London born Harley Maxwell has developed his own unique sound. Blessed with a warm rasp and flow he has the ability to shift effortlessly between styles and genres. Harley’s influences stemmed from both rap & electronic dance music. He found his forte at the age of 15, after visiting a friends studio in the mountains of San Joan, Ibiza.

From early performances with Nightmares on Wax, recent work has seen Harley combine with the likes of Pablo Nouvelle on a refix of his track ‘Stay’ and Dream Mclean on tracks ‘Bless’ and latest banger ‘TYPEBEAT’. His first EP ‘Summer Daze’ was well received and video for standout track ‘Monday Morning’ continues to clock views on SB:TV. ‘Chased Lines’ a mesmerising ethereal single is now well over a million plays. ROOM TWELVE his debut mixtape is OUT NOW.

Peng Deli, Harley’s brainchild, brand and collective has had crowds rocking since 2015. Hosting rooms in Sankey’s Ibiza, Ibiza Rocks & Pikes Hotel. Now holding a residency in Basement 57, a new secret venue in Stoke Newington that will continue to showcase himself and his circle.

Unquestionably, Harley is one of UK Rap’s most exciting growing acts and will only continue to rise…

Harley sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My old man was a music head. He was a raver, but his CD rack had classics like The Fugees - The Score and Snoop - Doggystyle. From about 10 years old I was obsessed with westcoast hip-hop. I was mad into bands as well, Limp Bizkit n shit. I played guitar n bass, I didn’t think rapping was a thing for a white English kid. Then the grime scene hit and everyone in school was spitting. I moved to Ibiza at 14. I missed most of the grime and clash culture to be fair which I’m kinda gutted about. But in Ibiza, my boy rapped. We went to a studio one day so he could make a tune with this producer. I was like fuck this I’m having a go too. From that day I was hooked.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’d say the people that influence me the most are the people closest to me. The people I know personally that I see working and progressing. Dream Mclean, Monster Florence, Sophie Faith, Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn, Manik MC. All people I know, have watched grow and would love to work with. Just need to get the sessions in. Everyone’s busy. Watch out for Dame and Paddy. Trust me.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I didn’t really face too much trouble making music during the pandemic. It was the best thing that ever happened to me creatively. All of a sudden, I had loads of free time. Something I could have only wished for. Was sick. I got a studio setup at home. You don’t need too much to make music these days. So I was active. Now the mixtape’s here. Let’s get it. ROOM TWELVE OUT NOW.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d say it changes depending on my mood, situation and surroundings. I can only work with what I’m lucky to be sent. I don’t have too many sessions with producers to tailor make exactly what I hear in my head. That’s the dream and something I’d like to do a lot more. But the beats I pick will always be smooth, soothing or vibey whether energetic or mellow. Sunshine music. Sunset music. Starlight music. Get me.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Being asked to support De La Soul in a full concert was a moment for me. Just to be considered felt mad. But the best I’ve ever actually felt was the first time I heard a crowd of people spit my own lyrics back to me. Like “fuck! you all know those bars?!” I didn’t even know If they’d heard the tune.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music

Work and work and work. Exercise your creative muscle. Train it. Write and write and write. Not every bit of work is gonna be a world beater. The throwaways are necessary. The world owes you nothing. You have to earn everything.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Paddy Bars. Dame. C.Rem. Wallace Rice. Alex Osiris. Benny Zenn. Straywave. Tao White.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

KeepVibesNear. Juls. Drake. Potter Payper. Mount Kimbie – Crooks & Lovers – I’m late I know.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Cut hair at Belmont Stores Barbershop in Walthamstow, best about. I Exercise. Box out of East London Boxing Club. Otherwise just sit on my fat ass watch films and eat sweets.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

CLA vocal compressor. My red velvet pouffe. Pint of squash.