For Harvey Whyte, a rapper and self-taught pianist, crafting songs serves as a form of redemption. His vibrant piano-rap compositions fuse artistic storytelling with personal confessions, allowing the Hackney-born musician to express himself in a genuine and unfiltered manner.
Through a collection of extensive projects, including the 2023 release 'Piano Rap' and his sophomore album 'Fatalism' set to come out in 2024, Harvey has created works meant for live performance. Although his sound oscillates between hip-hop, trap, soul, and jazz, his core approach is to return to the acoustic essence where the connection between artist and audience thrives.
In a conversation with CLASH, Harvey Whyte shares his experiences of expelling his inner struggles through music, his thoughts on UK rap, and his aspirations in post-punk music.
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Let’s discuss your beginnings. You grew up in London. What were you like before you turned to music? What did those formative years entail?
I’m from East London, specifically Hackney. My early years were filled with mischief. I got expelled from several schools and vocational colleges. I engaged in a lot of petty crime, spent my days outside, and participated in reckless activities. Meanwhile, I was rapping with friends. At 18, I traveled around Southeast Asia with friends, which shifted my perspective. Upon returning, I took a job as a chef.
I was basically a troublemaker from an early age. I tried acid when I was 13 and continued using it regularly until I was 21. My mental state was a bit off during that time.
When did you begin playing the piano? Did learning an instrument and writing provide some sense of relief for you?
The piano was a staple in my home, passed down from my great-grandfather to my mother. I’d often play around on it but didn’t take it seriously until I was about 18 when I returned from traveling. Since then, I’ve played it daily.
I wrote poetry from a young age since I read extensively, particularly Keats and Byron. I started rapping because I was dealing with a lot and needed to express my feelings; I just didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. I couldn’t confide in my mum. I left the piano aside for a while and focused solely on rapping. A live show featuring a friend in a jazz band in Notting Hill inspired me to rediscover my interest in music beyond just rap. I decided to commit to learning the piano, and the rest is history.
Can you explain your creative process? Does it start with you playing chords, followed by the lyrics?
Typically, I initiate with a melody on the piano that evokes a specific emotion, and then the lyrics emerge from that. I prefer to write starting with the piano melody, and once that’s solidified, I incorporate the drums later. This is why sometimes the drums are absent in my tracks.
I’ve noticed that some of your songs lack percussion, creating a stark feel. It’s just you, your raps, and some gentle chords. Often, heavy production can conceal storytelling.
Absolutely. Stripping it back to just the acoustics brings you closer to the song's narrative. I use the campfire test in my writing; a good song should be able to be played on guitar around a campfire and still resonate. That’s my approach with all my rap songs, like 'Mocktails And Weed.' It needs to pass that test.
You really convey an intimate connection in your tracks, which feels like a personal exchange with the audience. Please describe what it’s like during your performances, playing the piano and singing to an audience.
All my performances are acoustic, often accompanied by a few singers. It’s my version of piano rap. I aim to provide an experience where people can fully immerse themselves and enter their own world. Performing is emotional; it’s difficult to articulate, but it’s akin to visiting an art gallery and contemplating the Mona Lisa. I encourage the audience to disconnect and explore their own thoughts.
Which three albums by other artists resonate most with your musical preferences?
The Cure’s 'Seventeen Seconds', Loe Shimmy’s 'Zombieland', and 'Winter In Paris' by Brent Faiyaz, all of which have notably influenced my style.
In your view, who stands out as the best lyrical rapper, whether past or present?
Jehst. He was like a God to me when I was younger. I wouldn’t label any one rapper as the best, but I have immense respect for him.
I read that SZA reached out to you via DMs. She’s known for supporting emerging talent. How was that experience?
Yes, she DMed to say my work was fire. Her complimenting my piano rap music provided a substantial boost in confidence. She’s a major figure in streaming! SZA appreciating 'Piano Rap', which isn’t exactly
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For rapper and self-taught pianist Harvey Whyte, creating music serves as a form of salvation. His vibrant piano-rap pieces combine skillful artistry.