At 32 years old, Harry Styles has already spent half his life immersed in music.
Styles first stepped into the limelight at the tender age of 16 when he participated in the British singing competition, The X Factor. It was there that he joined forces with other young talents to form One Direction, a boy band that soared to unprecedented heights, often drawing comparisons to the iconic Beatlemania.
After several successful years with One Direction, Styles launched a solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album in 2017. He has since followed up with three more albums, the latest being Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which hit the shelves on March 6. Styles revealed that this album was significantly influenced by the vibrant sounds and experiences he encountered in clubs across Berlin and other international locales during his travels.
“I wanted to recreate the feeling I had on the dance floor, being lost in instrumentation and musicality. It was so immersive, like, this is how I want to feel when I’m on stage too,” Styles shared with Runner’s World. “I don’t want it to feel like a sermon I’m delivering. I wanted it to feel like, oh, we’re in this music together. Like I’m in it with you.”
Styles is not just an artist; he is also a keen student of musical history. He draws inspiration from legendary figures like Prince, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Queen. Additionally, he has forged friendships with music icons such as Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Elton John. His latest work, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, showcases various rock influences, which we will explore below.
1. Recording in Iconic Studios
As is customary for grand-scale albums like Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, the recording process took place across multiple locations. The primary studios were none other than the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London and Hansa Studios in Berlin. Abbey Road, known as the Beatles’ creative hub during the 1960s, continues to be a favored space for contemporary musicians. Hansa Studios gained fame in the 1970s as a recording site for David Bowie and Iggy Pop, who crafted seminal works like Low and Heroes there.
2. Collaboration with Tom Skinner
Last year, Styles attended a Radiohead concert in Berlin, which reignited his desire to tour. “I went to see Radiohead in Berlin and felt so part of the audience,” he recounted to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. “I was experiencing everything that was happening around me in the crowd.” Notably, Tom Skinner, who plays drums for Radiohead’s offshoot the Smile, contributed to six tracks on Styles’ album, providing both drumming and backing vocals on the song “Dance No More.”
3. The Duke Quartet’s Influence
For this album, Styles enlisted the talents of members from the Duke Quartet, a renowned string ensemble in Europe. Violinist Louisa Fuller and violist John Metcalfe brought depth to the track “Coming Up Roses.” This string group has previously collaborated with various rock bands, including the Pretenders and Blur, adding a rich layer to Styles’ sound.
4. Engineering by Brian Rajaratnam
At just 34 years old, engineer Brian Rajaratnam has made a name for himself by working with notable rock artists. His experience includes assisting on Slipknot’s The End, So Far and contributing to albums by Kings of Leon and David Byrne. His technical expertise helped shape the sound of Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
5. Mixing by Mark “Spike” Stent
Mark “Spike” Stent started his studio career as a teenager and has since worked with an impressive roster of artists, including U2, Madonna, and the Beatles. His experience in mixing has significantly influenced the auditory landscape of Styles’ latest album, ensuring a polished and immersive listening experience.
6. Mastering by Emily Lazar
Emily Lazar, a highly regarded mastering engineer, has an extensive portfolio that includes collaborations with legends like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Her exquisite touch in mastering has helped elevate the overall sound quality of Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, ensuring it resonates with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Harry Styles has firmly established himself as a significant force in the music industry, blending various influences from rock history into his modern sound. With Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, he not only pays homage to the legends who have shaped his career but also creates a vibrant, immersive experience for his fans. As he continues to evolve as an artist, there’s no telling what new musical avenues he will explore next.
FAQs
What inspired Harry Styles’ latest album?
Styles drew inspiration from his experiences in clubs, particularly in Berlin, aiming to capture the feelings of connection and immersion he felt on the dance floor.
Who are some of the musicians that influenced Harry Styles?
Styles has cited many iconic artists as inspirations, including Prince, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Queen.
Which studios were used to record Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally?
The album was primarily recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and Hansa Studios in Berlin, both of which have significant historical connections to rock music.
Who played drums on Styles’ new album?
Tom Skinner, who also performs with Radiohead’s offshoot the Smile, played drums on six tracks and provided backing vocals on “Dance No More.”
What role did Emily Lazar play in the album?
Emily Lazar was responsible for mastering the album, enhancing its overall sound quality and ensuring it resonates with listeners.
