Harry Wright, the creative force behind CARMICHAEL, is carving out a unique space in the electronic music scene. Blending blissful electronica with melancholic and euphoric elements, his sound weaves soulful vocals through ambient soundscapes and organic beats. From his Scottish roots to his current base in Leeds, CARMICHAEL's journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by standout tracks like ‘If It’s Just Us, Then That’s Enough’ and his recent EP ‘reflections’.

With a new collaboration with Junior Simba, ‘Waiting’, just released, and a debut album on the horizon, 2025 looks set to be a breakthrough year. We caught up with CARMICHAEL to find out more about his creative process, his latest releases, and what inspires his deeply emotive sound.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us about your music, and of course, the new single. Taking it right back, when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?

“I started playing and creating music properly when I was around 10, I’d say. I’d dabbled with different instruments as a young child, but it was when I starting playing the drums around the end of primary school that I really took the whole music thing seriously. I started recording stuff as early as then, really, with my brother, initially on an old 4-track tape machine in our attic which our dad had converted into a bit of a DIY music studio. A lot of inspiration I’d say came from my brother’s immensely eclectic CD collection - he was always showing me new stuff that really just connected with me and helped shape me.

The new single, ‘Waiting’ is out today. Can you tell us a bit about some of your other projects and what you’ve been working on?

“So, I’m working on quite a few projects currently… I’ve been doing a lot of collaboration work recently - mostly just some singles with other artists… but I’m also working on a debut album in the background. It was almost by accident I started writing it… but I think maybe deep down I felt like I had a lot to say or address about this particular chapter of my life and music is my way of expressing myself and my therapy really… so I guess writing an album and releasing it is my way of kinda closing out this chapter and getting a fresh start.”

Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that have been influencing your songwriting lately?

“Yeah of course. I think this project sums up a turbulent period I’ve been through over the past few years, which I’m now almost coming out the other side of… and I mean I always have a vast array of artists that influence my writing… this body of work is probably a like big genre-blurring hug with nods to future garage, lofi emotional house and like a wee hint of like indie electronic/ pop I suppose? If I had to name a bunch of artists the likes of Dijon, Mk.Gee, Duskus, Waleed, Louf, Kitsune Kawai & Joy Orbison probably paint an accurate picture of what I’ve been listening to whilst working on the project.”

What is your songwriting process? How does it all come together?

“It varies track to track. Whilst, I have certain production processes I like to follow, I don’t necessarily have like a set way of writing, or an order of play. Sometimes I’ll have a vocal idea bouncing around my head that I’ll voice note in the middle of the night and then take it to the studio in the morning and start developing ideas from there… sometimes I’ll build a track drums upwards or I could be messing around on a synth and come up with a hook I like - it genuinely comes about any which way.”

What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?

“Feel. I think you can say or play anything, but if you don’t capture the feeling (emotionally, rhythmically, tonally) you risk not connecting with the listener on a much deeper level.”

How would you describe your sound on the new single? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?

“So, my first release of the year, as it’s a collab with Junior Simba, it naturally sounds a bit different to my previous work. I think it’s a fair representation of both of our styles - it’s got a nice bounce to it and a good emotive balance with the filtered synth and piano parts - and a gorgeous little vocal sample that really ties it all together. It’s relatively simple, and I really like that.”

Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in the single? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?:

“I think we were just trying to create something that shows the best of both of us stylistically. The title ‘Waiting’ comes from the vocal sample we used and is represented in the sort of tension built in the synth part, and I feel like the chord switch up for the final section kinda feels like there’s this sense of relief.”

What advice would you give to bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to find their sound?

“Yeah - I mean just trust the process and trust the journey. It’s not easy all the time and doesn’t always come quickly however I think when you move experienced enough of life’s challenges and figured out what you want to get across as an artist I think the sound consistency will start occurring naturally within your writing - but definitely try be patient and don’t force it.”

What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far?

“I’ve had some big moments so far despite this project still being in its infancy, being named as an artist of the year on BBC Introducing was a proud achievement however I’d have to say opening up for Duskus last year is probably my favourite moment - the place was packed out and I really got to express myself… and also the crowd reaction I received just gave me the biggest buzz and reassurance that this is what I really want to be doing.”

Is there anything you would like to say to our audience before you go?

“Just hold tight for a big year ahead from me - I’m putting absolutely everything into this project and just can’t wait to roll out all this music I’ve been working on! Oh, also maybe let’s petition to get me down under for some shows!”

CARMICHAEL's music is a testament to the power of emotional honesty in electronic music. His tracks, both intimate and danceable, resonate with a deep connection, reflecting his personal journey and influences. From his early days experimenting with a four-track tape machine to his current collaborations and upcoming album, his dedication to crafting authentic soundscapes is evident.

With a debut album on the horizon and a sound that continues to evolve, CARMICHAEL is undoubtedly an artist to watch. For more from CARMICHAEL, be sure to follow him today on Facebook, Instagram, and X.