Harvey, can you talk a bit about yourself? I’m a musician. I’m 19 years old. I’m at Leeds Arts University.
How long have you been going there? It’s my first year there, and I’ve been going there for about six months.
How long have you actually been involved with music? For 12 years. I first got involved with music when I was seven.
What first attracted you to music? When I was younger, my dad introduced me to a lot of heavy rock bands like AC/DC – I was inspired to want to take up the guitar by watching Angus Young on T.V., although initially, I joined a ukulele class at school. The person teaching the class also was a guitar tutor, so, I asked if I could have lessons with him.
What kind of background have you now got in music? I now have a lot of music experience and teach guitar around Leeds and York. I teach anyone and can be contacted through my Facebook page: Harvey Charlton.
Did you study music at GCSE level? Yes, and I failed it! It’s split into three parts: -performance, composition and theory. I got A* for performance but failed the other two parts as my knowledge of theory was poor. Ironically, the parts I failed are now my strongest sides.
I understand that you are now writing your own material? Yes. I’ve written 40 or 50 songs and worked with other musicians across the UK. But I’ve yet to release any of my work.
Where will you release it when you’re ready? On all streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Why did you take up your current course? To buy myself time and give me three years to develop my skills and work with new musicians.
Did you used to valet cars as a job? Yes, I did it for 7 or 8 months. It wasn’t very well paid if it was quiet.
How are you finding your course? I love it although I thought the other students would be at a higher level. The available equipment in the university is impressive and the tutors are amazing.
Are you currently in a band? No, but I’ve been invited to join a Neo-Soul band and I’m looking forward to rehearsing with some new excellent musicians and a fantastic vocalist. There will be 4 or 5 of us in the band altogether.
How good a guitarist, do you think you are? I play all sorts of styles and a variety of other instruments to some degree. As a guitarist, I’m probably better than I realise.
Do you think you have a long way to go to make’ it? Yes and no. Skill-wise no, but I need to develop other things like composition. I do have a lot of contacts in the music world which will hopefully help me get on.
Has your course boosted your ability as a guitarist? It’s boosted my confidence and I appreciate the wonderful music facilities available to us.
How is your course composed? We have small lectures – the course only consists of about 20 students. The intake is 50/50 and there is a lot of interaction with the other students. You can also request any type of instrumentation tuition. I’m having vocal instruction at the moment but I don’t feel I need any guitar lessons right now. I need to prioritise other music skills to help me a musician.
Career-wise, how are you hoping to progress? I want to be in a successful band. I don’t really want to be a session musician as the work is not regular enough.
Have you any interests outside of music? I’m massively into 80s’ cars and have owned three such cars even though I am relatively young. However, after a scolding from my mother, I was more pragmatic and bought a Ford Focus to run around in, and it is very reliable.
Are you hoping to do a lot of travel in your life? Yes. I want to work around the world and live in America for a few years.
Do you ever busk? I once busked in York and made £50 – £60 for about 3-4 hours, which is okay but not great.
Good luck for the future Harvey!
