For On The Record, Canberra-based musician Harry Carman has joined us to discuss his introspective new single ‘It’s All Good’. Inspired by a time of significant life changes, this soothing track sensitively delivers reassurance and optimism to whoever might need it. For this songwriter in his personal life, this track was originally written during his ex-partner’s pregnancy and it has since become a special song for his two sons. With such a unique and vulnerable narrative, we wanted to learn more about the songwriting process of ‘It’s All Good’. Carman shares how it organically evolved from a simple phone recording to a fully-realised dreamy landscape, which couldn’t have been done with producer Josh Richens. Now that the track is out, Harry Carman opens up about the song’s message of hope, its role in his own life, and the artists that influence his songwriting. He also teases upcoming releases and his return to the studio, promising more music on the horizon.
Welcome to Unrecorded! For those who aren’t familiar with Harry Carman, can you introduce yourself?
Thanks for having me! So, yeah, my names Harry, I’m from Canberra, Australia and I’ve been making music for a little while now!
Let’s dive right into your newest single ‘It’s All Good’, which has such a calming and introspective feel. Can you tell us about the moment or experience that inspired you to write it?
My main response when something goes wrong and isn’t a big deal is “it’s all good”. I think it’s become a bit of my mantra like “don’t sweat the small stuff” or “don’t cry over spilt milk”, it’s just my go-to response for when shit hits the fan. Even when it definitely is not “all good”, I know eventually it will be. When I wrote the song, I was in that frame of mind for a very long time with massive changes taking place in my life and I just wanted to put that into a song.
The song was originally written during your ex’s pregnancy with your youngest son. How did that personal experience shape the lyrics and tone of the track?
The lyrics are meant to be conversational and reassuring. The first line is “when you say “I don’t know if I’ll be alright again” I know in time you will be trust me babe”. I just wanted to let my partner at the time know that, no matter what, everything would be ok. It’s a stressful time when you’re expecting and this song was made to ease that stress as much as possible, both for her and myself.
The song has become special for your two boys—how do they react when they hear it? Do they have a favorite part?
They call it the “honey sweet” song. They knew all the words before the song was even properly recorded and that really made me feel like, damn, this a pretty catchy song if a 5 and 2 year old can vibe to it! They’re a good litmus test of if a song I make is good or not, usually they’ll request certain songs on the drive to school so it’s nice to have them as little judges.
The song evolved from a simple phone recording to a fully produced track. What was that creative process like for you?
It was a really natural process to be honest. I was just noodling around on the guitar, started singing along, hit record on my phone, took that to the computer and made up a demo. I knew I wanted it to be dreamy and mellow but I also knew I wanted it to really hit home and build into a finale like the clouds were parting and the sun was starting to come out.
You worked with Josh Richens on production, so how did you two approach shaping the song’s sound and atmosphere?
Josh is the absolute man. He heard the demo and started working on it right away. He really sold me on the idea of having the track evolve from super stripped back to this grand climax that, not only captures the way someone might try to work out an issue in their head (starting small and putting the pieces together until you have a decent understanding of the situation and a plan moving forward) but also my evolution as an artist and stepping into this new chapter of my music.
It carries a message of reassurance and optimism. Was it written as a reminder to yourself as much as for others?
100%. I think when you make music you’ve gotta make it for yourself. I know that if I write something and it touches a nerve with me, then there will be a good chance someone else in the world will feel the same way. Even though, during the writing stage, it was very much for my partner at the time, it’s really a song for anyone who feels like they’re just stuck and nothing will get better.
How does music play a role in how you navigate life’s ups and downs?
If I didn’t have music I’d be so god damn lost. When life’s going well, I can write happy tunes and think back to hard times with a different perspective. When life’s going to crap, I always remind myself “this will make one hell of a song”. But music, and making music, has really taught me you can’t rush things or force things. I know now if I am going through something tough that it’s probably not the time to try and write a song about it. I’ve gotta get through it to a point where I’ve processed the situation and can look at it from all angles. If I don’t do that then the song that comes from the situation won’t be as universal.
Who are some of your biggest influences when it comes to songwriting and storytelling?
So many influences but the biggest ones right now are Zach Bryan, Noah Kahn, Cameron Whitcomb, Wild Rivers, Sam Fender, I mean the list just goes on and on. Prior to that you’ve got Dylan, Nirvana, The Who, Al Green, CCR, Cat Stevens, so many. My mates and I used to have a massive record collection and would just cycle through all these records that we’d go out and bought or inherited from our parents and I think, with such a wide variety, it’s helped me find a lane and a style that’s, not only built off the back of giants, but personal and very much my own.
Do you have any plans for more releases this year? Maybe an EP or album in the works?
The boys know the words to at least 3 new songs that are still in the voice recordings on my phone, so if that doesn’t give you a hint that there’s more to come, I don’t know what will. I’m back in the studio with Josh as of Monday, so we’ll be working hard to get the next lot of tracks polished and ready for your ears!
You can also listen to ‘It’s All Good’ in our Folk This Way playlist.
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