Rob Harvey, known as the charismatic frontman of the influential Leeds alternative rock band The Music, has officially announced the completion of his highly anticipated debut solo album. The musician confirmed on social media that the record is now mastered and that new material is expected to be shared with the public this autumn, expressing his excitement and gratitude for the milestone.
Harvey led The Music from their formation in 1999 until their initial split in 2011, a period that saw them release three albums, including their self-titled debut in 2002 which featured UK Top 20 singles 'Take The Long Road And Walk It' and 'The Truth Is No Words'. Following the band's dissolution, Harvey continued his musical journey as a touring member for Kasabian and established himself as a prolific songwriter for a diverse range of artists, including Louis Tomlinson, The Streets, and Clean Bandit.
In candid Instagram posts, Harvey reflected on the personal challenges and journey that led to this solo venture. He revealed that he had been 'trying to find the courage' to make his own album for years, noting that earlier in his career, 'anger energised a lot of the words and action'. He also spoke openly about the intense pressure of being in a band, stating it 'broke me' at the age of 22 and necessitated significant personal sacrifices for mental clarity and health, including a period in rehabilitation.
For a time, writing songs for other artists offered a 'shelter', allowing him to 'express myself still without the pressure of having to stand on stage or say anything too specific about how I feel'. However, he explained that he had been 'collecting songs along the way that felt like only I could sing', waiting for the opportune moment to share them. Harvey acknowledged the ongoing 'confusion and dance with the human condition' that shaped these ideas, hoping listeners would connect with the collection.
The album represents a conscious shift in focus for Harvey, who stated he wanted to concentrate on 'beauty and love'. He remarked on how 'the modern world has a way of attacking our senses from tv, phone..etc', and expressed his desire to channel emotion and frustration into something positive, pouring his heart into the recording and writing. He hopes his music can 'give some light and hope to the people who will listen to it'. The Music did briefly reform in 2020 for a series of shows, including a hometown performance in Leeds' Temple Newsam that was postponed due to the pandemic.