Harry Cracknell - Good Thing (Official Video + 10 Questions
After prior demonstration of his ability, the 22-year-old artist returns to bring his distinguishing blend of UK R&B and Pop. ‘Good Thing’ is sensitively produced, both in the music and the video. Offering a clear indication of how far Harry Cracknell has come since the dawn of his artistry which started when he was just 13.
“Classic R&B made me fall in love with singing and there’s still a place for those elements in 2021, I just want to fuse it with what my generation love today.” says Harry.
Not just his voice caressing the R&B instrumental but filled with a desolate story and a narrative of looking back on a past relationship, how it was a “Good Thing” but it’s over now. Sonically the track provides empathy, successfully portraying Harry as a character. Expert backing vocals play a superb role throughout the track and the chorus despite being of a sad nature, is charmingly written with an enchanting melody and replay ability. The instrumental helps to set the mood, flowing and changing with the track as the journey and tone changes throughout. Dreamy chord progressions are played across guitars and wobbly piano synths which sit over the R&B drumming arrangement.
Harry 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?
It all stems from singing with my sister, she was the singer of the family and being younger than her I always looked up to her. From singing songs together at our party’s I fell in love with performing and listening to music.
In year 6 in primary school, I got my first taste of rehearsing and actually putting singing into a pressured environment when I got the lead part in the school production. After that I knew I wanted to become a singer.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I grew up listening to RnB, singing along to the likes of Mario, Chris brown, Akon, Usher and more! Also growing up in the prime Justin Bieber come up days I always looked at him and felt I could do the same. In terms of writing music, I’ve listened to a lot of Jon Bellion’s work and would love to get the chance to write a song with him one day.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
During the pandemic it was tough to get motivated, but the worse thing was trying to be inspired, it did take a lot from me but also gave me so much in return, now working back on the music it’s made me have a different type of motivation and drive and also really secured the fact I want this music career more than ever.
4. How would you describe your sound?
How I would describe my sound; would be very UK sounding vocals with pop structured writing, overall, I would call it RnB POP! No one sounds like me in pop music. I can write many different types of tracks but keep an identity where they are all recognisably me. I am going to show people how versatile I can be with my upcoming music!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I've definitely had multiple ups and downs so far within my music journey, however the proudest moment for me would be performing to a crowd of 20,000 people supporting the UK boy band “Blue” when I was 13. There is just no better feeling than performing music and living in that moment.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be prepared for criticism and different opinions, and take them on board with positivity, at the end of the day if you believe in yourself and your product, you must give it 100%. Only you know what you can do and what you really want out of this industry. So, give it a go. Don’t give up. I always live by the thought of “I don’t want to look back in years to come, later on in life and think, I wish I tried harder”.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
There’s this group based in Reading City called L2R, they’re a trio bringing nothing but banger’s every time. Definitely ones to watch out for in the UK as there’s not many like them coming through right now.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Jon Bellion the Human Condition is getting played a lot recently but also been listening to Drakes new one Certified Lover Boy.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I’m not making music I play football for a local team, but more surprisingly I love to cook! I make a banging roast dinner if I say so myself and a bad boy steak with homemade peppercorn sauce.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My phone!
A bottle of water!
And an energy drink for the way home as I’m usually in there till about 3am and then get up in a few hours again for work!