Harleymoon Kemp talks to bestabout her latest album, and the love story between her dad, Spandau’s Martin Kemp, and her mum, Wham!’s Shirlie Holliman, that inspired it...
As the only daughter of Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie, it’s no surprise Harleymoon – now 34has the voice of an angel. The pop stara lover of country musicuses her songwriting like diary entries…
Her latest track, What GoodLooksLike (out now) was inspired by the love story of her famous parents, who married in 1988. The lyrics state: ‘My Dad waits at the door when my Mum gets home and they dance in the kitchen, no music on…’ Here, Harleymoon – who’s younger brother Roman has also admitted he’s holding out for that special someonetalks about the rest of her EP, that’s out at the end of this month…
Harley, how are you?
The sun is shining this morning, which makes such a difference! All of a sudden I’m singing I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan… ha!
You’re song What Good Looks Like is out now and was inspired by your parents, wasn’t it?
It’s a funny thing because people always ask me why I’m single – and I would always have the same response, ‘Well, I know what good looks like – my parents have set such a good standard of what a relationship is and I’m kind of just looking for that!’ I kept saying, ‘I know what good looks like’ and then I wrote it down on my phone. The idea just came to me the next day to write a song about a bar being set for an awesome relationship and holding out for it because I know that it exists – I’ve seen it my whole life.
I think it’s great to talk about not settling and waiting for the right partner...
So do I! The song has two parts to it. It’s a testament to anyone that’s been lucky enough to see loving relationships. Whether it’s how their parents are with them, or how their parents act towards each other – that bit sort of warms your heart. And then the other side is for anyone that’s still looking and hoping to meet someone really amazing, it gives a sense of hope...
You also sing with Alex Francis (James Bay’s brother) on this EP...
I met Alex in Nashville. We were in a writing camp and wrote a song together a few years ago. We didn’t put it out at the time – but I just adored Alex’s voice. He has this crunchy, Paolo Nutini, soulful thing with his guitar – he and I just really hit it off. I loved his voice, I think he liked my writing style and we kept in touch. He recently performed at the same show as me in London and we ended up writing together again. I was working on a song called Faith In You – another love song. I remember thinking it could make an amazing duet and he was the first person that came to mind. I sent him the idea and he came into
