Hello Har’Monique and welcome to College Radio Charts! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. How has your summer been so far?
Thanks so much for asking my summer has been crazy hectic but its still a break from my regular life because I have been working two full time jobs nonstop for like the past two years so I am excited for the slight break but now I have to put all of my focus into my music and of course it’s time consuming but it never really feels like work to me. I love every single second of it.
Your new single “One In A Million” has a powerful and sensual vibe. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track?
My inspiration for this song was just to create something smooth and sexy to an amazing beat. The only thing I really had in mind when it came to this song was just being like a vixen for my man and making sure I had 100% of his attention. Hence the reason for telling him to make me his one in a million, because I’m all he will ever need, and I refuse to come second to anyone.
What was the creative process like for “One In A Million”? Did you face any challenges while writing and recording it?
I remember writing this song was really quick. Usually doesn’t take me longer than a week to be happy with the final version of a song during the writing stage. But this one literally took about two days max. Recording it wasn’t an issue either, but it was written in 2017 and it wasn’t originally apart of this album, so I took it from an older album and made it apart of this one because I loved it too much. So, I feel like the excitement of opening up a song to record it for the first time since I wrote it over 5 years ago was the biggest thing for me. I feel like now as I grow as an artist as well as a vocalist, I definitely feel a lot stronger in my approach and abilities. So, this song was just as easy to record as it was to write. I’m just excited to hear that it is everything I thought it could be when I wrote it, and it is very emotional to see it finally come to life. All thanks to my new engineer who is simply amaaaazing! Been working with him since 2021 and he is so driven and determined to make sure he’s putting his all into everything he does especially making my dreams come true literally.
Your music has been described as a blend of various influences, from classic R&B to contemporary pop. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they manifest in your work?
Wow ok down to the hard questions. Well, when you look at artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince. They are all powerhouses to me. They are all so talented and are able to touch so many lives and unite a wide range of people through music. My goal is to be able to create timeless music and people can resonate with and truly enjoy for years to come.
Did you come from a musical family? What are some of your earliest musical memories?
I guess I would say that I do come from a pretty musical family my aunt use to sing all the time and honestly her voice was beautiful but she wasn’t never an artist in that sense she just sung and so she didn’t really do much with her voice which always sadden my dad who was a DJ growing up and is trying to get more into the engineering side of music now. But I guess because of her I always felt like singing wasn’t something I aspired to do but being able to write create and express myself through music and sound was what really drove me to take it more seriously. I always grew up thinking that everyone could sing ultimately if you really tried. Even my cousin sang for her church and recorded gospel tracks with them so yea I guess I do come from a musical family even my little sis had to dabble in it a bit recording her own original music. So yea, my earliest memories would have to be listening to my aunt singing out loud whenever she was around.
How has your sound evolved over the years, and what milestones have significantly shaped your musical journey?
Wow my sound has definitely evolved from the start of writing music is does sadden me that everyone else wasn’t able to experience the evolution of me as an artist from the beginning but I know for a fact that I could not put out mediocrity, so I had to be patient and wait until I was truly satisfied with my sound. Because I didn’t want to put out anything that I couldn’t stand behind 100% because at the end of the day this is my image and my brand, and I only want to be talked about in conversation with the greats, so I have to make sure my music is up to par. But now that I am where I need to be I’m excited to finally show everyone everything I have been working on for years, but I will say I’ve always really truly been a pop artist I like the powerful/aggressive/upbeat/fun/crazy infectious music.
You’re from Brooklyn, which of course has a very rich musical history. How has your time spent there influenced your music and artistry?
I was born and mostly raised in bk I did end up moving upstate with my immediate family around the age of 13 for 8th grade through high school and some college years as well didn’t end up moving back to Brooklyn until around 2014 and I start writing music around 2013. So, I know some of the greats came out of BK or just New York City in general Jay Z Nicki Minaj cardi B so I feel like if I had to attribute anything to my city it would have to be the realness just the pure unadulterated passion for creativity and success in our craft.
Your lyrics in “One In A Million” are very evocative. How important is lyrical storytelling to you as an artist?
