saucers. “I would love to collaborate even more,” he adds. “If you’re a musician reading this, please message me on social media @itsharrisonjay! Let’s make magic.”

The Story Behind the Music

One of Harrison’s most emotional songs, Are You Still the Same Person?, came from personal heartbreak. Written about a past lover who drifted in and out of his life, the song forced him to ask existential questions about identity and change. “Writing this song helped me heal,” he reflects. “It made me wonder — is anyone the same person for their whole life?”

On Hip-Hop and AI in Music

While Harrison leans pop, his appreciation for hip-hop’s evolution runs deep. He admires how accessible music distribution has become, yet worries about oversaturation. His biggest concern, however, is AI: “I am very anti-AI art, especially when it comes to music. Human-made art and the human voice will always be superior. There’s something beautiful about human imperfection that AI can never replicate.”

Authenticity and Misconceptions

With 80s-inspired synths and basslines woven into his work, some assume Harrison is chasing nostalgia. He disagrees: “For me, those sounds aren’t about going back, they’re about carrying emotion forward.” He’s equally passionate about honoring artists through covers — like his heartfelt rendition of Lil Peep’s Star Shopping. “I never want people to think I’m leeching off his success. It’s all about love and admiration.”

Legacy and Impact

When looking ahead, Harrison hopes to be remembered for his versatility. “I want to be seen as innovative, someone whose music is infectious — whether you love or hate it, you’ll remember it. I hope my style encourages other artists to explore more instead of staying in a box.”

What’s Next

Despite financial limitations, Harrison has no shortage of music ready to release. “There may be life-changing music collecting dust in my hard drive right now,” he says. For now, he plans to keep building momentum through singles, EPs, remixes, and acoustic versions until he’s ready to deliver a debut album. “I will always deliver work I am proud of,” he promises.

With his unique blend of raw honesty, genre-blending sound, and dedication to connecting with fans, Harrison Jay is proving that even from a small town, you can create music with global reach.