Meet Richard Harris: Songwriter, Producer and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Well, I learned early on that risk was where rewards lay. My parents were both risk takers in very different ways. My father took chances in music, which paid off for him at various points in his life. He was never afraid to learn and jump in at several different junctures of his life. My mother just did everything her way- she wore the loudest clothes, was the brightest star in any room, and moved houses a bunch of times always searching for that right space. She never showed fear, just the desire and hoped it would work out. That set the tone for me I suppose, and despite some moments of trepidation, I have found that my greatest risks taken have led me to the greatest rewards. When I was in my twenties I was in a full time job. A good one. Making good money but I wasn’t happy. Music was my passion and the need to give it the time and effort was running out. Not because of my age, but because the trappings of a successful career was getting too hard to let go of. So I jumped ship not knowing how things would turn out, armed with the the plan of trusting my gut feeling that this was the right and only move. I downsized a lot! There were moments of sheer terror and financial hardships. Thank god for my sister’s food parcels whenever I went to visit! But I persevered, which led to a chance meeting and partnership, which fostered the building and owning of two recording studios, and the start of my first band. I cut my teeth on production during those years while developing my songwriting. This was all back in London, my home town. Then came another moment of realization. My career as an artist had come to an end, before it had ever really gotten started. I was writing for the band I was in, so I decided to shift focus to purely writing and production. After a visit to LA to see family (my father had moved to the States when I was young), I had a complete change of heart as to where this next stage lay. It wasn’t back in the UK, but here in LA. I had no idea what that meant or how to do it but my gut just kept telling me this was the right move. It wasn’t easy. I had my mum, sister and her kids that I was very close to in the UK, and it was the hardest part of that decision. But I made the leap and sold everything- my apartment, my studio, and bought a ticket to LA and moved in with my sister and brother-in-law in Hollywood, sleeping on their couch. Within weeks of moving to LA I met my wife, who I now have two children with, began searching for opportunities to write, which eventually led to another chance meeting and a publishing deal that I’m still in to this day. Starting SongWriter Camps with Pam Sheyne was also another leap of faith. I had enjoyed mentoring so very much over the years. Pam and I shared a vision to build something complimentary to what else was out there and create a company that teaches and helps aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers find their way in this business. We started with nothing but a lot of energy and passion and did everything from build websites to dropping off flyers and marketing, booking hotels and figuring out catering. It was a lot, especially on top of our careers as songwriters. But we made it work and despite COVID have been able to transform the business online and continue. So risk has been a game changer for me. Without making those difficult decisions, I wouldn’t have been as lucky as I have been. Life lives in the uncomfortable areas. I enjoy the safety of the known, but it’s the juice of life that lies in those outer perimeters where you are navigating purely by instinct.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A lot of what I said in the first question is relevant here. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some amazing writers and artists over the years. Your network of writers, artists, managers, music supervisors and business associates is a huge part of how successful you will be. I have spent a lot of time building those relationships and many of them have become close friends. I’ve been so lucky to work and be successful in so many areas of the business, from writing and releasing songs with artists and bands, to writing tracks for music libraries, and more recently writing and producing music for commercials, trailers and film & TV. I am proud to have stayed the distance in this business. I have met a lot of talented artists and songwriters since I moved to the US. I believe those that stay in for the long haul are the ones who tend to make it. I tell everyone starting out, don’t do it for the money or the fame, do it because you are passionate and driven. That will sustain you through the lean years, of which there will always be some! I’ve also learned to follow my gut instincts. Developing that inner ear that tells you when something isn’t finished or when it is! Trusting in that has been a big part of my confidence to make tough decisions. I hope that when people meet me, they get a sense of my passion for music and that I genuinely care about them and their journey, and that I’m always looking to make the very best of anything I’m involved in.  The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my mum and dad who always led by example. Always prepared to try something new and to see the good in all situations be they good or bad. My wife Lesley for showing me grace and unconditional love and support. My kids, Finn and Ivy, for letting me know it’s just not about me anymore. 🙂 And to remind me of the joy of wonder in even the simple things. My big sister Julie, who is my living guardian angel and always there no matter what. My friend Steven Melrose, who gave me my first big break as a writer here in LA. There are so many others I could name that have helped me along. So apologies for not naming you all! I have read so many books that have made an impact, but none so much as “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor E. Frankl. That book changed how I saw my world and how to interpret anything that came my way.

Website: www.richardharrismusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardjeharris/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardharrismusic
Other: www.songwritercamps.com https://www.instagram.com/songwritercamps/