Singer, songwriter, and accomplished guitarist Harris Breyfogle has released Just Dreams. The song is an instantly enveloping track, exuding a cinematic soundscape that creates a unique and immersive atmosphere. Breyfogle’s smooth vocals sit lock-step with his guitar work, bringing a
strength to his otherwise airy delivery. Just Dreams is undeniably a pop song at its heart, but Breyfogle’s blues influences glimmer through in his guitar lines.
Breyfogle describes his songwriting process,
I want to sink the listener, not only into a song and scenario, but a personal scene and situation, leaving the music impactful on an intimate level.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Harris about the new release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Clifton, VA – a small little town just south of Washington, DC! My musical style is really an amalgam of many things. My guitar playing is heavily influenced by blues, I take those elements and modernize them and integrate those techniques into mellow rock.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I have an obsession with being good at something. Being “the best” isn’t so much a target, moreover I want to be something new and revamped. We live in an age of improving and advancing our sound and knowledge of techniques, not making new ones. What drives me is the dream of making my family proud, watching me from a distant crowd.
How does “Just Dreams” differ from your previous release, Warzone? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This one is a lateral move from my previous dark sound. They maintain the same cinematic theme, however Just Dreams is an upbeat revamp of my sound, more vocal driven and spaced out.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
With the rise of social media fame, it is nearly impossible to carve out artistic fame or stand out. We have access to so much content all the time, where as 20 or 30 years ago fame traveled by word of mouth and posters you might staple to a phone pole. Sometimes I wish I was putting music out back then, for some reason it sounds more organic? Ya know, move to Hollywood and “make it” without needing to go viral? Adversely, I have incredible fans. I’ve accumulated thousands of followers over the last year or so that wanna hear what I have to say. Furthermore, I am going to continue to integrate blues influences, hoping that I can show people the use of blues in modern music, for those who are less accustomed to it. That’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Either way, it is where I am at now and I am thankful for any tool that gets me heard.
What was the last song you listened to?
Little Red Rooster, the Otis Rush version.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Oh, Vinyl without a doubt. The feel of a vinyl record just takes you back man. Personally, it takes me back to all my legends. Hendrix, Dylan, Grateful Dead, Zeppelin were all putting out Vinyl’s when they were my age and I just think there is something so weighted and tangible in that. I still have piles of my dads vinyls at home and their cardboard covers are worn in and falling apart. Now they’re collectible right? But looking at some that were worn in like a 2001 CD you still have in your car? So cool.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
So tough to pick. Honestly, any site that is streaming music is a good one – platforms that promote new artists are so important. I love the discover-able capabilities of Spotify, but I am actually an Apple Music user! For me, Apple Music has the clean aesthetic, something I’m attracted to on streaming platforms. Sounds and visuals go hand in hand and Apple Music is the cleanest canvas for that.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Check me out on my website as well as Instagram and Twitter! I’m super active on social media, love engaging with fans, and go live pretty often!
