Singer-songwriter Harry Kemish returns with new single recorded with Elbow drummer Alex Reeves

“We’ve been wrong for far too long, we’re the monsters all along”

FFO: Elliot Smith, Radiohead, Alex Turner

Totton-based singer-songwriter to release new single ‘Inner Peace’ on Friday January 19

Song is is the final release from debut EP

Kemish recorded the track with Elbow drummer Alex Reeves

'Inner Peace' – the latest single from talented singer/songwriter Harry Kemish — is an epic ballad that masterfully retains its intimate essence, evoking memories of Parachutes-era Coldplay while showcasing a vocal delivery reminiscent of Elliot Smith.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Totton, near Southampton, said: "I wanted a song that sounds big but also has a really honest centre to it. I think sometimes you can get carried away with production and loads of layers. At the end of the day, music — any art really — has to connect with people emotionally. That's what I want to do anyway."

The haunting chorus lyric of 'Tonight I'll die for you' evokes a profound longing, but sitting alongside the majestic arpeggio guitar lines creates a powerful and captivating experience, leaving the listener with the sensation of witnessing a genuine and heartfelt emotion.

As with all his recent singles, Alex Reeves, the stick-smith from Elbow, plays drums on the track. 

"The drums on this sound huge, but it was all the other percussion he added which really made it sound so together. He really was the glue on this track," said Harry.

The contrast between the ambitious captivating music and the raw directness of the lyrics gets to the very heart of what is rapidly becoming Harry's signature sound.

"There's another song I've got which was written about being homesick and anxious when I was on holiday in Greece, and 'Inner Peace' definitely comes from that same place as well. Music is such a crutch for me, as it is so for so many people. Some people hit the gym or run 5k, I play my guitar for 20 minutes and it just helps me process a lot of that anxiety," he said.  

Harry is from a musical family, with his parents, sister, cousins, and even grandmother all accomplished players, but it took a friend playing a simple riff on an acoustic guitar to suddenly make music click for him.

"I didn't really get the whole music thing, not like I get it now, until I was about 15. I'd had lessons on the guitar and piano but it hadn't stuck and I was kind of the only one in the family not to be into it. Then a really good friend of mine was round one day and he picked up my acoustic guitar and just started playing 'Seven Nation Army' over and over again. As he played it, it's hard to explain, but seeing him do it, it was like my first proper hit, and I was addicted."

Harry then threw himself into the giants of music — The Beatles, Bowie, Muse — and as his singing developed, the songwriting just flowed.

"My goal is to make people feel the same way that I felt when I was 15 and that click happened. I want to give someone that experience."

Instagram: @harrykemish

Twitter/X: @harrykemish2002

Facebook: @HarryKemishMusic