Today we’d like to introduce you to Harlee Pope.
Hi Harlee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Starting with film and theatre at a young age, I knew from the get-go I wanted to be a performer. Not just because I feel most at home in a storytelling environment but because I love people.
Performing in several musical theatre productions throughout high school (South Forsyth) and studying theatre, rhetoric, entertainment news, and film in college (GCSU) helped prepare me for the world I would jump into post-grad.
I found myself working in the film industry for networks like Netflix, CBS, NBC, HBO, Disney, Starz, Marvel, and more. So far, I’ve worked on over 38 professional productions. I started out as a production assistant, then found myself switching to EPK (electronic press kits). I enjoy interviewing, whether it be for music festival events or news segments, while also taking acting roles where I can in short films or music videos. While the film world has been incredible, I still always felt that itch for music, which is how I found myself performing with the Atlanta multi-genre band, The Happy Hour. It all started when I met one of the new members, Francisco Vidal, through my family-owned dive bar in Buckhead, Five Paces Inn. I am a lead singer as well as a percussionist and we travel all over to perform both cover and original songs with up to an 8-piece band. It is filled with many talented musicians who have toured with music legends in the past. We consist of a vocal harmonic trio who also leads electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, congas, saxophone, and keys.
I feel like being born a performer is not a choice. You get this bug that makes you realize your need to bring others out of their normal lives for a moment. I’m so grateful to be on this path.
Growing up on a horse farm in Georgia allowed me to flourish in a unique way and embrace my love for nature. Which ties into a lot of the solo music that I write and create. I have a very large family, we are Italian and full of so much love. I feel they’ve also made a huge impact on my path with their support, so I wanted to give them a shoutout.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This is definitely not the most promising career choice. If done right though, I’ve seen that it can be extremely rewarding. Both physically and emotionally. But also, when self-employed, the amount of success is up to the amount of work you want to put in. Some days are harder than others to stay motivated and perform. There are times when I play four to five gigs in a week, and that is when I have to remind myself that it is essential to stay healthy and positive in this industry. I try my best not to compare my path with others as well. Also, maintaining balance can be difficult when making your own schedule.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Apart from performing with the band or as a solo performer for acoustic and jazz gigs around the city, I help run a booking company called Pro Music Service. We book over 71 venues in the city with a roster of over 150 different artists and 7 nights a week of live music. I am proud to say that we are keeping live music alive, as well as providing opportunities for many amazing artists to come up in the industry and shine. I get to intertwine my love for music with my love for helping others and I couldn’t ask for more. I also interview and camera operate for rock legends on a YouTube Concert Series called Live at the Print shop through Blank Records, where we get an intimate concert and interview session from artists like Kool and the Gang, Men at Work, Collective Soul, Sammy Rae and the Friends, Rehab, David Ryan Harris and many more.
I am most proud of my ability to stay connected and connect others. I want to make sure that when you’re around me, you feel a positive and determined energy, as well as seen. I also think I have a great work ethic and put my eggs in many baskets. My hope would be to stick with music, acting, and booking/interviewing artists and one day have a talk show of my own. Maybe a Good Evening Atlanta future position, who knows! I’m trusting my path and my process, and I know that the good energy I put into the earth will come back to me. One thing that sets me apart is that when you meet me, I am somebody you will not forget!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
At the end of every show each week I close by saying ‘If you’re not doing something that you love in life, please go do it because you only get one!
I’m excited for the future and hope to continue to grow around this city and then around the world.
Don’t be afraid to take no for an answer, and remember pressure is how diamonds are formed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harleemichaela/
Image Credits
Image one and two: BayleeVidalPhoto Image three: BrandonCrockerphoto
