Singer-Songwriter Ross Harding Releases ‘Love & Time’ From Upcoming EP ‘Chapter II’ & Chats To Us About Music, SAMRO support & More
Inspired by themes of love and time, South African Rock Singer-Songwriter Ross Harding is back with ‘Love & Time’ as the first single from his upcoming EP ‘Chapter II’. Recorded at Audio Nebula Studios, Ross worked hard during 2022 with producer Byron Muller to bring to live a commanding track reminiscent of the classic rock, grunge & blues artists of the past; potently fuelled by a blues-rooted consciousness that’s emotive, moving, and original. ‘Love & Time’ is available now on all platforms HERE, and you can pre-save ‘Chapter II’ HERE
Ross Harding is a Rock Singer-Songwriter from Johannesburg, South Africa. As a songwriter and performing artist, he personifies rich, versatile vocal abilities with expert guitar knowledge, and has gained global industry recognition for his command of blues and rock music, reminiscent of the classic rock, grunge & blues artists of the past. “And ultimately, that’s what Harding has done so well on his debut solo EP – he’s found himself a sound that’s full of emotion, passion and angst, but more importantly, one that celebrates the memory of rock music.“ (Texx And The City)
In 2017 Harding formed the blues rock band, BLACK HARBOUR BLUES, and has made local and international progress performing, touring, and recording with the band. Notable performances include a headline slot at the Drakensberg’s WHITE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL, Main Stage at 2014’s RAMFEST with Biffy Clyro, Trivium, Fouls and Killswitch Engage, countless local festivals, an acoustic international tour to Italy, and many independent shows throughout South Africa.
In 2018 Harding and Hughes hosted a sold out “HOUSE OF BLUES” show, which included some of South Africa’s top blues musicians – Andre Kriel (Black Cat Bones), Pepi Dimevski (Gunshot Blue), Richard Bruyns and others.
Ross Harding has supported major South African artists like DAN PATLANSKY, FOKOFPOLISIEKAR, THE NARROW, and PRIME CIRCLE and is able to enchant all kinds of audiences.
Performing both as a solo acoustic artist and with a band, Harding is able to captivate audiences with his vocal prowess and acoustic guitar accompaniment, while his trio band boasts mastery of the blues, classic rock styles, and original music. His debut solo record, REST & RESURRECTION, was released in early 2022 and has seen local and international recognition, with a follow up EP, called CHAPTER II on its way 4 November, including a music video that was sponsored by MTN.
Performances have included two Cape Town tours, with shows at the Daisy Jones Bar Stellenbosch and SABC’s ESPRESSO TV, as well as independent club shows throughout South Africa, with live recordings at DISCOVRTV Johannesburg and MIX FM.
SA MUSIC NEWS MAGAZINE Chats to Ross Harding
You are a busy man, competently covering playing in Black Harbour Blues, now also Fear Of Falling, and of course your own solo career. Any other projects you are involved in we are not aware of yet, or anything on the horizon we can expect in addition to this exciting, packed schedule?
I like to push myself musically and expand on my artistry. At the moment I am working mostly within the Ross Harding and Fear Of Falling realms. Those take up a lot of time, but I am always keen to be in studio, work on some collaborations, that sort of thing. I love writing music and being in the studio so I’m always up for it, time permitting.
You released your debut solo EP ‘Rest & Resurrection’ in January this year, and you are already back with your follow-up ‘Chapter II’. Do you believe releasing several quick-consecutive singles and/or EPs, rather than full albums (that naturally take longer) is a better way to go about it in contemporary times?
I still believe there is value in creating an album, especially if it’s going to be written and recorded during one time. There’s something captured when those musical ideas all melt together and are expressed as one body of work, ie, the album. However, the music industry does tend to promote singles and the consistent releasing of music and content, so following suite at this time is appropriate. Although it’s not why I have done it this way. For me it’s about reintroducing myself to the industry and shaping my career in the way I want it to go. The music I’m releasing as Ross Harding is as close to the sounds, genre, performances, as I’ve been so far, so I’m just pushing that really hard.
