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Interview with Hartsel on New Release ‘Hard Working Hart’, Goals & Influences
MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Hartsel: My father’s people were very musical. My father was self-taught on the bass, which gave him the chance to fill in for Ike & Tina Turner’s bass player when he was stationed overseas in the military. His sister cut some records in the 60s that are now part of Northern Soul classics. His mother played the piano, and his father played some of every instrument – woodwind, brass, and percussion. I played alto & tenor sax as a kid, but my love was the clarinet, as well as being in choir through school and in church. I didn’t try creating anything until I was in my mid 20s.
Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Hartsel: My main musical influence was Rufus & Chaka Khan, followed by Donna Summer. Then there were all the great folks like Dolly Parton, and Motown singers or groups, and most of the music from the 70s and 80s.
What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
Hartsel: My ultimate goal is to be a respected household name for quality music. It would be wonderful to receive awards, such as Grammys! The message I would love to send is let love drench all that you are and do.
What’s the latest release of yours? Tell us about it.
Hartsel: My Pop release is “Hard Working Hart”, a collection of great Pop songs, including the very hot “One Plus One” and the mid-tempo ballad “Wish I Could Tell You (Just Hw Much I Love You”. My Country-Pop release is under the name SuZee Hart and is called “Introducing SuZee Hart”. It features the song “I’ve Got A Hunk of A Man” and the outstanding ballad “Love Is Never Defeated. My Country group is called The Harts, and that’s the title of the whole project. It features a song called “The Bar” which I’m sure listeners can relate to – I write the lyrics while in a bar! Next, is my Jazz project, “Jazz@Hart”. This project includes the current release, “Fear” which is something I overcame, as well as some thoughtful near torch-song like tunes like “Time Slips Away But My Heart Remains. Lastly, my contemporary gospel project called “What’s His Name?” and features the lead single “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” It’s not a typical gospel music project. All of the songs mentioned have videos as well.
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