Wow this is a really good question. I feel like when it comes to my art, I am simply a tool I don’t put too much of myself into my music I let the music speak for itself. I think the biggest thing about creating is allowing yourself to relinquish control. I feel like that the most fun going into something new with an open mind and being just as amazed as everyone else with the final result, while still being able to say “I did that” it’s a very interesting experience.
How do you balance vulnerability and strength in your music, particularly in a track like “One In A Million”?
Another amazing question. I guess I balance vulnerability by always being myself. If I have something to say I’m gonna say it. Unapologetically. I find a lot of strength in creating because I can’t be who I want to be and express myself freely. I have had a lot of people say that my music is pretty intense because the way I write and the things I talk about don’t come from a place of weakness but of power confidence and strength and that’s what I love the most being able to talk my ish while still making it entertaining.
Now that “One In A Million” has been released, what are you working on next? Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect?
I am currently working on my album 23 tracks that was actually supposed to be 15. But I am trying to release another single by the end of this month in time for Labor Day because I feel like it’s the perfect dance pop song. I want and need to make sure people get a sense of my true sound, so they don’t get too comfortable thinking they know what to expect from me. Gotta keep them on their toes.
As an emerging artist, what has been the most surprising or unexpected part of your journey so far?
I guess just seeing how many people honestly genuinely like my song it’s one thing to say ok I’ve created all of this music years ago and I knew that it would sound the way that it does but also spending so many years doubting yourself and thinking about how much easier it would be to just quit, give up and throw in the towel. But when it comes to something I am as passionate about as this, it was never and could never be that simple. But just to look at where I am today and feel like all my hard work is finally paying off, I’m just so excited.
Your voice has been described as lush and powerful. How do you take care of your vocal health, especially during intense recording sessions?
Ummmm how do I take care of my voice? lol ummm, drink tea and do my warmups I don’t know. I definitely try not to raise my voice and scream unnecessarily I definitely have to make sure I’m protecting my instrument at all costs.
Any dream collaborators that you’d like to work with in the future?
Of course, I have many first of all I have a song that I know Sean Paul would be amazing on. I am not a rapper but would definitely love a song with Nicki Minaj. Beyonce is amazing but she’s doesn’t really do collabs like that with other females Rihanna is basically retired. Honestly can’t really say there’s many people I’m dying to collab with, but I am always down for new adventures and new opportunities so yea if the vibe is right then I’m there.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music, and the new single “One In A Million” in particular?
I want listeners to recognize who’s most important to them and make sure they know they’re your everything your one in a million because as I said they should never settle for being anyone’s second choice or anything less than one in a million.
In your opinion, what is the most significant shift happening in the music industry today, and how do you see yourself fitting into this changing landscape?
Honestly, I feel like the biggest thing is that people aren’t getting paid what their worth. I feel like I’ve been hearing a lot of people say don’t even bother getting into music. That’s not where the money is. And it’s like look at Rihanna she didn’t actually become a billionaire till after she quit music. And look at how hard and how much work touring is. And it’s like yea I get all of that and it’s definitely scary, but I am not going to let something like money stop me from achieving my goals and dreams I don’t do this for that all. I do it simply the love of music. I keep pushing and I don’t give up because I know my sound deserves to be heard. So, I’m doing what I need to do to get my music out there. But I see myself fitting in by not stressing the small stuff, taking everything in stride and focusing on what’s important, the music.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years, both musically and personally?
My goals for the next few years musically would be to buy out this link and have everyone love it of course. Working on putting together an album with no skip songs so it’s going to be a lot of work. Of course, I’m going to drop a few more singles and videos before then. And then after that hopefully getting started on another album, I’m not really sure but I know I’m ready to open up and start recording new music asap! Bringing these tracks to life has been my newest addiction. And for my personal life I don’t know. Right now, my music has been my main focus it’s definitely the only thing I can count on to not leave me feeling broken and alone in a corner somewhere so yea music is life at the moment.
Thank you for spending some time with us today, Har’Monique. Where can people to go find out more about you and stay up to date on your musical projects?
Thank you so much it’s truly been a pleasure these questions were very in depth and thought provoking so I really appreciate that. I am on all social media platforms at the moment but my go to be is IG har_monique23 thanks so much again!
