IN CONVERSATION WITH HARMONY SAMUELS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Harmony Samuels, widely known as H-Money, is a Grammy Award-nominated producer, songwriter and musician whose work not only highlights his exceptional musical prowess, but also his ability to blend cultural influences seamlessly, creating an inimitable and universally appealing sound. Beyond his musical achievements, Harmony is a visionary committed to making a positive impact. In 2019, he founded Studio Studies, a platform fostering wisdom and innovation among creatives. He just released his single ‘Tic Tik’ from his upcoming EP ‘Fro & Bee’, coming this Fall. The single marks a pivotal moment in his career, stepping from behind the scenes into the spotlight himself.

Harmony, you just released your first single ‘Tic Tik’. Tell us more about this single and the reception it has received so far.

‘Tic Tik’ is the first single from my first EP called ‘Fro & Bee’. It's the fire starter to an amazing body of work with features from Rotimi, Ne-Yo, Maleek Berry, Kidi and many more. Reekardo blessed me with his vocals on this single and we still have some more surprises.

The single marks you stepping from behind the scenes into the spotlight. What made you decide now is time to start releasing your own music?

With all the experience and relationships built, and the emergence of afrobeats, it's the perfect time to blend and bridge all that connects through my music, from different genres to different cultures.

‘Tic Tik’ is the first single from your upcoming EP, coming this Fall. What can the fans expect from the EP when it drops?

The fans can expect amazing features, genre bending songs and beats that will make you move. This EP is showing growth and pop sensibility as well as R&B soul and afrocentric expression.

You began your musical journey at the age of 4. What made you passionate about music so early on in your life, and how has it developed into a professional career?

I believe I was born with this talent. I have never had a lesson or had the funds to be taught any instruments, so everything I learnt was from sight or by ear. Church really helped me define my musical ability.

Your music is a blend of R&B, pop and afrobeats. How do these genres balance each other and blend together perfectly?

I mean, it’s ingredients that all work well together when done correctly. We have seen songs like ‘In My Bed’ or even a ‘Last Last’ embody R&B elements and afrobeats swing all wrapped in pop sensibility. This is the formula I love to use to bridge the gap.

What is the most important message of your music?

My message is that together unified as people, we could really see change in this world. Music can be used as glue and can be used to bring worlds that are separated together, correcting misunderstandings and removing ignorance from an individual's cultural mindset.

You’ve worked with and produced music for artists like Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Zendaya, Maroon 5 and Janet Jackson among others. How do you approach producing music for each artist individually?

When producing for the likes of superstars listed, the goal is to create something that magnifies them or creates something new that they will present to their fans. My goal is to always bring the best out of them, which allows them to evolve.

What has been the highlight moment of your career so far?

There have been so many, but I think one of the most magical moments was meeting Whitney Houston. We were planning on working on her next album, I produced a song called ‘Danger Love’ for her that we planned on recording, but she ended up passing. We even shared a moment of prayer in the studio. I was in total awe, she is a Queen and a true Superstar.

Beyond music, you are a visionary committed to making a positive impact, and have founded Studio Studies in 2019, a platform fostering wisdom and innovation among creatives. Tell us more about the work you do with Studio Studies and what all this works means to you.

Knowledge is wealth, but we are all not privileged to gain that knowledge. I always promised that I would invest that knowledge in those coming up. I want to make sure that young entrepreneurs and creatives get the knowledge I have learnt, to be able to apply it, not only in business but spiritually too.

Besides the release of your EP ‘Fro & Bee’, what other projects do you have coming up next?

We are working on a Reekado Banks album, where I sit as the executive producer. We also have our young superstar artist GoGo dropping her new project SET. We have music from other great superstars too, whether it's for their own personal projects or it’s in collaboration. 2024 and 2025 will be great years.