We chat With BETTY HARPER On The Release Of Her New Track 'Made To Last'

OSM: Where is Betty Harper from? When did you start songwriting?
I am from a town in North Wales called Rhyl. I started writing bits of songs when I was 9 years old, and then the first full song was when I was 13 and it was dedicated to my grandad who had passed away.

OSM: Your new single, ‘Made To Last’, is out now. What was the general songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording?
So I wrote Made To Last because the relationship I was in at the time had broken down and they were feeling uneasy about the future and if we would stay friends or not. The song is all about the things I loved doing with them and how we would always remain friends, but the future is very uncertain and you never know what is to come. The interesting thing for me about the song, is that it made the healing process for the both of us easier.

OSM: From your point of view, what is the song about, what is its message?

The message of the song is that even after your relationships breaks down, there’s no need to dwell on the bad times. The good times are what you should focus on and if you can stay friends afterwards? Great! But if not, you can always remember the good times you had together.

OSM: Is it difficult to write songs that are so personal, do you find the process therapeutic?
For me, it is so important to write about personal things in my songs because not only is it therapeutic for me but it could also be therapeutic for someone else. When I go through hard times, I find it sort of comforting listening to songs people have written who are in a similar situation, and I want people to be able to find that sort of comfort from songs I write too.

OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching your career?
5. I’ve faced many challenges since launching my music career. I have a fear of playing in front of people because I can feel judged, I get afraid of forgetting lyrics or chords etc, but this is a major challenge that I need to conquer in order to achieve my dream! Since launching my career I have played in small pubs infront of small crowds, open mic nights and leading worship at church on a Sunday to build up my courage. A wise person once told me, you have to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and that’s something I try to bear in mind all the time.

OSM: What are your plans for the year ahead?
My plans for the year ahead are to write more songs and put myself out there a bit more. I’ve been doing a lot behind the scenes for social media and music so keep an eye out for that!

OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
 If I could change anything about the industry, it would be how hard it is to get recognised. I’d love more people to hear my music because I truly believe that it could comfort a lot of people

OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
My all time dream would be to share the stage with Ed Sheeran or Adele. They are my two biggest musical inspirations so that would be a dream come true, for sure!

OSM: Who are some of the main influences of your music?
As previously said, my biggest inspirations for music are Ed Sheeran and Adele. I feel like my music relates very much with theirs in the way that they write most of their songs based off personal experiences/ emotions. Which I also do. The way Ed Sheeran got started as a musician really inspires me, and how Adele has stage fright resonates with me also.

OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?

I’m really into Novo Amor right now so my playlist is full of his songs. They are so so powerful and the way the instrumentation is set out really entices me as a listener. Love it!