Harry Lyon on Writing Without Fear, Embracing Vulnerability, and the Art of Accidental Inspiration
Harry Lyon doesn’t write songs by force; he lets them ambush him. In a pop landscape that often demands constant noise, the fast-rising singer-songwriter is finding his strength in the pauses, turning self-doubt into sharp, vulnerable indie-pop anthems like "Sorry" and "Extra Ordinary." Driven by a newfound confidence built on a love of reading and a strict refusal to write out of fear, Lyon is carving out a sonic and visual identity that feels entirely his own, even as he navigates the bizarre modern reality of turning intimate heartaches into content-driven algorithms.
Fresh off the release of his latest single and gearing up to take his live show on the road, Lyon sat down with us to reflect on the art of accidental inspiration, overcoming artistic fear, and why the ultimate goal remains remarkably simple: connecting with real people in real rooms.
What usually comes first when you sit down to create: a lyric, a melody, or a specific feeling/mood you’re trying to capture?
I think it tends to be some kind of phrase or central idea that comes first. Sometimes theres melody attached other times that just sort of comes later. I think for a long time I felt like I really needed to know how songwriting worked for me but to be honest, my best ideas tend to arrive whenever I’m not particularly trying. For me songs often are a way of expressing something I don't fully understand, so any time I’m unsure about something it normally means I’m in the right place.
Tracks like 'The Letter' and 'Extra Ordinary' blend raw vulnerability with strong pop/indie sensibilities. How do you feel your songwriting process has evolved from your earlier releases to the music you’re making today?
I think developed a confidence in my lyricism that I didn’t always have. I'm better at understanding myself and pushing to try and find new ways of saying things. I think I read a lot more now. Reading was probably the single biggest help had in terms of enjoying songwriting. You find influences that have developed their own ways of saying things and when you start to collect a few different influences, a style of your own sort of just presents itself. I think production and songwriting wise I just want to keep being braver. I look back at older stuff and can feel that I wasn’t confident yet in just trying stuff for the sake of it. I was writing a little bit out of fear at certain points. I never do that now. If I feel crap about what I’m writing… I just don’t bother.
Your Instagram feed reflects a curated art direction that matches your sonic style. How involved are you in shaping the visuals: from cover art to music videos and how do you ensure they speak the same language as your sound?
This is probably the aspect of artistry I find hardest. I know visually what like, but ive never been blessed with the ability to actually create that myself. In someways its really fun thought bringing other people not try and help imagine a visual representation of my sound and personality. At times a fresh perspective and energy can help push something in a new direction, or down a path that I’m not capable of carving by myself. I also love pissing around making videos so I think that allows people to see I don’t take myself too seriously. At least I hope that comes across.
Your music connects deeply with the themes of relationship dynamics, longing, and self-reflection in your tracks. Is it difficult to put such personal themes out into the world, or do you find the songwriting process therapeutic?
No. It’s definitely REALLY weird. I mean how many times do you announce to people the most vulnerable parts of yourself? I imagine if theres 30,000 people singing along with you in an arena or something it’s probably the most insanely therapeutic thing you could experience. I’m not there yet though. Hopefully one day.
As an artist today, you’re not just releasing songs, you’re sharing clips on TikTok, curating photos on Instagram, and engaging directly with listeners online. How do you balance the demand for continuous content with the deep, quiet focus needed to write great music?
Often quite badly. It’s definitely a balancing act. It can be hard to feel as though you’re both a content creator and a musician. I think If you can find a way to do it where you feel at least you’re being yourself and you can enjoy it then you've basically mastered it.
Looking ahead at this next chapter of your artist journey, what’s a milestone or creative risk you’re most excited to tackle next?
I think selling out some headline shows. I’d love to do that. It’d be amazing. Just the idea that someone has saved money and chosen to spend it on an evening with my music would make me really proud. I think anything where I can see an actual human being has engaged and enjoyed what I’m trying to do. That was the aim when I started doing music 10 years ago. It’s still the best feeling now.
Article by Sal Fasone