INSTAGRAM
Hello Har’Monique and welcome to College Radio Charts! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. How has your summer been so far?
Thanks so much for asking my summer has been crazy hectic but its still a break from my regular life because I have been working two full time jobs nonstop for like the past two years so I am excited for the slight break but now I have to put all of my focus into my music and of course it’s time consuming but it never really feels like work to me. I love every single second of it.
Your new single “One In A Million” has a powerful and sensual vibe. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track?
My inspiration for this song was just to create something smooth and sexy to an amazing beat. The only thing I really had in mind when it came to this song was just being like a vixen for my man and making sure I had 100% of his attention. Hence the reason for telling him to make me his one in a million, because I’m all he will ever need, and I refuse to come second to anyone.
What was the creative process like for “One In A Million”? Did you face any challenges while writing and recording it?
I remember writing this song was really quick. Usually doesn’t take me longer than a week to be happy with the final version of a song during the writing stage. But this one literally took about two days max. Recording it wasn’t an issue either, but it was written in 2017 and it wasn’t originally apart of this album, so I took it from an older album and made it apart of this one because I loved it too much. So, I feel like the excitement of opening up a song to record it for the first time since I wrote it over 5 years ago was the biggest thing for me. I feel like now as I grow as an artist as well as a vocalist, I definitely feel a lot stronger in my approach and abilities. So, this song was just as easy to record as it was to write. I’m just excited to hear that it is everything I thought it could be when I wrote it, and it is very emotional to see it finally come to life. All thanks to my new engineer who is simply amaaaazing! Been working with him since 2021 and he is so driven and determined to make sure he’s putting his all into everything he does especially making my dreams come true literally.
Your music has been described as a blend of various influences, from classic R&B to contemporary pop. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they manifest in your work?
Wow ok down to the hard questions. Well, when you look at artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince. They are all powerhouses to me. They are all so talented and are able to touch so many lives and unite a wide range of people through music. My goal is to be able to create timeless music and people can resonate with and truly enjoy for years to come.
Did you come from a musical family? What are some of your earliest musical memories?
I guess I would say that I do come from a pretty musical family my aunt use to sing all the time and honestly her voice was beautiful but she wasn’t never an artist in that sense she just sung and so she didn’t really do much with her voice which always sadden my dad who was a DJ growing up and is trying to get more into the engineering side of music now. But I guess because of her I always felt like singing wasn’t something I aspired to do but being able to write create and express myself through music and sound was what really drove me to take it more seriously. I always grew up thinking that everyone could sing ultimately if you really tried. Even my cousin sang for her church and recorded gospel tracks with them so yea I guess I do come from a musical family even my little sis had to dabble in it a bit recording her own original music. So yea, my earliest memories would have to be listening to my aunt singing out loud whenever she was around.
How has your sound evolved over the years, and what milestones have significantly shaped your musical journey?
Wow my sound has definitely evolved from the start of writing music is does sadden me that everyone else wasn’t able to experience the evolution of me as an artist from the beginning but I know for a fact that I could not put out mediocrity, so I had to be patient and wait until I was truly satisfied with my sound. Because I didn’t want to put out anything that I couldn’t stand behind 100% because at the end of the day this is my image and my brand, and I only want to be talked about in conversation with the greats, so I have to make sure my music is up to par. But now that I am where I need to be I’m excited to finally show everyone everything I have been working on for years, but I will say I’ve always really truly been a pop artist I like the powerful/aggressive/upbeat/fun/crazy infectious music.
You’re from Brooklyn, which of course has a very rich musical history. How has your time spent there influenced your music and artistry?
I was born and mostly raised in bk I did end up moving upstate with my immediate family around the age of 13 for 8th grade through high school and some college years as well didn’t end up moving back to Brooklyn until around 2014 and I start writing music around 2013. So, I know some of the greats came out of BK or just New York City in general Jay Z Nicki Minaj cardi B so I feel like if I had to attribute anything to my city it would have to be the realness just the pure unadulterated passion for creativity and success in our craft.
Your lyrics in “One In A Million” are very evocative. How important is lyrical storytelling to you as an artist?
