Save the Penguins with Davey Harris!
Save the penguins with Davey Harris! Singer-songwriter Davey Harris is producing music not only for us to enjoy but also to promote awareness and change. Harris was a member of the band "The Tins" for ten years before going solo and releasing songs like "Predictable" and "Self Saboteur," as well as his most recent single, "PNGN DNCE." which was released on June 16, and addresses the negative effects of the global climate crisis. Harris not only writes songs about change but also participates in them by working with an organization called ASOC, or Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Coalition. Keep reading if you want to learn more about Harris's transition to a solo career, his singles, "Predictable," "Self Saboteur," and "PNGN DNCE," and how you can assist with the current climate crisis.
Where are you based?
I’ve been all over the place in the past year, but most of 2022 I’ve spent traveling and staying between Buffalo, NY and Boulder, CO. I’ll be taking up a more permanent residence at my launching pad back in Buffalo while I tour the coasts through the end of the year.
You spent 10 years with the band The Tins before pursuing your own solo career. What got you into music and what made you want to go solo?
I learned years ago that I love to experiment with sounds and I can invent melodies very quickly. Playing music, learning instruments, architecting songs — it’s a place where I can experiment, express myself, and allow my creative visions to come alive. I was the drummer in the band, The Tins, for 10 years, but the funny thing is that I played a huge part in the songwriting process for them, too. I had tons of songs and I have tons more today. I always wanted to be the one playing the guitar and singing them. The pandemic happened, and The Tins decided to take a break. I knew it was time to pursue being a solo artist, and releasing my huge catalog of songs. It’s a new level of expression for me that feels authentic and vulnerable.
You have some similarities to Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys, which are both indie rock bands, is that what you would say your music genre is?
It seems like everyone has a different band they like to tell me that I remind them of, and I think that’s pretty cool. It’s an honor to be compared to such awesome artists. It seems like my music resonates with lots of people in different ways and reminds them of memories they have. It’s a safe choice to put me in Indie Rock as the larger umbrella genre. You could add psychedelic rock, industrial rock, or just good old fashioned alternative rock — but I might rap someday, too.
We've heard that most of your songs have deeper meanings; can you tell us more about the meanings of your two songs, "Predictable" and "Self Saboteur"?
Predictable is about how life can be mundane and full of monotony and wage-slave consumerism. At one point, I had this realization that I had to break out of the pattern if I wanted to have an extraordinary life. The song reflects on the existential process of that experience. Self Saboteur is about how I set big goals for myself and then there’s a shadow part of me that believes it’s not safe for me to have that thing, or be that person — so it forces me to mess something up. I have had quite a few little messes to clean up in my life. Because I am committed and willing to confront these parts of myself, I eventually learn to love myself and my sabotaging sub personalities. Ultimately, when I dial it in, creating out of chaos is my special magick. My style reflects my ironic and lamenting relationship to my shortcomings.
Your new song, "PNGN DNCE," which was released on June 16, 2022, addresses the negative effects of the global climate crisis. From smog-filled cities to rising sea levels and a lack of krill for penguins in Antarctica. Can you tell us more about this new song and why you chose to title and focus the songs on penguins?
I was at SXSW where I played a couple of showcases, and I was with some of my Austin entrepreneur friends all hanging out. One of the guys there had just been on a trip to Antarctica and he was talking about the initiative with an organization called, ASOC, Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. They are sharing information about penguins and krill and why krill is the base of the entire food chain — and they (read: WE) are all in danger. I got excited because I feel connected to the community of people who support the initiative and I was inspired to write a song about penguins to support it. Basically, two weeks later, I’d created the funky jam, PNGN DNCE and here we are.
In addition to writing a song to help educate listeners, you are involved in the nonprofit ASOC Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. Can you tell me more about this organization and how you became involved with them?
Some entrepreneur colleagues of mine are connected to environmental and philanthropic initiatives and I found out about ASOC through this channel. I like to leverage my impact with business and art so that there is a ripple effect of goodness in the world. Helping ASOC helps the entire Earth–all at the same time I get to contribute in a way that I love.
We have heard that it's not always easy to write songs about climate change. What do you think was the hardest part when writing this song?
When I go into the recording studio, it’s like a playground for me. I write songs and then I add every instrument I can imagine to the track. The hardest part is deciding what to keep, what to throw out, and how to mix it to best activate the song’s power.
While a song about penguins may appear cute and funny, we know it has a much deeper meaning. What is the most important message in this song you want listeners to get?
Many of my songs are about death awareness. I like to remind people that we only have a short period of time on this Earth and I’m a maximalist. Let’s make the most of it. I tend to be a little dark and existential when I write lyrics.
In your opinion, what are some simple steps we can take in our daily lives to help our planet and the climate crisis?
Think of one environmental issue you care about. Choose the one that ignites the most passion inside you. Find an organization, NGO, or non-profit that already does something for this cause. Join their community however it makes sense to do so — if you choose a local organization, you can go to their meetings or volunteer for them somehow. If you’re looking for something with less of an investment, don’t be a jerk to people and you’re probably good.
Did you have any challenges during the pandemic in regards to your music? Was it harder to write music during that tough time?
No, I loved it for my writing and my music. I wrote a song every single day in the month of October 2020 (it was called Song-tober) At this point, I have recorded quite of few of those songs. I’ve got a robust release schedule queued up for the next year. My music definitely expanded during the pandemic.
Any new music or exciting projects you would like to share with Jejune readers?
I have over 40 songs to release — expect to see songs coming out every 5 weeks or so — with videos. The next one also has a cause attached to it and, of course, a cute animal mascot.
What is your motto in life?
I’m in it to win it.
To keep up with Davey Harris and his new music, please follow his social media platforms below:
daveyharris.com
Instagram: @daveyharrisofficial
Spotify: Davey Harris
