Getting To Know: Oli Harris

From the vibrant streets of Cambridge, UK, rising artist Oli Harris is making his mark on the alternative and indie music scene. With his captivating lyrics, distinctive voice, and striking image, Oli dives deep into themes of being an outsider, isolation, and individuality — creating songs and performances that resonate with listeners who crave authenticity.

Oli's energetic live performances have quickly earned him a devoted fan base and the attention of industry insiders. His dynamic presence has seen him headline shows across the UK and land a coveted spot on BBC Introducing, solidifying his status as one of indie music’s most promising new talents.

Join Oli Harris on his musical journey as he continues to push artistic boundaries and connect with listeners on a profound level. Stay tuned for new releases from an artist who isn't afraid to stand apart from the crowd.

1. "Chameleon Man" blends the bold flair of glam rock with modern indie influences. What inspired this unique fusion of genres, and how did you approach blending these different musical elements in the production process?

I’ve always been a huge fan of the glam movement from the early 70s, both T-Rex and David Bowie especially have been super influential figures in my work so this song is my love letter to that period and the attitude of that time. When producing the song I wanted to work off the attitude of glam but bring it into the modern day.

2. The lyrics of "Chameleon Man" explore themes of individuality and self-expression. Can you share the personal experiences or stories that influenced the writing of this song?

I’ve always had a feeling of not really belonging to a group or social circle which made me feel quite uncomfortable when I was younger. So the song, I think, kind of speaks to that sentiment. The message of the song that I really wanted to get across was the idea that everybody has different facets to themselves and that should be embraced. I find, especially growing up in England, that people are afraid to be truly who they are, which is such a shame, and can lead to unhappiness later in life. 

3. As a self-produced track recorded in your home studio, how did you manage the creative and technical aspects of "Chameleon Man"? What were some of the challenges and rewards of producing this single independently?

‘Chameleon Man’ was a hard song to get right when recording. I’d played it at my live shows for over a year and people after the shows would always come up to me and “when’s that one coming out?” so I wanted to make sure the recording projected the character and vibe of the song correctly. I recorded around 4 different versions of the track but when I got the right vibe the recording process came quite quickly. 

4. With the extensive social media campaign and live shows planned to support the release of "Chameleon Man," how do you plan to engage with your audience and bring the energy of this track to your live performances?

I’m hoping to do a small tour at the beginning of next year after a few more singles. When performing I like to get into character so the new show we’re working on at the moment will be delving into the character of ‘Chameleon man’ more and furthering the ideas showcased in the promotional material I’m posting at the moment.