Wow this is a really good question. I feel like when it comes to my art, I am simply a tool I don’t put too much of myself into my music I let the music speak for itself. I think the biggest thing about creating is allowing yourself to relinquish control. I feel like that the most fun going into something new with an open mind and being just as amazed as everyone else with the final result, while still being able to say “I did that” it’s a very interesting experience.
How do you balance vulnerability and strength in your music, particularly in a track like “One In A Million”?
Another amazing question. I guess I balance vulnerability by always being myself. If I have something to say I’m gonna say it. Unapologetically. I find a lot of strength in creating because I can’t be who I want to be and express myself freely. I have had a lot of people say that my music is pretty intense because the way I write and the things I talk about don’t come from a place of weakness but of power confidence and strength and that’s what I love the most being able to talk my ish while still making it entertaining.
Now that “One In A Million” has been released, what are you working on next? Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect?
I am currently working on my album 23 tracks that was actually supposed to be 15. But I am trying to release another single by the end of this month in time for Labor Day because I feel like it’s the perfect dance pop song. I want and need to make sure people get a sense of my true sound, so they don’t get too comfortable thinking they know what to expect from me. Gotta keep them on their toes.
As an emerging artist, what has been the most surprising or unexpected part of your journey so far?
I guess just seeing how many people honestly genuinely like my song it’s one thing to say ok I’ve created all of this music years ago and I knew that it would sound the way that it does but also spending so many years doubting yourself and thinking about how much easier it would be to just quit, give up and throw in the towel. But when it comes to something I am as passionate about as this, it was never and could never be that simple. But just to look at where I am today and feel like all my hard work is finally paying off, I’m just so excited.
Your voice has been described as lush and powerful. How do you take care of your vocal health, especially during intense recording sessions?
Ummmm how do I take care of my voice? lol ummm, drink tea and do my warmups I don’t know. I definitely try not to raise my voice and scream unnecessarily I definitely have to make sure I’m protecting my instrument at all costs.
Any dream collaborators that you’d like to work with in the future?
Of course, I have many first of all I have a song that I know Sean Paul would be amazing on. I am not a rapper but would definitely love a song with Nicki Minaj. Beyonce is amazing but she’s doesn’t really do collabs like that with other females Rihanna is basically retired. Honestly can’t really say there’s many people I’m dying to collab with, but I am always down for new adventures and new opportunities so yea if the vibe is right then I’m there.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music, and the new single “One In A Million” in particular?
I want listeners to recognize who’s most important to them and make sure they know they’re your everything your one in a million because as I said they should never settle for being anyone’s second choice or anything less than one in a million.
In your opinion, what is the most significant shift happening in the music industry today, and how do you see yourself fitting into this changing landscape?
Honestly, I feel like the biggest thing is that people aren’t getting paid what their worth. I feel like I’ve been hearing a lot of people say don’t even bother getting into music. That’s not where the money is. And it’s like look at Rihanna she didn’t actually become a billionaire till after she quit music. And look at how hard and how much work touring is. And it’s like yea I get all of that and it’s definitely scary, but I am not going to let something like money stop me from achieving my goals and dreams I don’t do this for that all. I do it simply the love of music. I keep pushing and I don’t give up because I know my sound deserves to be heard. So, I’m doing what I need to do to get my music out there. But I see myself fitting in by not stressing the small stuff, taking everything in stride and focusing on what’s important, the music.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years, both musically and personally?
My goals for the next few years musically would be to buy out this link and have everyone love it of course. Working on putting together an album with no skip songs so it’s going to be a lot of work. Of course, I’m going to drop a few more singles and videos before then. And then after that hopefully getting started on another album, I’m not really sure but I know I’m ready to open up and start recording new music asap! Bringing these tracks to life has been my newest addiction. And for my personal life I don’t know. Right now, my music has been my main focus it’s definitely the only thing I can count on to not leave me feeling broken and alone in a corner somewhere so yea music is life at the moment.
Thank you for spending some time with us today, Har’Monique. Where can people to go find out more about you and stay up to date on your musical projects?
Thank you so much it’s truly been a pleasure these questions were very in depth and thought provoking so I really appreciate that. I am on all social media platforms at the moment but my go to be is IG har_monique23 thanks so much again!
INSTAGRAM