‘Chapter II’ is set for release on the 4th of November, with your first new single ‘Love & Time’ releasing now 16 September. What are you all planning for this release cycle roadmap (will there be more singles or any videos, and are you planning on taking ‘Chapter II’ on the road)?
So, the first single is out on the 16th of September as you mentioned, the next is the 14th of October, with the EP out on the 4th of November, including a music video shot in a rad black and white behind-the-scenes style, for a dark bluesy song called “Black Sun Blues”. I’ll definitely be on the road with the band. We have some epic shows planned in promotion of the EP, including the EP launch party (11 November at Bailey’s Bedfordview with Dirty Moonshine and Jasper Dan). All the other dates and venues will be up on my socials for people to check out.
You received some wonderful support from SAMRO in terms of helping you monetarily to bring ‘Chapter II’ to life. How did you manage to get such amazing support?
SAMRO has a grant called the Music Creation Support Fund, which SAMRO members can apply for every year (I stand corrected, but I believe every year). I was fortunate enough to be one of this year’s recipients of the grant, which I am really grateful for. I know they’ve assisted many, many musicians with these kinds of grants and it goes a long way.
You’ve had the honour of playing with some incredible artists over the years, example Andre Kriel (Black Cat Bones), Pepi Dimevski (Gunshot Blue), Richard Bruyns, Dan Patlansky and more. Who would you most like to still play with on stage, and who would you most like to go on tour with one day?
I’m working on breaking into the US. That’s my dream. I’d love to tour with someone like Royal Blood, Glenn Hughes, Gary Clark Jr, Alice In Chains, any of my heroes really. Hopefully that comes to fruition soon!
Can you share with us some keen insight around your gear, especially for those keen to learn more about the magic behind the Ross Harding sound?
As a singer a good old trusty Shure SM58 does the trick for me, but there are some mics I really love like the Shure SM7B. As a guitarist, essentially my rig is as follows:
Marshall Origin Head & Cab (that’s pretty much my tone), various effects and drive pedals and then my Epiphone Les Paul Custom is my main guitar. I’m also using a Tokai Love Rock Les Paul type guitar, and a black Mexican Fender Strat and a white Fender Player Series Telecaster, occasionally. I play a Yamaha Transacoustic acoustic guitar pretty much exclusively when it comes to acoustics.
I’m a guitar freak and a bit of a gear junkie, but kind of conservative, so I like what I like and sort of stay there. Marshall, Les Pauls, that’s my tone really.
At what age did the music bug bite hard, and when did you discover you have such a natural talent, and amazing voice?
Thanks for the compliment, first of all! I don’t know that it’s a natural talent, as I have worked at my instruments really hard over the years. I got into guitar when I was about 11 and became obsessed. I’m still obsessed with the guitar. That’s why I love the blues too, just because the guitar is so essential, front-and-centre. I probably spend more time on my vocals now, trying to stay fit for gig singing, studio, that kind of thing.
What is on heavy repeat on your own playlist at the moment? Any rising stars we should keep an eye out?
I keep listening to the same music I’ve been listening to, to be honest. Here and there I discover new artists, but my playlists repeat with Kings Of Leon, Soundgarden, Gary Clark Jr, Mastodon, Black Country Communion, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and other stuff I can’t remember now.
What would you rate the most important thing to have on your team for success in the Music Industry today?
Hardcore work ethic and resilience, with a common goal. The music industry is so tough, I see people come and go. I’ve been so depressed about it myself, but you have to stay the path and keep putting in the work to make those breakthroughs.
Which is your preference: CD, Tape, Vinyl or Digital … and why?
I grew up with CDs, so for me that was what I knew. I loved my CDs so much. I loved the lyric books with the credits and artwork. I think it really depends on what you want out of the listening experience today.
Do you have any interesting pre-show rituals?
I usually try to meditate a bit and get into the zone with warm-ups. Nothing too strange. Visualisation and focus is key for me.
Beyond the release of ‘Chapter II’, what can we look forward to on the cards for 2023?
I’m just going to keep on writing, recording, and releasing rock music to share with the world. That’s what I was born to do. I hope I’ll meet up with you at a show in the near future!
Follow Ross Harding Online
Source: Devographic
