Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Harris.
Ron, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
When I was 14 or 15 years old I borrowed a guitar from my uncle. Taking that guitar into my bedroom and closing the door was where the light came on. That’s not something everyone experiences that early on in life but I knew when I started playing that I wasn’t ever going to stop. I started writing songs and singing. I would share them with friends and family and with their encouragement I started playing at open mics in Monroe, my hometown. I’ve been blessed to play with really talented musicians. In high school, my friend, Joel and I would spend hours sharing songs we had written with each other. He now goes by the artist name JoelTheEagle. In college, I met and played with musicians from Freelance Ruckus, a rock band from middle Georgia, and The Woofs, a funky group, that now tour all across Georgia. Musically I’ve been snowballing since about 2009, and in 2017 I released my first record, “Formative Years.” I recorded it in my bedroom apartment, and it changed things for me. I’m proud of it. It was something that I always wanted to do. I sat in my room as a 15-year old and dreamed about how I would do it, and I did it. I called it formative years because I wanted it to be a jumping off point for me. Since then I’ve played a lot of shows and released two singles, ‘Godspeed Girl’ and ‘Back to Arms.’ Now, in 2019 I have a sophomore album that I’m hard at work on. I’m enjoying every part of the journey that music is taking me on.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
It’s weird to explain, but I’ve always just wanted to make songs. As soon as I picked up a guitar and learned my first chords I knew I was going to write my own songs; songs that expressed my feelings and perspectives. I wrote some really bad ones. I would write one, go downstairs and play it for my parents. They are the most supportive parents. I’m glad they didn’t tell me they were bad. They didn’t have to. Something happened though – I wrote a good one. When I finished playing it, there was stillness in the living room that said more than any compliment, and my mom asked: “Did you write that?”. I’ve been chasing that ever since. That’s really what I want people to take away from my music: a stillness. Maybe a feeling that I sing about is a way that you feel too. Maybe something I’m going through is something you’ve gone through too. Those feelings and moments in songs are what made me want to write.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
For artists, it has to be about flexibility. I’m saying this to myself just as much as I am any other artists, but just keep going. Keep making art. Focusing on art. Be flexible with everything else. I take what’s in front of me. Right now I write and record songs and my kitchen. I don’t know where it will take me, but I enjoy working at my craft. I’ll be successful if I put out a record this year that I believe in and play a few shows. Work on the tiny goals, the short term, the success is in doing it.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’ve put out a record and two singles to date, all of which can be found on major streaming platforms (Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.). The best way to reach me is on Instagram: @ron__harris. The best way to support my work is to listen to my music and come see a show!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://songwhip.com/artist/ron-harris
- Instagram: @ron__harris
Image Credit:
Photos by Tad Mathews (@tadmathews)
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