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June 25th, 2021 - Alt-pop/folk duo HARLOR are the up-and-coming indie act that needs to be on your radar. Fast making a name for themselves for their fresh yet polished sound, HARLOR specializes in dreamy, heartfelt vocals backed by an infectious, melody-driven production style. Today, HARLOR returns with their scintillating debut EP “Letters To An X”. As the title hints, each song delivers a heart-wrenchingly vulnerable, “letter to an X”. The EP features the singles “As A Dream”, “Not Ready To Go”, and “Heart Games”, which have already generated a cumulative 1-million streams and praise from Variance, Soundazed, Idobi Radio, and The Hype Magazine.

Speaking about the release, HARLOR shares “This is our first EP release so it is a huge milestone for us as artists. The songs on this EP form a story, so we recommend people listen to it from start to finish in the intended order. Each song revolves around relationships leading to the end, which is why we chose to title our EP “Letters To An X”. The title groups these songs as messages to an ex-lover, and we hope the EP will help our fans with their feelings of lost love.”

Reviving the lost artform of the concept album, “Letters To An X” delves into the many moods of a relationship that’s ending; fearlessly bringing feelings of longing and loss to the forefront. This flawlessly crafted project finds the unique ability to make vulnerability and pain look and sound inviting. Though “Letters To An X” is designed to be listened from end to end, each song also serves as a stand-alone, welcoming its listeners into a very intimate passage of heartbreak and grief throughout its various lovelorn stages. HARLOR expands on this, explaining “the spelling of “X” forms a double entendre referring to a point in a journey, “X marks the spot.” What spot the “X” marks is dependent on the perspective of the listener. We invite you onto our, and your, journey.”

Though relative newcomers to the scene, HARLOR has already made a splash in the music industry. Early on, they caught the attention of renowned production duo Katalyst (Bruno Mars, Eminem, Drake) who, recognizing their immense talents, quickly signed them to a production deal. In addition to their prowess in the studio, the duo have also shown their potential as a live act, having recently virtually performed a must-watch set for TIDAL and featured at the Channel Sounds: Still Isolated Festival. With their “grab you on the first listen” hooks and dynamic production style, HARLOR are without a doubt, cementing their place as an artist to watch in the near future. Stay tuned for more music from HARLOR in 2021.

ABOUT HARLOR:

Certain songs catch us off guard. Upon pressing play, we drop our inhibitions, let go, and give in to the moment. The music of HARLOR enables such release. For as much as they may resemble self-described “regular dudes,” the duo—Nick Gerard [singer, songwriter] and Max Anthony [producer]—surprise with an unpredictable and undeniable spark, integrating singer-songwriter spirit into modern pop punctuated by hypnotically high registered harmonies and synth echoes. With production from Katalyst [Bruno Mars, Eminem, Drake], the group comes to life in a series of singles released this year

“We want to make good songs people connect with,” says Nick. “We want to make songs people love. We’re trying to catch you instrumentally and then hit you with a message. Although not all our songs are heavy topics, we write openly about depression, addiction, and other struggles in order to empathize with a conflicted listener, and have them know they aren’t alone in that.”

Long before meeting in a dorm at the University of Dayton, music respectively called to both Nick and Max. Trained in piano at six years old, Nick graduated from Scottish fiddle and classical violin to guitar inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band. In third grade, Max was trained in piano at an early age but attributes his current skills to self-instruction. Prior to forming HARLOR, he also studied classical guitar at the University of Dayton program. Inspired by dance music and groups such as The Chainsmokers, he taught himself how to produce, mix, and master on his laptop during high school.

Fast forward to 2015, these lifelong musicians struck up a fast friendship and began collaborating at their university. Through it, HARLOR struck a balance between classic songcraft and catchy energy, representing a yin and yang between personal passions.

“Even though we have different backgrounds, we’re always on the same page with where we want to go,” states Max. “Our personalities are so similar that it’s created a strong friendship. We’re in lockstep mentally and musically.”

Since then they spent nearly two years perfecting a slick signature style before a demo link made its way to Katalyst. Blown away by their potential, Ken Lewis and Brent Kolatalo signed the boys to a production deal and welcomed them to the studio. Nick and Max immediately channeled an influx of inspiration.