Musician, actor, and artist with a lot to give. Harris Allan is excited to share his art with the fans. He has two singles coming that he is excited to share with the world. He chats about his music, acting, and more. Allan has a lot to say about his musical journey. Stick around and get to know Harris Allan.
Check it out below!
Jadeen Mercado: How did you get into music?
Harris Allan: My parents would play great music around the house and I would listen to their CDs and watch music videos on VHS. Everything from pop to country and house music. I also fell asleep listening to the radio every night and would tape songs onto cassette. I started writing songs before I could play any instruments. Melodies and lyrics would pop into my head and I would record them on a voice recorder.
When I was 16 I was inspired by bands I was listening to, like Blink 182, so I started playing the guitar and jamming with two of my friends. We started a band together collaborating on songs and playing shows in and around Vancouver.
JM: How has music influenced who you are as a performer?
HA: For me, music and acting come from the same place. Identifying emotions and communicating them through words and specific phrasing. There is a rhythm and a melody to everything we do in life. Both art forms play off of and nurture one another.
JM: Tell us about a favorite music memory of yours that has shaped you?
HA: Playing a show at a venue called “The Cobalt” in my hometown in 2010 to a packed house of friends and family. It was an iconic place with a lot of history. Unfortunately, it shut down, but being able to play a show there was an honor I’ll never forget.
JM: You have singles “All in” and “Marilyn M.O.B.” coming out, what are they about? What inspired them?
HA: “All In” is mostly about the fun moments at the beginning of a relationship, but it’s also about the joy that comes from finally making a decision to go for it. It was inspired by my own experience falling in love and also by deciding to commit wholeheartedly.
“Marilyn (M.O.B.)” captures euphoric idealism. I heard the phrase “Moments of Brilliance” and started freestyling chords on the guitar. The lyrics for the chorus “be my Marilyn” came out of that and then I thought of Marilyn Monroe. I’ve been fascinated by her for a long time. She had an intensely romantic relationship with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. I used their relationship as a metaphor.
JM: You are also an actor, people know you from “Queer As Folk”, what was that experience like?
HA: “Queer As Folk” was an insanely fun experience. I learned a ton about acting and storytelling. The cast and crew were supportive, talented, and hilarious. I feel grateful to the writers and producers to have been given meaningful storylines to sink my teeth into. My relationship with Hal Sparks and Robert Gant is special to me. It was a blast to surprise them by singing ‘One Last Ride’ during the fundraiser for CenterLink that the incredible Scott Lowell hosted.
JM: What’s a favorite QAF memory of yours?
HA: ‘The Liberty Ride’ storyline was a great time. We filmed some of the bike riding scenes in the countryside. I remember the culminating scene was such a long day. By the time we were filming the last shots, it had started snowing heavily so we went with the flow and incorporated the weather into the scene. It was amazing ingenuity by the crew to adapt to the situation and the finished product was compelling.
JM: How have you grown as an artist since your QAF days?
HA: I feel like my approach to preparation is more conscious and direct. My technique overall has improved, allowing me to have more emotional stamina.
JM: What’s your favorite part of performing music?
HA: Expressing emotion and getting a rush from the frequencies of sound and energy. The spontaneity of live performance is a thrill because I get to see people’s reactions.
JM: Where can your fans find your music?
HA: On all streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and my YouTube channel. They can also check my website. A huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting me.
JM: What can we expect to see from you in the coming months?
HA: My latest song “All In” is available on all platforms today, January 21, and “Marilyn (M.O.B)” will follow in March. I’ll be doing some more live streaming and releasing new video content on YouTube. 2021 is going to be extra Nerdy!
Stay up to date with Allan on all of his social media. Special thanks to Harris Allan.
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Written by Jadeen Mercado
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson